Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels—particularly on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. In more advanced cases, it can also lead to small, pus-filled bumps that resemble acne. However, unlike acne, rosacea doesn’t typically produce blackheads and often comes with a burning or stinging sensation.

This condition is more prevalent in women and individuals with lighter skin tones, although men often experience more severe symptoms when affected. Rosacea can also affect the eyes (ocular rosacea), causing irritation, dryness, and swollen eyelids.

At Dermatology – Doral Health & Wellness NY in East New York, we understand how frustrating it can be to manage a chronic skin condition like rosacea. That’s why we offer comprehensive dermatological evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help you regain control of your skin health.

Symptoms

symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. While not every individual experiences all symptoms, most people with rosacea will display at least one primary sign, often accompanied by several secondary symptoms. Recognizing these early warning signs is key to timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

Primary Signs of Rosacea

• Flushing: One of the earliest and most recognizable symptoms. Episodes of facial flushing—often triggered by heat, emotions, or spicy foods—can come and go, but tend to become more persistent over time.

• Persistent Redness: This ongoing redness often resembles a constant blush or mild sunburn. It’s most noticeable in the central face, particularly the cheeks, nose, and forehead.

• Visible Blood Vessels (Telangiectasia): Small, dilated blood vessels become noticeable under the skin, especially around the nose and cheeks, creating a web-like appearance.

• Bumps and Pimples: Unlike acne, these lesions do not contain blackheads. The skin may develop pustules and papules, which can be tender and inflamed.

Secondary Symptoms

• Eye Irritation : The eyes may appear watery, bloodshot, or feel gritty, like there’s sand in them. Eyelids may become red or swollen, and styes may form.

• Dry, Rough Skin Texture: This condition can lead to a dry, coarse appearance, and sometimes even flaking skin.

• Facial Swelling: This can occur as a result of inflammation and lymphatic fluid retention, making the face appear puffy or enlarged.

• Raised Red Patches (Plaques): Some individuals may develop areas of skin that are red and raised without any changes to the surrounding skin.

• Thickened Skin (Phymatous Rosacea): In more severe or advanced cases, excess tissue can cause the skin to thicken, most commonly on the nose—a condition called rhinophyma.

• Burning and Stinging Sensation: Many patients report a feeling of heat, tenderness, or sensitivity in the affected areas.

• Symptoms Beyond the Face: Though most commonly affecting the face, rosacea symptoms can also appear on the neck, chest, scalp, and ears, especially in advanced stages.

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact causes remains unclear, but researchers believe it may result from a combination of factors such as an overactive immune response, genetics, environmental triggers, and abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face. While it’s not considered contagious or caused by poor hygiene, certain elements are known to trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms.

Common Rosacea Triggers Include:

• Spicy Foods
  Hot spices and seasonings may dilate blood vessels, leading to facial flushing.

• Extreme Temperatures
  Both hot and cold weather conditions—especially when combined with wind exposure—can provoke flare-ups.

• Strong Emotions
  Stress, anxiety, and even embarrassment can trigger facial redness due to increased blood flow.

• Sunlight and Wind
  UV radiation and environmental exposure are among the most common external triggers, making daily sunscreen use essential.

• Cosmetics and Skin Care Products
  Some makeup, cleansers, and hair products contain alcohol, fragrances, or irritants that can aggravate sensitive skin.

• Medications That Dilate Blood Vessels
  Certain drugs, like blood pressure medications (e.g., vasodilators), may worsen flushing and redness.

Managing Rosacea: What You Can Do

Flare-ups are often cyclical—symptoms such as facial redness, visible blood vessels, and inflammatory bumps may persist for weeks or even months before temporarily subsiding, only to return later. This unpredictability can make the condition particularly frustrating for those who suffer from it. That’s why early medical intervention and a consistent, dermatologist-approved skincare regimen are essential to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Proven Treatment Options 

Depending on the subtype and severity of your rosacea, dermatologists may recommend a combination of the following treatments:

• Topical Medications
  Prescription creams and gels, such as metronidazole, azelaic acid, or ivermectin, help to reduce inflammation, redness, and pustules on the skin.

• Oral Antibiotics
  For moderate to severe rosacea, oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline can be effective in calming inflammation and controlling flare-ups.

• Laser and Light-Based Therapies
  Intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulsed-dye laser treatments can target and reduce visible blood vessels, improve skin texture, and minimize persistent redness.

• Skin Care and Barrier Repair
  Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers help restore the skin’s barrier function and minimize irritation. Using sunscreen daily is crucial, as UV exposure is a known rosacea trigger.

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

Managing this condition goes beyond medication. Identifying and avoiding individual triggers plays a key role in long-term control. Some practical changes include:

• Avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages

• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy

• Using only dermatologist-recommended skin products

• Staying protected from extreme temperatures and sun exposure

Rosacea is a condition that can cause distress. If you or someone you know have this condition, book an appointment with a dermatologist immediately, to get proper diagnosis and manage the symptoms.

It is very important that you consult a dermatologist if you have symptoms of a chronic skin condition. At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists that can help you take care of your skin. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.