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Rosacea
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of rosacea may not be recognized right away because they usually develop gradually ? often over many years. Individuals with rosacea tend to blush easily, even as children, so reddened facial skin may not be considered unusual until it becomes chronic or other rosacea symptoms develop. In addition, rosacea symptoms are not always apparent; they may come and go repeatedly at irregular intervals. Due to similar symptoms, rosacea may also be confused with other skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
The most common early symptoms of rosacea include:
- Frequent blushing
- Persistent facial redness (flushing) that resembles a sunburn
- Tiny but visibly widened (dilated) blood vessels ("spider veins") on the face
- A warm or burning sensation on facial skin
- Red bumps or pimples on the face
- Dry, watery, or irritated eyes
Other facial symptoms of rosacea may include:
- Blisters, papules, or pustules
- Plaques (raised red patches)
- Rough, dry, or scaly skin
- Skin thickening
- Swelling
Individuals with symptoms that might be from rosacea are advised to seek care. Typically, rosacea is treated by a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating skin conditions. Early evaluation of symptoms will help to determine the best course of treatment. Although rosacea cannot be cured, its symptoms may be controlled and appropriate treatment may also slow or prevent its progression.
Untreated rosacea may become physically disfiguring. Because it most often appears on the face, even mild rosacea may cause psychological problems by making patients self-conscious about their appearance. Individuals with rosacea may tend to avoid social engagements and their job performance may decline during flare-ups. In some cases, rosacea may lead to serious anxiety or depression.
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What are the symptoms?
