Rosacea: Signs and symptoms
Rosacea causes more than a red face. There are many signs (what you can see) and symptoms (what a person feels) of rosacea.
Because rosacea has so many signs and symptoms, scientists created 4 subtypes of rosacea. Some people have more than one rosacea subtype at the same time. Each subtype requires different treatment.
Subtype 1: Facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels
Signs and symptoms
Flushing and redness in the center of the face
Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins)
Swollen skin
Skin may be very sensitive
Skin may sting and burn
Dry skin, roughness or scaling
Have a tendency to flush or blush more easily than other people
Subtype 2: Acne-like breakouts
Signs and symptoms
Acne-like breakouts, usually where the skin is very red
Acne-like breakouts tend to come and go
Oily skin
Skin may be very sensitive
Skin may burn and sting
Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins)
Raised patches of skin called plaques
Subtype 3: Thickening skin
Signs and symptoms
Bumpy texture to the skin
Skin begins to thicken, especially common on the nose. When the skin thickens on the nose, it is called rhinophyma (rye-NO-fie-ma)
Skin may thicken on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears
Visible broken blood vessels appear
Pores look large
Oily skin
Subtype 4: In the eyes
Signs and symptoms
Watery or bloodshot appearance
Feel gritty, often feels like sand in the eyes
Eyes burn or sting
Eyes are very dry
Eyes itch
Eyes sensitive to light
Blurry vision
Visible broken blood vessels on an eyelid
Cyst on the eyelid
Person cannot see as well as before
Rosacea can affect quality of life
Rosacea can affect more than the skin and eyes. Because rosacea is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease, it can reduce a person’s quality of life. Many people report problems at work, in their marriage, and with meeting new people. Surveys and studies report that living with rosacea can cause:
Feelings of frustration and embarrassment: In surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society, 41 percent said their rosacea caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.
Worry: People worry that their rosacea will get worse or cause scars. People worry about side effects from medicine used to treat rosacea.
Low self-esteem: Surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that almost 70 percent of people living with rosacea said that the condition lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Work-related problems: Surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society find that when rosacea is severe, 70 percent of people say the disease affects their interactions at work. Nearly 30 percent say that rosacea causes them to miss work.
Anxiety and depression: Living with a skin condition that flares unexpectedly can cause people to believe you have a drinking problem. This can cause anxiety and depression.
Treatment seems to improve a person’s quality of life. Studies show that when people have fewer signs and symptoms of rosacea, their quality of life improves.
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