What you may notice
Rosacea tends to begin as easy flushing that gradually becomes lasting redness. Some people develop small bumps and pustules that look like acne; others notice visible blood vessels, thickened skin on the nose, or irritated, gritty eyes.
In deeper skin tones the redness can be subtle, and rosacea is sometimes missed or mistaken for acne. A careful look at the pattern makes the difference.
How we evaluate it
- Which features of rosacea you have, since treatment is matched to them
- Your triggers: heat, sun, alcohol, spicy food, exercise and certain skin care products
- Whether the eyes are involved
- Ruling out look-alikes such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis or lupus
Possible care approaches
- Gentle, fragrance-free skin care and daily broad-spectrum sun protection
- Prescription topical treatments for bumps and for redness
- Short courses of oral medication for inflammatory rosacea
- Options for visible vessels and persistent redness when appropriate
What to expect
- Bumps and pustules usually improve within four to eight weeks
- Background redness responds more slowly and may need ongoing care
- Trigger tracking makes a real difference, so we will help you identify yours
When to call
- Facial redness that does not fade, or that comes with bumps
- Burning, stinging or dryness with most products
- Eye irritation, redness or styes alongside facial symptoms
- Thickening of the skin on the nose
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is individual and is decided with you at your visit.