Rosacea
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Rosacea
is a long-term skin condition that causes redness and inflammation of your face. Rosacea usually affects the cheeks and chin. It may also affect the nose, forehead, and eyes. There is no known cause of rosacea. Healthcare providers believe the facial redness occurs when blood vessels in your face widen.
Signs and symptoms
depend on the type of rosacea you have:
- Erythematotelangiectatic is also called ETR. Your face may be red and swollen for long periods of time. Your skin may burn, itch, or sting more easily when you use creams or lotions on your face. Your skin may also be drier than with other types of rosacea.
- Papulopustular is also called PPR. The bumps on your skin may be filled with pus. Your skin may swell, burn, or sting.
- Phymatous causes the skin on your nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, or ears to thicken. Your nose may also look bumpy.
- Ocular affects your eyes. You may have dry or watery, red eyes. Your eyes may burn, sting, or itch. You may have eyelid swelling or feel like you have something in your eye. You may also have blurred vision or pain in bright light.
Common triggers:
- Oil-based cosmetics
- high-impact exercise
- Spicy foods, hot drinks, or drinks that contain alcohol
- Stress
- Sun exposure or very hot, cold, or windy weather
Seek care immediately if:
- You have new or increased blurred vision, or vision loss.
Call your doctor or dermatologist if:
- You have new or worse eye redness or itching.
- You feel depressed about your skin condition.
- You have questions about your condition or care.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent rosacea flares:
Know your triggers and avoid them. You may need to do any of the following:
- Avoid high-impact exercise. Walking is a good low-impact exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Manage stress. Stress may trigger symptoms, or make them worse. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing. Talk to your doctor if you have a hard time managing stress.
- Do not have foods and drinks that can cause flares. Examples include spicy foods, hot drinks, and drinks that contain alcohol.
- Avoid being in the sun for long periods of time. Use sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher every time you go outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat while you are outdoors.
- Cover your face. Use a scarf to cover your face when you are outdoors on cold or windy days.
- Avoid skin care products that have alcohol, menthol, or salt in them. Use fragrance-free products to wash your face. Be gentle when you wash your face to avoid irritation. Ask your healthcare provider which products are best to treat dry skin.
Follow up with your doctor or dermatologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visit.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Further information
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