Rosacea: Overview

Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.

The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time.

Rosacea can cause more than redness. There are so many signs and symptoms that rosacea has four subtypes.

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
   Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels

2. Papulopustular rosacea
   Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts

3. Phymatous rosacea
   Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture

4. Ocular rosacea
   

   Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and the person may have what looks like a sty

With time, people who have rosacea often see permanent redness in the center of their face.

Famous faces of rosacea

If you are living with rosacea, you are in good company. Some famous people have struggled with rosacea:

• Bill Clinton

• Diana, Princess of Wales

• W.C. Fields (a film star in the 1920s and 1930s)

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Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.