What should you know about types of rosacea on the face?

One person may have frequent flushing and lasting central facial redness, while another develops small inflamed bumps or pus-filled spots. Fine visible vessels can remain after repeated flushing. Less commonly, skin around the nose or another facial area can become thicker and uneven. Eye symptoms may include gritty discomfort, watering, eyelid irritation or light sensitivity.

Rosacea is a condition that presents with these patterns; facial redness or pimples alone do not establish the diagnosis. Heat, sunlight, alcohol, spicy food, stress or irritating products can trigger symptoms in some people, but triggers differ.

Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen suited to sensitive skin. Keep a brief trigger diary if flushing is recurrent, and introduce new products one at a time. Avoid scrubbing, picking bumps and frequent product changes. A clinician can distinguish rosacea from acne, contact dermatitis and other causes of facial redness.

Treatment depends on the pattern. Prescription creams such as azelaic acid may help some bumps and redness. Light or vascular laser treatments may be considered for persistent vessels or redness after assessment, with settings chosen for your skin tone.

Arrange medical review for persistent facial redness, recurring bumps or burning that interferes with daily care. Seek prompt eye care for eye pain, blurred vision, marked light sensitivity or a sensation that something is scratching the eye. Rapid swelling, widespread blistering or breathing difficulty needs urgent attention rather than routine rosacea care.

Which rosacea pattern fits my symptoms? Could another condition be causing the bumps or redness? Which cleanser, sunscreen or prescription is suitable for my skin, and would vascular treatment be appropriate?