Rosacea is a condition of the skin that is characterized by redness, mainly on the face. It appears most often on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, but it can also appear on other areas of the body, according to the National Rosacea Society. There is a type of rosacea that even appears in the eye area. Rosacea is divided into four categories, called sub-types, each with their own symptoms and characteristics.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
The Rosacea Research Foundation states that erythematotelangiectatic rosacea has the appearance of facial swelling, redness and sometimes scaly skin. This type of rosacea often starts as a simple flushing of the skin, but if rosacea is left untreated, even in early stages, symptoms can worsen. The National Rosacea Society also says that in this stage, there is often the appearance of blood vessels on the skin.
Papulopustular Rosacea
Papulopustular rosacea is defined by facial swelling, redness and rash that has pustules that come and go. The Rosacea Research Foundation reports that this type of rosacea can resemble acne and can be accompanied by burning and stinging of the skin. Often, papulopustular rosacea can appear along with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.
Phymatous Rosacea
The appearance of phymatous rosacea is accompanied by a thickening of the skin, and according to the National Rosacea Society, this results in excess tissue which makes the nose larger. The Rosacea Research Foundation also refers to it as rhinophyma, but it also notes that the thickening skin and build up of extra tissue can take place on the ears, chin, forehead or cheeks. Phymatous rosacea can appear along with papulopustular or erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.
Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea affects the eyes. Symptoms are dry eyes, burning, light sensitivity, watery eyes and swollen eyelids. The National Rosacea Society states that when a patient has ocular rosacea, the patient also might have frequent sties in the eye, and can even experience a loss of vision because of damage of the cornea. While other sub-types of rosacea are often present with ocular rosacea, the Rosacea Research Foundation reports that it can appear alone.
