Rosacea

To best address the condition and control the onset of advanced symptoms, Dr. Senait Dyson, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in Tucson, AZ, recommends getting a comprehensive diagnosis as soon as possible. Because rosacea has four subtypes, consulting a skin doctor is especially important to the development of an effective rosacea treatment plan.

Basic Signs. Rosacea’s signs and symptoms vary from case to case, but the condition always includes at least one the of the following: flushing, persistent facial redness, bumps and pimples (sometimes confused with acne), and visible blood vessels. Other common symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Skin plaques ( raised red patches)
• Skin thickening
• Burning, stinging or itching
• Swelling and inflammation
• Watery, bloodshot eyes (ocular rosacea)

The Four Subtypes. Rosacea has four subtypes, based on common patterns and signs. Many individuals exhibit characteristics of more than one subtype at the same time. In addition, rosacea is progressive and there are four stages (pre-rosacea, mild, moderate and severe). Understanding the subtypes and the stages can help determine treatment.

• Subtype 1: Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
  Characteristic: Facial redness. With this subtype, individuals experience flushing and persistent facial redness, especially on the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose.
• Subtype 2: Papulopustular Rosacea
  Characteristic: Bumps and pimples. The presence of papules and pustules, resembling acne, is the dominant symptom of this subtype.
• Subtype 3: Phymatous Rosacea
  Characteristic: Enlargement of the nose. This subtype is associated with severe thickening of the skin, leading irregular skin surface, such as a bulbous nose (rhinophyma).
• Subtype 4: Ocular Rosacea
  Characteristic: Eye irritation. Watery or bloodshot eyes result from this subtype.