Rosacea is a skin condition that appears as a rash that causes an area of red, sensitive and inflamed skin. This rash can be caused by many triggers like irritation, allergies, infections, underlying diseases and structural defects of the skin, including blocked pores or malfunctioning oil glands. This skin rash is similar in nature to other types of skin rashes, such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, hives, pityriasis, and psoriasis.
Rosacea commonly develops during teenage years or 20s and it can become worse into the 30s or 40s. It can start as a small rash or patch of bumps or redness, but it can easily spread and become more intense. However, this condition isn’t contagious, and symptoms can come and go depending on the stress, weather, and diet. And it doesn’t necessarily get worse over time and can stay relatively constant with time.
Symptoms that characterize this skin condition include:
- Redness in the cheeks and nose
- Spider veins
- Swelling and painful skin
- Sensitive skin
- Stinging and burning in the skin
- Dry, rough, itchy or scaling skin
- Easily blushing
- Acne-like breakouts and overly oily skin
- Large, visible and inflamed pores
- Plaques - raised patches of skin
- Bumpy skin texture
There are 4 main types of rosacea:
Type 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
- This type of rosacea is characterized by facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels and it is the most common type of rosacea that occurs.
Type 2: Papulopustular Rosacea
- This type of rosacea is characterized by acne-like breakouts and skin sensitivity, persistent redness, bumps, and pimples, and this type is most common among middle-aged women.
Type 3: Phymatous Rosacea
- This type of rosacea is characterized by swelling, fluid retention or edema, thickening skin, especially around the nose area.
Type 4: Ocular Rosacea
- This type of rosacea is characterized by redness around the eye area.