Rosacea is a chronic and often progressive skin disease characterised by facial redness and swelling. It usually starts as an increase in skin sensitivity and a tendency to flush or blush easily, then progress to persistent redness in the centre of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. In rare cases it may even spread to the ears, scalp, neck, chest, back and upper limbs.

Rosacea affects mostly fair-skinned between the ages of 30 and 60. Rosacea often runs in families and women are more often affected; however, men are more likely to be affected by its severe forms. Those with a personal or family history of acne also have a higher incidence of rosacea.

he characteristics of rosacea fall into four types, although some patients experience symptoms of more than one rosacea type at the same time. While rosacea may or may not evolve from one type to another, each individual sign or symptom may progress from mild to moderate to severe. The condition rarely reverses itself and may last for years. Rosacea can become worse without treatment so early diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

Usually the least severe, this type is often accompanied by enlarged sweat glands as well as oily or dry, flaky skin, or both. The skin may become sensitive with a burning and stinging effect when it comes into contact with make-up, sunscreens and other facial creams or by exposure to sun or hot and spicy food.

Characterised by raised red patches with pimples or whiteheads on and around the reddened area, some of which may contain pus, this type has some similarities with acne but is actually quite different. There are red spots and sometimes pus-filled pimples in both conditions, but in rosacea there are no blackheads, whiteheads, deep cysts, or lumps.

This condition is a more advanced type of rosacea, called rhinophyma. Although relatively uncommon, it more often affects men and is characterised by a bulbous, enlarged red nose and puffy cheeks. Thick bumps can also develop on the lower half of the nose and cheeks.

Many with this condition mistake the symptoms for allergies as it is characterised by a reddening of the eyes, a feeling of ‘grit’ in the eyes, crusting on the lashes and sometimes a clear discharge. The eyes may also become dry or teary with a burning sensation. Other symptoms can include swollen eyelids, recurrent styes and potential vision impairment from corneal damage if no treatment is undergone.

Your medical practitioner may discuss with you the following oral medications as treatment:
Oral antibiotics and topical retinoids such as retinoic acid are often used for rosacea, including the early stages of type 3
Beta-blockers, clonidine, naloxone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be sometimes effective in reducing flushing
Oral contraceptive therapy may benefit women whose rosacea is aggravated at peaks in their hormonal cycle.