Recognizing Rosacea

Rosacea is a progressive condition that affects the skin and sometimes the eyes. Symptoms can vary from person to person. The disease is characterized by four main symptoms: flushing, redness, bumps and pimples and visible blood vessels. Flushing, or blushing, is an early sign of rosacea. Some patients complain of a stinging pain that occurs during facial flushing. Persistent redness appears like a rash or sunburn across the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Red bumps or pus-filled pimples eventually appear in the area. In some patients, tiny blood vessels become visible near the surface of the skin.
The signs of rosacea appear primarily on the face. However, the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back can also be affected. Some patients may develop eye symptoms (irritation, redness and swelling). Over time, the condition can damage the cornea and lead to vision loss. In severe cases, patients with rosacea can develop a thickening of the skin on the nose characterized by swollen and bumpy excess tissue.
Four subtypes of rosacea have been identified. A patient may have one or more subtypes. Subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) causes flushing and persistent redness. Some patients may also have visible blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Subtype 2 (papulopustular rosacea) leads to persistent redness and transient appearance of bumps and pimples. Subtype 3 (phymatous rosacea) causes a thickening of the skin, like an enlargement of the end of the nose. Subtype 4 (ocular rosacea) is identified by the presence of eye problems, like dry eye, burning and tearing, swollen eyelids, and potential corneal damage and loss of vision.