Your Skin and Rosacea

In this article

• Causes of Rosacea
• Risk Factors for Rosacea
• Is There a Cure for Rosacea?
• Signs and Symptoms of Rosacea
• Diagnosing Rosacea
• Rosacea Treatment
• Rosacea Prevention

Signs and Symptoms of Rosacea continued...

Other potential signs and symptoms include:

• Eye irritation. The eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot in some people with rosacea. This condition, called ocular rosacea, can also cause styes as well as redness and swelling of the eyelids. Severe cases, if left untreated, can result in corneal damage and vision loss.
• Burning or stinging. Burning or stinging sensations may occur on the face and itchiness or a feeling of tightness may also develop.
• Dry appearance. The central facial skin may be rough, and thus appear to be very dry.
• Plaques. Raised red patches may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.
• Skin thickening. In some cases of rosacea, the skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, resulting in a condition called rhinophyma. This condition often occurs on the nose, causing it to have a bulbous appearance.
• Swelling. Facial swelling can occur independently or can accompany other signs of rosacea.

Signs and symptoms of rosacea may develop beyond the face, affecting areas including the neck, chest, or ears.

Diagnosing Rosacea

Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam of signs and symptoms and will ask questions about your medical history. Tell your doctor about any problems you are having with your face (redness, bumps or pimples, burning, itching, etc.). There is no specific test to diagnose rosacea.

Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea treatment may vary depending on a person's signs and symptoms. Treatments used for rosacea include:

• Medications. Sometimes, doctors prescribe oral and topical medications to treat the disorder's associated bumps, pimples, and redness. Medications can bring the condition under control and keep it in remission (the disappearance of signs and symptoms).
• Surgical procedures. Doctors can remove visible blood vessels, limit the amount of extensive redness on the face, or correct nose disfigurement in some cases.

Rosacea Prevention

While there is no way to prevent the condition, rosacea sufferers can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that trigger rosacea flare-ups. Some triggers include:

• Sun/wind exposure
• Emotional stress
• Hot/cold weather
• Heavy exercise
• Alcohol consumption, especially red wine
• Hot beverages and foods
• Spicy foods