Five Signs You Have Rosacea

Rosacea is an incurable skin condition that often appears in a person's 30s. According to the National Rosacea Society, it is estimated that 14 to 16 million people in the United States and approximately 40 million worldwide have this condition. Could you be one of them? Here are five signs that you may have rosacea and should see a dermatologist or your doctor to be sure.

Rosy Cheeks and Forehead

One of the first signs of rosacea is that your cheeks, forehead, and even chin become flushed and red. It's often dismissed as being caused by spending too much time outside in the sun. Heat, cold, wind, sun, and even food triggers can make the redness worsen. As mentioned, there is no cure, but dietary changes and some prescription medications can help.

Visible Blood Vessels

As months pass, the redness expands, lasts longer, and you may even see blood vessels appearing. Some people notice them and simply thing they're gaining spider veins or blood vessels due to the process of aging, which weakens the skin.

Pimples and Pustules

As rosacea progresses and goes untreated, it's common to see pimples and bumps appearing on the skin, especially in areas like the cheek, forehead, and chin. You may dismiss this as adult acne. Using acne products can actually worsen the condition.

Itchy Eyes Prone to Sties

With ocular rosacea, the eyes become itchy and often feel like there is an eyelash or piece of dirt or grit caught between the eyelid and the surface of the eye. You may find painful sties (pimples) forming around the eyelash line. It's important to see your doctor as lubricating eye drops and fish oil/flax seed oil supplements can help. Left untreated, there is a small risk of damage to the cornea.

Thicker Tissue on the Nose

Rhinophyma is a subtype of rosacea that targets the nose. The skin thickens and often looks bump and swollen. You may find these bumps change the shape of your nose. Some people find their breathing passages narrow because of the tissue growth. Rhinophyma is most common in men and can be surgically corrected.