Overview
Rosacea on white skin
Rosacea on white skin
Changes typical of rosacea on white skin are red cheeks, nose and central face, with small red bumps or bumps with pus in them.
Rosacea on brown skin
Rosacea on brown skin
The flushing and redness of rosacea may be difficult to see on brown and Black skin. Watch for other symptoms of the condition.
Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes flushing or long-term redness on your face. It also may cause enlarged blood vessels and small, pus-filled bumps. Some symptoms may flare for weeks to months and then go away for a while.
Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, dermatitis or other skin problems.
There's no cure for rosacea. But you may be able to control it with medicine, gentle skin care and avoiding things that cause flare-ups.
Symptoms
Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma
Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing it to look bigger. This condition is called rhinophyma. It occurs more often in men than in women.
Symptoms of rosacea include:
- Facial redness and flushing. Rosacea can make your face flush more easily. Over time, you may notice that your face stays red. Depending on skin color, redness may be subtle or look more pink or purple.
- Visible veins. Small blood vessels of the nose and cheeks break and become larger. These are also called spider veins. They may be subtle and hard to see, depending on skin color.
- Swollen bumps. Many people with rosacea develop pimples on the face that look like acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus. They also may appear on the chest and back.
- Burning sensation. The skin of the affected area may feel hot and tender.
- Eye problems. Many people with rosacea also have dry, irritated, swollen eyes and eyelids. This is known as ocular rosacea. Eye symptoms may show up before, after or at the same time as skin symptoms.
- Enlarged nose. Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to look bigger. This condition also is called rhinophyma. It occurs more often in men than in women.
When to see a doctor
If you have ongoing symptoms of the face or eyes, see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment. Skin specialists also are called dermatologists.
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Causes
The cause of rosacea is not known. It could be due to genetics, an overactive immune system or things in your daily life. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and you can't catch it from other people.
Flare-ups might be brought on by:
- Sun or wind.
- Hot drinks.
- Spicy foods.
- Alcohol.
- Very hot and cold temperatures.
- Emotional stress.
- Exercise.
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medicines.
- Some cosmetic, skin and hair care products.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop rosacea. But you may be more likely to develop it if you:
- Have skin that burns easily in the sun.
- Are between the ages of 30 to 50 years.
- Have a history of smoking.
- Have a family member with rosacea.
Oct. 17, 2023
FAQs
The cause of rosacea is not known. It could be due to genetics, an overactive immune system or things in your daily life. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and you can't catch it from other people.
What is the main cause of rosacea? ›
The cause of rosacea is not known. It could be due to genetics, an overactive immune system or things in your daily life. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and you can't catch it from other people.
What is the biggest trigger for rosacea? ›
The most frequently reported triggers implicated in rosacea include alcohol, spicy food, cinnamaldehyde-containing foods (e.g., tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate), hot drinks, and histamine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, wine, processed meats).
What can be mistaken for rosacea? ›
Acne, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris are examples of skin conditions that you may mistake for rosacea. Identifying your triggers, making lifestyle changes, and applying topical creams may help you manage rosacea symptoms.
What is the best treatment for rosacea? ›
Sulfacetamide sodium / sulfur is a topical medication used to treat rosacea as well as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. It is available in a variety of preparations, including creams, gels and cleansers, and at several dosages, but the most common is 10% sulfacetamide sodium / 5% sulfur.
Can rosacea be a symptom of something else? ›
The cause of rosacea is unknown. Studies suggest rosacea could be a symptom of: A condition that affects your blood vessels, immune or nervous system. Microscopic skin mites (Demodex): Your body has a natural, microscopic mite that lives on your nose and cheeks.
What foods trigger rosacea? ›
Foods that may trigger rosacea flare-ups
- alcohol, including wine and liquor.
- hot beverages, particularly caffeinated coffee.
- spicy foods.
- cinnamaldehyde foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and chocolate.
- high histamine foods, such as aged cheese and processed meats.
- dairy.
Anyone can get rosacea, but it is more common among these groups: Middle-aged and older adults. Women, but when men get it, it tends to be more severe. People with fair skin, but it may be underdiagnosed in darker skinned people because dark skin can mask facial redness.
What's the best moisturizer for rosacea? ›
Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Cream (Buy from Walmart, $19.99) Dr. Arora is also a fan of this product by Aveeno, which contains skin-soothing ingredients like feverfew and oats.
What vitamins are bad for rosacea? ›
It is important to note that taking large oral doses of vitamin B3 in the form niacin can cause facial flushing and may trigger rosacea symptoms.
Those who suffer from rosacea are more likely to also have another autoimmune disease — especially women. Investigators found that women with rosacea have higher rates of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What do rosacea bumps look like? ›
There may be small, red, pus-filled bumps (pustules). It can look like adult acne.
What are the 5 symptoms of rosacea? ›
If keratitis isn't treated promptly by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specialises in treating eye conditions, there's a risk of permanent vision loss.
- Symptoms of rosacea. ...
- Flushing. ...
- Persistent facial redness. ...
- Visible blood vessels. ...
- Papules and pustules. ...
- Thickened skin.
How to calm a rosacea flare up fast?
- Cleanse your skin. Use a mild, pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your face. ...
- Moisturize. ...
- Use sun protection. ...
- Use your prescribed medications. ...
- Use a cool compress. ...
- Manage your stress. ...
- Avoid triggers.
There are many natural remedies available for the management of rosacea symptoms. These include aloe vera, coconut oil, and lavender. Lifestyle changes like managing stress and using sun protection can also help decrease the risk of rosacea flare-ups.
What is the best cleanser for rosacea? ›
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser is recommended by dermatologists thanks to its gentle, non-foaming formula that hydrates and soothes rosacea-prone skin.
Can you ever get rid of rosacea? ›
There isn't a cure for rosacea, but treatments can help you manage the redness, bumps, and other symptoms. Your doctor can choose from among several types of medicines to treat it. Drugs you apply to your skin (called topicals) can help fight acne and inflammation and/or kill bacteria.
What are the 4 stages of rosacea? ›
Rosacea is a progressive vascular disorder that affects the face and the eyes. Frequent dilation of blood vessels leads to vascular hyper-responsiveness and structural damage. It progresses in stages known as pre-rosacea, mild rosacea, moderate rosacea and severe rosacea and has periods of exacerbation and remission.
What do dermatologists recommend for rosacea? ›
To reduce rosacea flare-ups caused by the sun, dermatologists recommend that you:
- Seek shade when possible.
- Wear sun protective clothing, which includes a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Apply sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
