Rosacea can sometimes be confused for acne, an allergic reaction, or even dry skin. A board-certified dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition. Common rosacea symptoms include:

Facial redness: Especially across the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.
Flushing or blushing easily: Redness that persists after heat, stress, or spicy foods
Visible blood vessels: Small red or purple veins may appear across the surface of your skin.
Bumps: Red, sometimes pus-filled bumps that may resemble acne.
Thickened skin: In more severe cases, skin may appear thick, rough, or swollen.
Eye irritation: Watery, bloodshot, or burning eyes can be a sign of ocular rosacea.

The exact cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but these factors are believed to contribute to its development and flares:

Genetics: Rosacea often runs in families.
Immune system response: An overactive immune reaction may contribute to skin inflammation.
Environmental triggers: Heat, sun exposure, wind, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress can all trigger flare-ups.
Vascular changes: Widened blood vessels near the surface of the skin can increase visible redness.

Professional treatment can greatly reduce redness, flare-ups, and discomfort. Treatment is personalized to your symptoms, rosacea type, and triggers. Your dermatologist may combine treatments for optimal results and long-term rosacea management. Common therapies include:

Topical treatments: Prescription creams or gels containing ingredients like metronidazole, azelaic acid, or ivermectin to calm inflammation and redness.
Oral medications: Antibiotics such as doxycycline to reduce inflammation.
Laser and light therapies: Target visible blood vessels and persistent redness to create a more even skin tone.
Lifestyle and skincare adjustments: Use gentle, fragrance-free products and identify triggers that worsen your symptoms.
Eye care: For ocular rosacea, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and prescribed eye drops can relieve discomfort.