Have you ever noticed persistent redness on your cheeks, visible blood vessels, or unexplained breakouts that resemble acne but don’t respond to typical treatments? In that case, you might be wondering: What is rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face.
While it's common, impacting over 16 million Americans, rosacea is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, especially in its early stages. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at rosacea, explore the different types, explain early signs, and break down how to treat it effectively. We’ll also cover what can happen if it goes untreated.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and other skin changes, usually on the central part of the face. It’s most commonly seen in fair-skinned individuals between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect anyone regardless of age or skin tone. Rosacea tends to be cyclical, meaning symptoms may flare for weeks or months and then subside before flaring up again.
Unlike acne or eczema, rosacea doesn’t have a clear-cut cause. Still, several factors are thought to contribute, including genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers such as heat, sun exposure, spicy foods, or stress.
Types of Rosacea
Understanding the types of rosacea is crucial for recognizing and effectively managing the condition. The four primary subtypes include:
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
This type of rosacea is primarily marked by persistent facial redness and frequent flushing, especially on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Small, visible blood vessels (called telangiectasias) are often seen just beneath the skin's surface. People with ETR may also experience stinging, burning, or heightened sensitivity. Over time, the redness can become more permanent if left untreated.
Papulopustular Rosacea
Often confused with acne, this subtype features red bumps (papules) and pus-filled pimples (pustules), typically located on the central face. Unlike acne, there are no blackheads, and the skin may feel inflamed or tender. Heat, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress can trigger flare-ups. This type responds well to both topical and oral medications prescribed by a dermatologist.
Phymatous Rosacea
Phymatous rosacea is characterized by thickened, bumpy skin and an irregular surface texture, most commonly affecting the nose (rhinophyma). It may also occur on the chin, forehead, ears, or eyelids. This type is more frequently seen in men and tends to develop slowly over time. If left untreated, the changes can become permanent and may require surgical or laser intervention.
Ocular Rosacea
This form affects the eyes and eyelids, leading to symptoms such as redness, dryness, burning, or a gritty sensation as if something is in the eye. In more severe cases, it can cause swelling, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Often, ocular symptoms appear before any skin involvement, making early diagnosis challenging. It’s essential to treat ocular rosacea promptly to prevent complications that may impact vision.
Early Stages of Rosacea: What to Watch For
Recognizing the early stages of rosacea can significantly impact treatment outcomes. In its initial phase, rosacea may appear as simple flushing or blushing that lasts longer than usual. Over time, this flushing can evolve into persistent redness, particularly across the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
Other early signs include:
- Small red bumps that may resemble acne but lack blackheads
- Sensitivity or burning sensations on the skin
- Tiny visible blood vessels on the face
- Red, irritated, or watery eyes (suggesting ocular rosacea)
Unfortunately, because these symptoms can mimic other skin issues, people often overlook them or try to self-treat with harsh acne products, which can worsen rosacea.
How to Treat Rosacea
Many people ask how to treat rosacea once it has been diagnosed. While there is no permanent cure, rosacea can be managed successfully with a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Topical and Oral Medications
- Topical treatments: These include metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin, and brimonidine—all designed to reduce inflammation, redness, and lesions.
- Oral antibiotics: Doxycycline is often prescribed in low doses for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Isotretinoin: In severe cases, especially with phymatous rosacea, a dermatologist may recommend isotretinoin.
Laser and Light Therapy
- These treatments target visible blood vessels and reduce redness. They play a crucial role in treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.
Skincare Routine
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.
- Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect sensitive skin.
- Avoid astringents, exfoliants, and alcohol-based products that can trigger flare-ups.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Identify and avoid personal triggers, such as spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, or emotional stress.
- Keep a symptom diary to help track what worsens your condition.
Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is the best step toward creating a personalized plan for managing rosacea.
The Risks of Untreated Rosacea
Leaving rosacea untreated can lead to worsening symptoms and long-term skin damage. Persistent inflammation may cause the redness to become permanent, and the number and severity of papules and pustules may persist or worsen. Over time, untreated rosacea—especially the phymatous subtype—can lead to thickened, disfigured skin, most commonly on the face, particularly the nose.
Ocular rosacea, if left untreated, can lead to chronic eye irritation and, in severe cases, vision impairment. Additionally, the visible nature of rosacea can lead to self-esteem issues, social anxiety, or depression if not managed effectively.
Get Treatment Today
Understanding what rosacea is and recognizing its early signs can lead to timely intervention and better skin outcomes. Whether you're dealing with flushing, bumps, eye discomfort, or thickened skin, knowing the types of rosacea and how to treat them can help you take control of your symptoms. Most importantly, don’t ignore this condition. If left untreated, rosacea can have lasting effects, but with professional care and tailored treatment, most people can achieve significant improvement and regain confidence in their skin.
If you suspect you may have rosacea, consult our team at Dermatology Partners for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance. The earlier you start treatment, the better your chances of controlling rosacea. You can call us today at (888) 818-DERM or book your appointment online.
