Rosacea is a common skin disorder which often begins as a redness, like a blush, appearing on the face – usually on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. The redness may gradually appear on the ears, chest, back and eyes. At first, the redness may come and go, but over time, it can become more persistent, and visible blood vessels and tiny pimples may appear. Some people may also feel a burning or itching sensation on the face.
Rosacea is progressive, meaning if symptoms are not treated, and triggers are not managed, they may worsen over time. Rosacea is a chronic (long-term) condition, and while there is no cure, its symptoms can be reduced and managed. Rosacea is not contagious, so you can’t “catch it” from being in contact with someone who has it.
No one knows the exact cause of rosacea, but it is possible to identify “triggers”, which can cause symptoms to flare-up. Some triggers are listed later in this brochure. Once diagnosed, you can manage its signs and symptoms.
If you think you may have rosacea, you are not alone. It is estimated that almost 1.6 million Canadians have rosacea, making it a very common skin disorder. There are several factors that may increase your chances of developing rosacea.
Rosacea is often mistaken for other temporary skin conditions, which may clear up on their own, like a sunburn or acne. However, there are a few simple questions you can ask yourself to see if you might have rosacea:
If you answered yes to several of these questions, you should speak to your doctor about arranging an appointment with Dr. Tomi.
Although the signs of rosacea can be different from one person to the next, rosacea usually includes at least one of the following primary signs.
Primary Signs of Rosacea
Flushing: People with rosacea generally blush or become flushes easily. This is usually the earliest sign of the condition.
Persistent Redness: The blushing or redness in the face does not go away for long periods of time, often resembling a sunburn. This is the most common sign of rosacea.
Bumps and Pimples: People with rosacea may start to notice small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples. While these may look like acne, the blackheads often seen with acne are not there, and there may be a burning or stinging in the reddened area.
Visible Blood Vessels: Small blood vessels may appear on the surface of the skin.
Secondary Signs of Rosacea
Eye Irritation: The eyes may become irritated and appear watery or bloodshot, a condition known as ocular rosacea. The eyelids also may become red and swollen, and styes (red, tender bumps on the eyelid) are common. Severe cases of ocular rosacea can result in corneal damage and vision loss without medical help.
Burning or Stinging: People with rosacea often experience burning or stinging sensations on the face, sometimes with itching or a feeling of tightness.
Dry Appearance: The skin on the face may become dry and rough to the touch.
Plaques: Raised red patches, known as plaques, may become noticeable in some areas without changes in the skin around it.
Skin Thickening: The skin may become thick and enlarged from excess tissue, generally on the nose. This condition, known as rhinophyma, affects more men that women.
Swelling: Facial swelling, known as edema, may accompany other signs of rosacea or occur independently.
Signs Beyond the Face: Rosacea signs and symptoms may also develop beyond the face, most commonly on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.
There are different types of rosacea, and each type has its own characteristics. Most often, subtype 1.
Subtype | Characteristics | Scientific Name |
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1 | Mainly flushing and redness around the centre of the face. Swelling and red blood vessels may also appear in this type, as well as rough patches of skin, and burning and stinging sensations. | Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. |
2 | Persistent redness around the centre of the face, with bumps and pimples resembling acne. Burning and stinging may also occur. This type is often seen after or in combination with subtype 1. | Papulopustular rosacea. |
3 | Thickened skin with a bumpy surface most often affects the nose, which becomes enlarged and bumpy (“rhinophyma”). May occur after or in combination with subtypes 1 and 2. | Phymatous rosacea. |
4 | Red, irritated eyes. Eyes may appear watery or bloodshot. Symptoms may include feeling like there is something in the eye, burning or stinging, dryness, light sensitivity, blurred vision. May occur with or without rosacea. | Ocular rosacea. |
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea | Papulopustular Rosacea | |
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Phymatous Rosacea | Ocular Rosacea |
While rosacea cannot currently be cured, with proper skin care, lifestyle management and/or medical treatment, its signs and symptoms can be reduced. Signs and symptoms of rosacea can be different from one person to the next, so Dr. Tomi will determine the right management strategy for you.
A proper skin care routine of “Cleanses, Moisturize, and Protect” can help control rosacea symptoms. People with rosacea often find their skin in sensitive, so it is important to choose products that are gentle and non-irritating.
Cosmetics and/or Corrective Camouflage can also be used to help reduce the visible signs of rosacea. To avoid irritation, it is best to choose cosmetic products that are fragrance free and non-comedogenic. Corrective Camouflage products, such as green-tinted make-up, will often minimize red tones in the skin and help to hide blemishes caused by rosacea. Corrective Camouflage may also help to re-hydrate the skin. Corrective Camouflage products are available at Alphaderm.
Like many other skin conditions, rosacea symptoms may come and go on their own. Some people may go for weeks, even months, without any symptoms. You may notice that certain factors in your daily like may cause your rosacea symptoms to “flare-up” (an intense outbreak of redness, bumps and/or pimples).
Trigger | Details | What You Can Do To Help Manage It |
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Weather | Sun, heat, humidity, cold, and wind can all trigger a rosacea flare-up. | Protect skin from sun, wind, and excess heat:
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Food and Drink | Food and drink can affect rosacea symptoms. Here are just a few foods and drinks that may cause rosacea symptoms to flare-up:
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Keep track of which foods and drinks trigger your rosacea symptoms, so you can try to avoid them in the future. |
Intense Exercise | Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but is may cause rosacea to flare-up. | Moderation is the key – if intense exercise triggers rosacea symptoms, try to avoid over-heating:
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Stress | Emotional stress is an important trigger for people with rosacea. | If stress is a problem for you, try some of the following stress reducers:
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Medical Conditions | Some underlying health conditions can stimulate a flushing response and trigger rosacea flare-ups, such as:
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Drugs | Certain drugs can cause facial flushing, resulting in flare-ups.
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If you experience flare-ups as a result of these drugs, discuss the problem with your doctor or your pharmacist. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting your physician. |
There are various medical treatment options also available to help manage your rosacea. Talk to Dr. Tomi to find whether any of them are the right treatment option for you. Medical treatment options commonly used for rosacea include:
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