Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that cannot be cured but can be treated. Rosacea affects more women than men, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), yet when men do have rosacea, the condition is usually more damaging. People with fair skin have a higher risk of developing rosacea. The majority of the population affected by this skin inflammation are between the ages of 30 and 50. Symptoms vary and can either flare up or disappear completely for a time. When the symptoms of rosacea are eliminated, the person is said to be in remission.
Flushing
The National Rosacea Society states that flushing is often a very early sign of rosacea. Flushing, similar to blushing, is the spread of redness over the skin, especially in the facial area. Flushing may be intermittent, or the redness may become more persistent and permanent. People with rosacea often have visible blood vessels on their faces that can accompany the redness.
Skin Bumps
Rosacea is sometimes called acne rosacea due to the formation of acne-like bumps on the skin. Though these eruptions may resemble acne, they are not pimples. The bumps are red in color and are sometimes filled with a fluid that can leak and ooze onto the skin. The skin bumps may burn or sting during a flare-up.
Pain
Several types of discomfort may be associated with rosacea. The facial skin can feel dry, very tight or itch. Burning and stinging can occur, not only on the areas that are similar to acne, but throughout the affected areas of the face. A person's eyes may also hurt.
Eye Problems
Eye irritation is a common symptom of rosacea, says the National Rosacea Society. Eye problems such as swollen eyelids and corneal damage are called ocular rosacea. People who experience facial rosacea may also have watery, bloodshot eyes.
Thickening of Skin
A thickening of the skin on the face, particularly around the nose, can be a sign of rosacea. Extra tissue around the nose swells as it thickens, causing the nose to become bigger and somewhat bulbous in shape. This phenomenon of thickened skin is called rhynophyma. Facial swelling is not limited to just the nasal area, and can occur anywhere on the face that is affected by rosacea.
Plaques
A person with rosacea may experience sporadic patches of redness on the face. The patches are usually raised and can occur without the other symptoms of rosacea, or along with other signs. These areas of redness are called plaques.
