RosaceaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Rosacea Overview
Learn About Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin problem that makes your face turn red. It may also cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne.
Acne rosacea
The cause is not known. You may be more likely to have this if you are:
- Age 30 to 50
- Fair-skinned
- A woman
Rosacea causes swelling of the blood vessels just under the skin. It may be linked with other skin disorders (acne vulgaris, seborrhea) or eye disorders (blepharitis, keratitis).
Symptoms may include:
- Redness of the face
- Blushing or flushing easily
- A lot of spider-like blood vessels (telangiectasia) of the face
- Red nose (may also be bulbous in appearance)
- Acne-like skin sores that may ooze or crust
- Burning or stinging feeling in the face
- Irritated, bloodshot, watery eyes
The condition is less common in men, but the symptoms tend to be more severe.
There is no known cure for rosacea.
Your provider will help you identify the things that make your symptoms worse. These are called triggers. Triggers vary from person to person. Avoiding your triggers may help you prevent or reduce flare-ups.
Some things you can do to help ease or prevent symptoms include:
- Avoid sun exposure. Use sunscreen every day.
- Avoid a lot of activity in hot weather.
- Try to reduce stress. Try deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
- Limit spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages.
Other triggers may include wind, hot baths, cold weather, specific skin products, exercise, or other factors.
- Antibiotics taken by mouth or applied to the skin may control acne-like skin problems. Ask your provider.
- Isotretinoin is a strong medicine that your provider might consider. It is used in people who have severe rosacea that hasn't improved after treatment with other medicines.
- Rosacea is not acne and will not improve with over-the-counter acne treatment.
In very bad cases, laser surgery may help reduce the redness. Surgery to remove some swollen nose tissue may also improve your appearance.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Dermatology-Country Club
Steven Feldman is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Feldman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rosacea. He is also highly rated in 38 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis, Pustules, and Acne. Dr. Feldman is currently accepting new patients.
Thomas Dermatology
James Del Rosso is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Del Rosso is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rosacea. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Acne, Rosacea, Atopic Dermatitis, and Actinic Keratosis. Dr. Del Rosso is currently accepting new patients.
Allan D Lee
Hilary Baldwin is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Baldwin is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rosacea. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Acne, Rosacea, Pustules, and Comedones. Dr. Baldwin is currently accepting new patients.
Rosacea is a harmless condition, but it may cause you to be self-conscious or embarrassed. It cannot be cured, but may be controlled with treatment.
Complications may include:
- Lasting changes in appearance (for example, a red, swollen nose)
- Lower self-esteem
Summary: The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a dermocosmetic product in reducing facial redness and visible blood vessels associated with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Investigators will compare the dermocosmetic product to a placebo applied to opposite sides of the face, when used alone and in combination with laser treatment. Participants will apply the produ...
Summary: Although it is well known that the clinical expression and course of chronic inflammatory skin diseases are highly variable, there are insufficient epidemiological data on this, and the factors that determine the manifestation, clinical features and course are also largely unknown. There are currently no reliable markers that could predict or delineate patient subgroups to support patient manageme...
Published Date: July 03, 2025
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dinulos JGH. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.
Kroshinsky D. Macular, papular, purpuric, vesiculobullous, and pustular diseases. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 406.
Ní Raghallaigh S. Rosacea and related disorders. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 37.