Signs & Symptoms
Rosacea can vary substantially from one individual to another, and in most cases some rather than all of the potential signs and symptoms appear. According to a consensus committee and review panel of 17 medical experts worldwide , rosacea always includes at least one of the following primary signs, and various secondary signs and symptoms may also develop.
Primary Signs of Rosacea
- Flushing: Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This facial redness may come and go, and is often the earliest sign of the disorder.
- Persistent Redness: Persistent facial redness is the most common individual sign of rosacea, and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.
- Bumps and Pimples: Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.
- Visible Blood Vessels: In many people with rosacea, small blood vessels become visible on the skin.
Other Potential Signs and Symptoms
- Eye Irritation In many people with rosacea, the eyes may be irritated and appear watery or bloodshot, a condition known as ocular rosacea. The eyelids also may become red and swollen, and styes are common. Severe cases can result in corneal damage and vision loss without medical help.
- Burning or Stinging Burning or stinging sensations may often occur on the face. Itching or a feeling of tightness may also develop.
- Dry Appearance The central facial skin may be rough, and thus appear to be very dry.
- Plaques Raised red patches, known as plaques, may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.
- Skin Thickening The skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose. This condition, known as rhinophyma, affects more men than women.
- Swelling Facial swelling, known as edema, may accompany other signs of rosacea or occur independently.
- Signs Beyond the Face Rosacea signs and symptoms may also develop beyond the face, most commonly on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.
