Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin problem that causes redness on the face. The redness is often a flushing, or a lasting redness. On lighter skin, this redness typically shows up on the cheeks, nose, and center of the face. You might also see small, red bumps, or bumps that contain pus.

On darker skin tones, the redness from rosacea can be harder to spot. This is why it's important to look for other symptoms. These other symptoms can include enlarged blood vessels (which might look like tiny lines or a slightly raised appearance) and small, pus-filled bumps. The symptoms of rosacea can come and go, sometimes flaring up for weeks or months at a time, then disappearing for periods.

Rosacea can sometimes be confused with acne, skin inflammation (dermatitis), or other skin issues. It's important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there's no cure for rosacea. However, there are ways to manage it. Treatment may involve medication, gentle skincare routines, and avoiding things that trigger the redness and bumps (known as "triggers"). These triggers can vary from person to person and might include certain foods, drinks, or even temperature changes. By identifying and avoiding your personal triggers, you can help keep rosacea under control.

Rosacea can sometimes cause changes to the skin, making it look different over time. One of these changes is rhinophyma, where the skin on the nose thickens and appears larger. This is more common in men.

Rosacea shows up in different ways. Common symptoms include:

• Redness and Flushing: Rosacea can make your face flush (turn red) more easily. This redness might be noticeable, or it could be a subtle change in your skin tone, depending on your skin color. Sometimes, the redness can become persistent, meaning your face stays red for longer periods. It might appear pink, or even purple.

• Visible Blood Vessels: Tiny blood vessels, particularly on the nose and cheeks, can become enlarged and visible. These are sometimes called spider veins. Again, how noticeable these are depends on your skin tone.

• Skin Bumps: Rosacea can cause small, raised bumps on your face that look similar to acne. These bumps sometimes contain pus. You might also see them on your chest and back.

• Burning or Tenderness: The skin affected by rosacea might feel warm, tender, or uncomfortable.

• Eye Problems: People with rosacea can also experience eye irritation. This includes dry, irritated, or swollen eyes and eyelids. This is called ocular rosacea. Eye symptoms can sometimes appear before, after, or at the same time as skin problems.

• Enlarged Nose (Rhinophyma): As mentioned, rosacea can cause the skin on the nose to thicken over time, making the nose look larger. This is called rhinophyma, and it's more common in men.

If you have persistent problems with your face or eyes, it's important to see a doctor. Doctors who specialize in skin conditions are called dermatologists. They can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment.

Rosacea's cause is still a mystery. Scientists don't fully understand why some people get it. It might be linked to family history (genetics), a slightly overactive immune response in the body, or even things you do every day. Important to remember: rosacea isn't contagious and isn't caused by poor hygiene. You can't catch it from another person.

Certain things can trigger rosacea flare-ups. These include:

• Sun and wind: Strong sunlight or wind can irritate the skin and cause redness.
• Hot drinks: Sipping a very hot beverage might trigger a reaction.
• Spicy foods: Some people find that spicy foods can make their rosacea worse.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to a rosacea flare-up.
• Extreme temperatures: Exposure to both very hot and very cold temperatures can worsen the condition.
• Stress: Feeling stressed can sometimes make rosacea symptoms worse.
• Exercise: Physical activity can sometimes cause a temporary increase in redness.
• Certain products: Certain lotions, creams, shampoos, or other skin and hair care products might irritate the skin and worsen rosacea. It's a good idea to check the ingredients of your products and see if anything seems to be a trigger.

Rosacea can affect anyone. However, some factors might increase your risk:

• Sun sensitivity: If your skin tends to burn easily when exposed to sunlight, you might have a higher chance of developing rosacea. This is because sun exposure can irritate and inflame the skin, which can trigger rosacea symptoms.

• Age: People between the ages of 30 and 50 are more prone to developing rosacea. While it can appear earlier or later, this age range seems to be a common time for its onset.

• Smoking: A history of smoking is linked to a greater risk of rosacea. Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase inflammation throughout the body, potentially contributing to rosacea.

• Family history: If a close relative has rosacea, you might be more likely to develop it. This suggests a possible genetic component to the condition. Having a family member with rosacea doesn't guarantee you'll get it, but it increases your risk.

To find out if you have rosacea, a doctor will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms. They might also do some tests to make sure it's not something else, like psoriasis or lupus. Sometimes, certain rosacea symptoms are harder to spot on darker skin tones. For example, spider veins and redness (or flushing) might be less noticeable. In those cases, it's extra important to pay attention to other signs, such as swelling, small bumps, a stinging feeling on your face, or dry skin.

If your rosacea affects your eyes, you should see an eye doctor (an ophthalmologist) for additional tests.