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Rosacea

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Long-term skin condition
  • Mainly affects the face
  • More common in women and lighter skin types
  • Symptoms can be worse in men
  • Treatment helps control symptoms

Overview

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition primarily affecting the face, characterized by redness that comes and goes, often with a warm or painful sensation. It is more frequently observed in women and individuals with lighter skin tones, though men can experience more severe symptoms. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but certain factors can trigger or worsen symptoms. These triggers include environmental factors, dietary choices, and stress. While there is no cure, various treatments are available to control symptoms, such as topical creams, oral antibiotics, and lifestyle adjustments to avoid known triggers. Early management can prevent the condition from worsening.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Redness (blushing) on face, neck, and chest
  • Warm, hot, or painful facial sensation
  • Burning or stinging with water or skincare products
  • Dry skin
  • Swelling, especially around the eyes
  • Yellow-orange patches on the skin
  • Sore eyelids or crusts around eyelashes
  • Thickened skin, mainly on the nose (after many years)

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Spicy foods
  • Hot drinks
  • Sunlight exposure
  • Hot or cold temperatures
  • Aerobic exercise (e.g., running)
  • Stress

Diagnosis

  • Doctor assesses symptoms
  • Physical examination of the skin
  • Rule out other skin conditions
  • Urgent check for eye symptoms (pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity)

Treatment & Management

  • Prescription creams and gels for skin
  • Oral antibiotics (typically 6 to 16 weeks)
  • Referral to a skin specialist (dermatologist) if treatments fail
  • Avoid known triggers
  • Use high SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
  • Use gentle skincare products for sensitive skin
  • Clean eyelids daily if blepharitis is present
  • Take steps to manage stress

Prevention

  • Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and hot drinks
  • Protect skin from sun with high SPF sunscreen
  • Cover face in cold weather
  • Use gentle products for sensitive skin
  • Manage stress effectively
  • Limit intense aerobic exercise

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Rosacea:

Rosacea Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Rosacea:

CO2 Laser Ablation

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Face, mainly women, lighter skin

Prevalence

Long-term, common

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment

Treatment

Creams, antibiotics, trigger avoidance

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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