While the exact cause of rosacea is still not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and vascular factors.

The symptoms of rosacea can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Common symptoms associated with rosacea include:

• Facial Redness: Persistent redness on the central part of the face, such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. The redness may come and go or be present constantly.
• Flushing or Blushing: Episodes of sudden redness or a feeling of warmth in the face, often triggered by certain factors like heat, cold, spicy foods, alcohol, or emotional stress.
• Visible Blood Vessels: Small, dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) that are visible on the skin’s surface, usually in the areas of redness.
• Bumps and Pustules: Acne-like bumps and pus-filled lesions (papules and pustules) that may appear on the face, resembling a mild form of acne. These can be tender or painful.
• Skin Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity and a sensation of stinging, burning, or tightness in the affected areas.
• Eye Irritation: Ocular rosacea can cause symptoms like dryness, redness, a gritty or itchy sensation, watering of the eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
• Thickened Skin: In some cases, especially with phymatous rosacea, the skin may become thicker and develop a bumpy texture, most commonly on the nose, but also on other facial areas.
• Dryness and Roughness: Rosacea can cause dry and roughened skin, leading to flaking or scaling.

It is important to note that not everyone with rosacea will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person. Rosacea can be categorized into different types based on the specific symptoms and characteristics present.

The main types of rosacea include:

• Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Characterized by persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels. Flushing or blushing episodes may occur, along with skin sensitivity and a feeling of tightness.
• Papulopustular Rosacea: Features persistent redness with acne-like bumps and pustules on the facial skin. Burning or stinging sensations may be present, and flare-ups can occur.
• Phymatous Rosacea: Involves thickening of the skin, most commonly on the nose (rhinophyma), causing a swollen and bumpy appearance. It can also affect other facial areas.
• Ocular Rosacea: Affects the eyes, often alongside other types of rosacea. Symptoms include redness, eye irritation, dryness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the specific type(s) of rosacea a person may have.

Rosacea predominantly affects the central part of the face, including the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. However, in some cases, it can spread to the neck, chest, and ears.

The eyes can also be affected by ocular rosacea, leading to symptoms such as dryness, redness, grittiness, and sensitivity to light.

Common triggers that can worsen rosacea symptoms include:

• Sunlight: Prolonged or intense sun exposure
• Temperature Extremes: Hot or cold weather, saunas, or rapid temperature changes
• Spicy Foods and Hot Beverages: Consuming spicy foods or hot drinks
• Alcohol: Particularly red wine and excessive alcohol consumption
• Certain Foods and Drinks: Including hot drinks, caffeine, chocolate, aged cheeses, citrus fruits, histamine-rich foods, and sulfites
• Emotional Factors: Stress, anxiety, and intense emotions
• Skincare Products: Harsh or irritating ingredients in skincare products
• Medications: Some medications, such as topical steroids or vasodilators
• Physical Exertion: Strenuous exercise or excessive sweating

Remember, triggers can vary among individuals, and it is important to identify and avoid personal triggers to manage rosacea symptoms effectively.

While there is no cure for rosacea, several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms effectively.

These include:

• Topical Medications: Prescription topical medications, such as metronidazole, azelaic acid, or sodium sulfacetamide, can be applied directly to the skin to reduce redness, inflammation, and the appearance of bumps and pimples.
• Oral Medications: In more severe cases, oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, tetracycline, or minocycline, may be prescribed to help control inflammation and improve skin symptoms. Oral medications are typically used for a shorter period to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• Laser and Light Therapies: Certain laser and light-based treatments can effectively target visible blood vessels, redness, and thickened skin associated with rosacea. These treatments help to reduce redness and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
• Ocular Treatment: For individuals with ocular rosacea, eye drops or medications may be prescribed to alleviate dryness, inflammation, and other eye-related symptoms. Good eye hygiene practices are also recommended, such as warm compresses and eyelid cleansing.
• Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a procedure that involves the removal of the top layer of skin using a rotating device. It can help improve the appearance of thickened skin, reduce the visibility of scars or bumps, and promote smoother skin texture.
• Electrocautery: Electrocautery is a procedure that uses a small electric current to cauterize or destroy damaged blood vessels, reducing their visibility. This treatment option can be effective in targeting visible blood vessels associated with rosacea.
• Surgery: In severe cases of rhinophyma, surgical procedures can help correct the disfigurement and reshape the nose. Techniques such as laser surgery, scalpel excision, or cryosurgery (freezing) may be utilized to remove excess tissue and restore a more normal appearance.

There are several strategies you can implement at home to help prevent and treat flare-ups of rosacea. Some strategies include:

• Skincare Routine: Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers for sensitive skin. Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.
• Sun Protection: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade.
• Trigger Identification: Keep a diary to identify personal triggers like sunlight, heat, spicy foods, alcohol, certain skincare products, and stress. Minimize or avoid these triggers.
• Temperature Control: Avoid extreme temperatures and use lukewarm water for washing. Opt for cooler environments.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in relaxing activities.
• Diet Considerations: Identify and manage trigger foods. Consider professional guidance from a healthcare professional, including allergy testing, or a registered dietitian.
• Avoid Irritants: Use non-irritating, fragrance-free products. Patch test new products before applying them or consider professional assessment for skin irritants with a Patch Test.
• Cool Compresses: Soothe redness and inflammation with clean, cool compresses on affected areas.
• Gentle Exercise: Engage in moderate, low-impact exercise in a cool environment to prevent excessive sweating.
• Avoid Touching or Rubbing: Minimize face touching and be gentle when applying products or drying the face.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about managing rosacea at home.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide.

Although there is no cure, understanding the symptoms, triggers, and available treatment options can help individuals manage and minimize the impact of rosacea on their daily lives.

By adopting preventive strategies and seeking appropriate medical care, it is possible to effectively control symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with rosacea.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Rosacea: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take. Accessed on May 31, 2023.

WebMD. Understanding Rosacea: Basics, Causes, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-rosacea-basics. Accessed on May 31, 2023.

NHS. Rosacea. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/. Accessed on May 31, 2023.

Cleveland Clinic. Rosacea. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12174-rosacea. Accessed on May 31, 2023.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Rosacea: What Is It? Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/what-is. Accessed on May 31, 2023.

Healthline. Rosacea: Symptoms, Causes, and Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/rosacea#outlook. Accessed on May 31, 2023.