Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterized by abnormal redness of facial skin and the development of pimple-like pustules. In early stages of the disorder, redness may come and go. However, rosacea-related redness typically becomes permanent and may extend past your face to several additional areas of your upper body.
Early Symptoms
If you develop rosacea, the first symptom you experience may be easy facial blushing or flushing, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists. You may notice that any associated redness lasts longer than the redness associated with normal blushing or flushing, although in many cases your skin color will return to normal. In the wake of these episodes, your skin may develop an unusual number of spidery veins, as well as small pimple-like red bumps. Frequently, people with early-stage rosacea mistake these symptoms for other ailments, including acne.
Spreading Symptoms
In its early stages, the redness associated with rosacea may be limited to your nose and cheeks, the AAD notes. Over time, however, this redness may spread to your chin and forehead. In some cases, rosacea-related redness spreads even further, affecting your chest, back or ears. Rosacea may also spread to your eyes, creating a condition called ocular rosacea. The U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus lists signs of ocular rosacea that include bloodshot eyes, watery eyes and irritation.
Rhinophyma
In some cases, the redness of rosacea may be accompanied by a condition called rhinophyma, characterized by the enlargement of oil glands in your skin, the AAD reports. Potential symptoms of rhinophyma include pronounced nose redness, enlargement of your nose tissues and swelling in your cheeks. You may also develop thickened bumps on your cheeks or on the lower portion of your nose.
Rosacea Triggers
Specific environmental or emotional factors may worsen your rosacea symptoms, MedlinePlus reports. Examples of these factors include emotional stress, sun or wind exposure, hot baths, cold weather, physical exertion in hot weather, and the consumption of hot liquids, alcohol or spicy foods. Not all people have the same rosacea triggers, and you may need to record your responses to various potential triggers to identify those that worsen your particular symptoms.
Treatment
Treatments for rosacea and its associated redness aim to reduce your symptoms rather than provide a cure, MedlinePlus notes. Potential treatment options include topical antibiotics such as metronidazole and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline. You may also receive vitamin A-related medications such as isotretinoin or isoretinol. If you have severe redness or rhinophyma, you could have surgery to reduce your symptoms.
