Rosacea Symptoms

Rosacea is a common condition that affects mostly caucasians but can affect members of other races. The first symptom is usually redness and flushing, known as erythema, of the cheeks, forehead and nose but occasionally it may affect the scalp, ears, chest and neck. After the first symptoms appear there are a number of other symptoms that my develop including a semi permanent erythema, small red bumps called papules and pustules, irritable red eyes, dilation of surface blood vessels of the face, known as telangiectasia and stinging or burning sensations inthe affected areas.

Rosacea is often mistaken for acne vulgaris or seborrhoeic dermatitis although it can also exist at the same time as these conditions. Rosacea is primarily a condition affecting the face so symptoms appearing in other areas suggest either a different diagnosis or another condition present at the same time as rosacea.

Rosacea can affect both men and women but it is much more common in women and affects mainly those between the ages of thirty and sixty. people with fair skin that has a tendency to blush or flush easily are thought to be at most risk. Although more women develop rosacea symptoms can be more severe for men. A famous male sufferer of rosacea was W.C.Fields who developed a bumpy swollen nose, a condition known as rhinophyma.

There is no known cause of rosacea and to date there is no cure. There are treatments to relieve the symptoms however and anyone who suspects they have rosacea should consult a dermatologist. Many rosacea skin care products are available that are specially formulated to be gentle in the sensitive and often irritated skin of a rosacea sufferer.

What are the Major Symptoms of Rosacea?

• Facial redness or flushing that may be intermittent - this is often an early sign of rosacea.


• Redness that persists and resembles sunburn or a blush that is permanent.


• Pimples filled with pus or small red bumps. These may be mistaken for acne but the absence of blackheads indicates rosacea rather than acne.


• There may also be some stinging or burning.


• Small blood vessels visible on the skin surface.
  

What Other Symptoms May be Present?

• Irritated eyes - ocular rosacea is a condition where the eyes are bloodshot or watery and may be irritated or feel gritty. Eyelids may sell and styes may develop. Severe cases may result in damage to the cornea if medical treatment is not given.


• Thickening of the skin - Excess tissue may reault in the skin enlarging and thickening. This is particularly common on the nose, affecting men more than women.


• Red plaques may develop


• Rough dry skin on the central part of the face


• Edema (swelling) of the face