Rosacea - The Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Rosacea is a common skin disease, affecting more than 14 million people, that in its most basic form causes a person to blush or flush more easily than others. However, if not treated, it can either worsen to more than just a redness or spread across the body.
Types of Rosacea
There are several types of rosacea, and it is also possible to have more than one type of rosacea:
Facial Redness, Flushing, and Visible Blood Vessels
Acne-like Breakouts
Thickening Skin (Rare; Typically Accompanied by Another Type)
In the Eyes
Signs & Symptoms
Rosacea tends to start as blushing or flushing easily on the face. Over time, that feeling may last longer or occur more often. When rosacea is present, the face may burn or sting when using water or a skin care product. It may also show in an acne-like breakout (see Rosacea or Acne?) or affect eyesight.
Rosacea can worsen with triggers, such as stress, sunlight, alcohol, heat, spicy foods, wind, hot beverages, exercise, and some skin care or hair care products.
Some symptoms that occur if you have rosacea include:
Swollen Warm Eyelids
Red Bloodshot Eyes
Pink Eye
Crusty Eyelids or Eyelashes
Tearing or Dry Eyes
Burning, Stinging, Itchy, or Irritated Eyes
Light Sensitivity
Symptoms of rosacea may blend more easily and not be as noticeable in people with darker skin tones. We recommend watching for the following symptoms:
Warm Feeling Often
Dry Swollen Skin with Patches of Darker Skin
Brown Discoloration on Skin
Acne-Like Breakouts that Don’t Clear
Yellow-Brown Hard Bumps Around Mouth and/or Eyes
Burning or Stinging at Application of Skin Care Products
Swelling or Thickening on Nose, Cheeks, Forehead, or Chin
Quality of Life
Rosacea may affect a person’s quality of life through frustration or embarrassment during social interactions, worry about the condition worsening, loss of self-esteem, anxiety and depression, and negative work-related problems.
Cause & Treatment
Although the cause(s) of rosacea is still being research, there are several possible connections, including genetics, immune system bacteria, an intestinal bug, skin mites, and a skin-protective protein.
If you notice these signs and symptoms, it’s recommended to see a board-certified dermatologist to find out if your condition is in fact rosacea or another condition. Because rosacea is chronic and lasts for a person’s lifetime, it cannot be cured; however, treatment may help to alleviate the symptoms to make you more comfortable, stop the condition from spreading, and reduce flare-ups. Treatment options usually include rosacea-friendly skin care products, medication for your skin, avoidance of triggers, and being gentle with your skin.
We understand rosacea can be frustrating and uncomfortable, so we’d welcome you to schedule an appointment with our team of qualified dermatologists to diagnose and treat your condition. Please call us at Dermatology of North Asheville at (828) 253-2533 today so we can help.
