Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the face. Unlike acne vulgaris, it does not involve blackheads or whiteheads but causes redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. It often flares up and down over time.

What causes Acne Rosacea?

The exact cause is unknown, but several factors contribute:

• Abnormal blood vessel function (leading to flushing/redness).
• Overactive immune response in the skin.
• Demodex mites (tiny skin mites found in higher numbers in rosacea skin).
• Genetics (runs in families).

Triggers that worsen symptoms:

• Sun exposure
• Hot drinks or spicy food
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Extreme temperatures
• Certain skincare or steroid creams

Where can you get Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea is usually isolated to the face, mainly the cheeks, as it is associated with blushing. It can also be found on the forehead, nose, ears and even the scalp. It may also affect the eyes. This is known as ocular rosacea.

Symptoms

• Persistent facial redness (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead).
• Flushing or frequent blushing.
• Papules and pustules (red spots that resemble acne).
• Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia).
• Thickened skin in severe cases (especially nose → rhinophyma).
• Eye symptoms in some cases (ocular rosacea) → dry, irritated, watery eyes.
• Persistent facial redness (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead).
• Flushing or frequent blushing.
• Papules and pustules (red spots that resemble acne).
• Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia).
• Thickened skin in severe cases (especially nose → rhinophyma).
• Eye symptoms in some cases (ocular rosacea) → dry, irritated, watery eyes.

Who can get Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea is more common in women than in men and usually affects people with fair skin; it is also most prevalent in adults.