About Rosacea
WHAT IS ROSACEA?
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that causes redness of the face. It often presents as a mild redness or blushing that, over time, lasts for longer durations and becomes more pronounced. Rosacea can also produce enlarged, visible blood vessels and small red bumps on the facial skin. Before diagnosis, it can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction, or other skin conditions.1,2,3
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF ROSACEA
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Redness, including red bumps that can resemble acne, and swollen, pronounced blood vessels. All of these usually affect the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.1 |
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Up to half of rosacea sufferers also exhibit symptoms in their eyes, or ocular rosacea, including bloodshot, watery eyes, sties, and an irritated, dry, or gritty sensation.2,5 |
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In rare cases, rhinophyma, or a thickening and swelling of the skin tissue of the nose, might develop. It is characterized by thick, red bumps on and around the nose which progress when the oil-producing glands and the surrounding connective tissues become enlarged. This part of the condition most often develops in men.2 |
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Symptoms may also advance beyond the face, most commonly to the skin on the ears, scalp, neck, or chest.4 |
Rosacea can be categorized into four main subtypes:1
- Mild (Erythematotelangiectatic) – Main symptoms are facial flushing and redness, which may come and go. There might also be some swelling, burning, stinging, roughness, and visible red blood vessels.
- Moderate (Papulopustular) – A more serious form of rosacea, it is manifested with persistent redness and bumps (often mistaken for acne), as well as burning and stinging.
- Severe (Phymatous) – In some instances, rosacea can affect the nose; this advanced form is called rhinophyma. It can cause the tissue on and around the nose to thicken, leading to a bumpy or enlarged appearance.
- Ocular rosacea – Rosacea can also affect the eyes and eyelids. It may cause redness to the surrounding skin tissue, but also burning or stinging, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or watery, bloodshot eyes.
