Rosacea – Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment
Written by Sai Pragna Chagarla, Writer at Hola Health
Medically reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Contents

Types Of Rosacea
- Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR): There will be persistent facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face.
- Papulopustular Rosacea (PPR): In addition to facial redness, individuals also experience acne-like bumps (papules and pustules) on the central part of the face.
- Ocular Rosacea: This affects the eyes, leading to a range of symptoms such as, Irritation, dryness, burning, grittiness, and redness
- Phymatous or Swollen Rosacea: The skin on the nose, chin etc hardens looking like an orange peel.
The National Rosacea Society Categorises Rosacea Symptoms Into Two Groups
- Primary category: Involves facial flushing, redness, visible blood vessels, papules, and pustules.
- Secondary category: Involves burning or stinging, swelling, ocular manifestations, dry appearance, or plaques.
Causes and Triggers of Rosacea:
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of rosacea may be more predisposed to developing the condition.
- Demodex Mites: These tiny mites that inhabit facial skin are found in higher numbers in individuals with rosacea, though the nature of this relationship is still being researched.
- Abnormal Blood Vessels: Aberrations in blood vessels near the skin’s surface may contribute to the characteristic redness associated with rosacea.
- Immune System Dysfunction: An abnormal immune response may play a role in the development of rosacea.
- Hot weather, freezing weather or sunlight
- Spicy foods, alcohol, and other drinks
- Stressful environment, anger, exercise, certain medication and more
Rosacea Symptoms
- Facial Redness: Persistent redness, often resembling a sunburn, particularly on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
- Visible Blood Vessels: Small, visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) may appear on the skin.
- Bumps and Pustules: Small, red, pus-filled bumps resembling acne may develop.
- Eye Irritation: Ocular symptoms, such as dryness, burning, and irritation, may occur in some individuals (ocular rosacea).
- Enlarged Nose: In rare cases, rhinophyma, a condition characterised by thickening of the skin and enlargement of the nose, may develop.
Rosacea Treatments
Common Treatment Approaches Include:
- Topical medications or oral medications: This could be antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Laser Therapy to reduce the appearance of the blood vessels on the face and other parts with the condition.
- Avoiding triggers by maintaining a trigger diary
- Skincare Routine: Gentle skincare practices, including the use of mild cleansers and hypoallergenic moisturisers, can help manage symptoms.
- Sunscreen: Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are better for sensitive skin prone to rosacea
- Eye Care: Individuals with ocular rosacea may benefit from artificial tears, warm compresses, and other eye care measures.
Feeling sick and unsure why? Speak with a GP online in 15 minutes.
Feeling sick and unsure why? Speak with a GP online in 15 minutes.
Reference
- Rosacea – Health Direct: Reference Link
- What is Rosacea – The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians: Reference Link
- Standard classification of rosacea: Report of the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee on the Classification and Staging of Rosacea, National Rosacea Society : Reference Link
- Rosacea – The Australian College of Dermatologists: Reference Link
- Rosacea – Better Health Channel:Reference Link
- Rosacea – RACGP: Reference Link
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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