What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes facial redness. Rosacea appears mainly in adults. Light-skinned people who tend to flush are most often affected. It is made worse with sun exposure. Rosacea is rarely a health risk. But the symptoms of this disease can hurt your self-image. If you have rosacea, know that treatment and self-care can help.

A Disease with Changing Symptoms

No one knows what causes rosacea. Heredity, flushing, and the presence of mites or bacteria may play a role. Increased blood flow in the facial skin may be involved. So may the use of some medications. Rosacea has four main types of symptoms that affect the skin. They are described below. Some people with rosacea also have problems with their eyes. Your eyelids may be red, and you may feel as though there is sand in your eyes. From day to day, symptoms can come and go. They may worsen or improve. But over time, symptoms tend to worsen. They can only be managed with proper treatment and self-care.

Symptoms of Rosacea

Flushing

The central region of the face often flushes. This includes the cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose. The color can range from pink to red. Flushing can often include a burning sensation in the skin, rather than itching. The flushing can come and go. Alcohol or caffeine can make flushing worse.

Dilated Blood Vessels

Flushing is always present. But it may worsen or get better. Besides redness (erythema), tiny dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) may form a weblike pattern on one or more parts of the face.

Acnelike Lesions

Acnelike lesions appear on the face. They are called papules, pustules, and nodules. Facial redness and tiny dilated blood vessels tend to persist.

Enlargement of the Nose

With severe rosacea, redness and swelling may enlarge the nose (rhinophyma). This occurs most often in men.