Overview
Rosacea is a common long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face, causing redness, flushing and sometimes small bumps. It typically affects the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, and tends to come and go in flares. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious.
Symptoms
- Persistent redness across the central face
- Easy flushing or blushing
- Visible small blood vessels
- Small red bumps or pus-filled spots
- Burning, stinging or sensitive skin
- Eye dryness, irritation or grittiness in some people
- Thickening of the skin on the nose in long-standing cases
Causes & risk factors
- Exact cause unknown
- Tendency for blood vessels in the face to dilate easily
- Triggers such as sunlight, heat, spicy food, alcohol, hot drinks and stress
- A skin mite and immune factors are thought to play a role
- Often runs in families and is more common in fair-skinned people
Treatment & self-care
Care focuses on identifying and avoiding personal triggers, gentle skin care, daily sun protection, and treatments prescribed by a clinician for the redness, bumps or eye symptoms. A doctor or dermatologist matches treatment to the type and severity of rosacea and reviews progress.
See a doctor urgently if
- Facial redness or bumps are persistent or worsening
- Your eyes become red, dry, painful or your vision is affected - seek prompt care
- The skin on your nose is thickening
- The condition is affecting your confidence or wellbeing