What causes rosacea?

Rosacea can involve an over-reactive response in facial blood vessels and skin nerves, leading to flushing that lasts longer or returns more easily. Immune activity in the skin can add persistent redness, swelling and inflammatory bumps. Demodex mites are common on human skin, but increased mite activity or sensitivity to them may contribute for some people. Family tendency may also matter. These factors interact, so finding one trigger does not prove it caused the condition.

Keep a simple diary of flushing and identify personal triggers such as heat, sunlight, hot drinks, spicy food, alcohol, stress or irritating skincare. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen, and introduce new products one at a time. A clinician can distinguish rosacea from acne, eczema or contact dermatitis and prescribe treatment for redness, bumps or eye involvement when appropriate.

Arrange an assessment for persistent central facial redness, frequent flushing, bumps that do not settle, visible vessels or thickening of the nose. Seek urgent eye care for eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision or a strong gritty sensation, because rosacea can affect the eyes. Sudden facial swelling with breathing trouble needs emergency help.

Ask whether your symptoms fit rosacea, which subtype features are present, and whether your eyes need checking. Discuss likely personal triggers, skincare ingredients, treatment choices, flare prevention and what changes should prompt review.