Rosacea

Rosacea is a common but benign skin condition with a red, acne-like appearance that affects as many as 16 million people in the United States and up to 45 million worldwide. Rosacea is prevalent mostly in Caucasian people with fair skin and is more frequently diagnosed in women but tends to be more severe in men. The main symptoms of rosacea include red or pink patches, small red cysts and bumps, tiny yet noticeable broken blood vessels, small red bumps, red cysts, and pink or irritated eyes. There is evidence that rosacea may tend to run in families but no one knows what causes this disease. Most people may not even know they have rosacea and assume they flush easily or that they are overly sensitive to the sun.

What Are the Symptoms of Rosacea?

There are many warning signs giving you a signal to see your dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment before your symptoms get worse.

Some of the signs of rosacea are:

• Redness on your cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead.
• Small, visible blood vessels on your face.
• Red bumps or pimples on your face.
• Watery or irritated eyes.
• Facial flushing or blushing
• Small cysts
• Burning

Typical signs and symptoms of rosacea tend to come and go. Your skin may be clear for weeks, months, or even years before erupting again. Rosacea rarely reverses itself and tends to evolve in stages typically causing inflammation of the skin on the face.

What Causes Rosacea?

While the basic process of rosacea seems to involve dilation of the small blood vessels of the face, the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown and remains a mystery.

Some of the suspected causes of rosacea are:

• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• A mite sometimes found in hair follicles called Demodex Folliculorum
• The bacteria associated with stomach ulcers known as Helicobacter Pylori
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Medications that cause blood vessels to widen

There seems to be a hereditary component to rosacea in a large number of people as often people have close family members with this disorder. Rosacea tends to affect the “blush” areas of the face and is more common in people who flush easily.

A variety of triggers that are known to cause rosacea are:

• Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, fear, and embarrassment
• Changes in the weather like wind and humidity
• Sun exposure
• Sun-damaged skin is especially susceptible to rosacea
• Alcohol consumption
• Exercise
• Emotional upsets
• Spicy foods
• Bathing and cleansing
• Drugs
• Skin care products
• Cosmetics
• Medical conditions

Rosacea Treatments

Rosacea cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. There are many treatment choices for rosacea depending on the severity and extent of your symptoms.

Available medical treatments include:

• Oral medications
• Antibacterial washes
• Topical creams
• Antibiotic pills
• Lasers
• Pulsed-light Therapies
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Isotretinoin
• VBeam treatments

Take the Next Step and Schedule Your Rosacea Consultation

If you’re ready to get your rosacea under control, scheduling a personalized consultation at our Pasadena dermatology center is the best next step. During your visit, our team will evaluate your skin, identify your triggers, and create a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Many patients begin seeing meaningful improvement after just a few visits.

Rosacea Treatments FAQs

What are some early signs of rosacea that people often miss or overlook?

Many people miss the subtle early symptoms of rosacea, such as frequent flushing, increased warmth in the cheeks, or a tendency to blush more easily than others. These early signs can appear months or even years before persistent redness or bumps develop, making early recognition important for long‑term skin health.

Can rosacea affect areas other than the face?

Although rosacea most commonly shows up on the central face, it can also appear on the neck, chest, scalp, and ears. These areas may show redness, sensitivity, or flushing, especially in individuals with more advanced symptoms or with rosacea that has gone untreated.

Is rosacea linked to gut health or digestive issues?

Research has suggested that there is a possible association between rosacea and certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO) or inflammatory gut disorders. While the connection isn’t fully understood, improving gut health may help some individuals reduce flare ups.

Does rosacea get worse with age?

Rosacea can gradually worsen over time if left untreated, and flare ups can become more frequent or intense. An early diagnosis by a licensed dermatologist and consistent management can help slow progression and maintain calmer skin.

Can rosacea cause permanent skin changes?

Long‑term inflammation can lead to visible blood vessels, persistent redness, or thickened skin, especially around the nose, a condition known as rhinophyma. When you become proactive about your rosacea diagnosis and pursue early treatment, it is more likely that you can help prevent or minimize these permanent changes.

Is rosacea more common in certain skin tones?

Rosacea is often underdiagnosed in medium to darker skin tones because redness is commonly less visible. However, people of all skin types can develop rosacea, and symptoms may appear as warmth, swelling, or darkened patches rather than classic redness.

Can stress trigger rosacea flare ups?

Emotional stress is one of the most common rosacea triggers. When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones that increase blood flow to the skin, which can lead to flushing, warmth, and inflammation. Some common stress management techniques that may reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups include:

• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Mindfulness and meditation practices during stressful situations
• Gentle physical activities like walking, yoga, or stretching
• Take more frequent breaks during stressful tasks
• Improving sleep habits
• Setting boundaries to reduce emotional strain

Is rosacea related to hormonal changes?

Hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause, pregnancy, or changes in birth control may worsen rosacea symptoms for some individuals. These shifts can increase flushing, sensitivity, and inflammatory bumps. However, rosacea symptoms can go away on their own once you give birth and your hormones become regulated.

Can exercise make rosacea worse?

High‑intensity workouts can cause overheating and facial flushing, which may trigger rosacea flare ups. Many people find relief by exercising in cooler environments, taking more frequent breaks, or choosing lower‑intensity activities.

Is rosacea contagious?

Rosacea is not contagious and cannot be spread through skin contact, shared items, or airborne exposure. It is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by your personal genetics, environmental triggers, and skin sensitivity.

Can rosacea affect eye health?

Ocular rosacea can cause symptoms such as dryness, burning, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes. Because untreated ocular rosacea may lead to complications, it’s important to talk to your doctor if eye symptoms develop.

Does diet play a role in rosacea flare ups?

Many people with rosacea find that certain foods, including spicy dishes, alcohol, hot beverages, and histamine‑rich foods can be major triggers for flare ups. It can be helpful to keep a food diary to identify personal dietary triggers and avoid them.