Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness.
Rosacea can affect anyone. But it’s most common in middle-aged women who have light skin. There’s no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.
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Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of rosacea include:
- Facial redness. Rosacea usually causes a persistent redness in the central part of your face. Small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks often swell and become visible.
- Swollen, red bumps. Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus. Your skin may feel hot and tender.
- Eye problems. Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, swollen eyes and red, swollen eyelids. This is known as ocular rosacea. In some people, the eye symptoms precede the skin symptoms.
- Enlarged nose. Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.
Causes
The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene.
A number of factors can trigger flare-ups, including:
- Hot drinks and spicy foods
- Red wine and other alcoholic beverages
- Temperature extremes
- Sunlight or wind
- Emotions
- Exercise
- Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications
- Various cosmetic products
Risk factors
Anyone can develop rosacea. But you may be more likely to develop it if you:
- Are female
- Have light skin, particularly if it has been damaged by the sun
- Are over age 30
- Smoke
- Have a family history of rosacea
Treatment
Treatment for rosacea focuses on controlling signs and symptoms. Most often this requires a combination of good skin care and prescription drugs.
The duration of your treatment depends on the type and severity of your signs and symptoms. Recurrence is common. We will customize a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms.