How to Spot the Early Signs of Rosacea

Rosacea is estimated to affect upwards of 10% of adults in the US. That’s anywhere between 14 - 16 million, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and National Rosacea Society.

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Rosacea is estimated to affect upwards of 10% of adults in the US. That’s anywhere between 14 - 16 million, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and National Rosacea Society.

The condition can vary from mild to seriously debilitating, and the early signs of rosacea are all too often missed or wrongly diagnosed.

As dermatologists, we know all too well how rosacea symptoms can wreck lives. Early recognition and treatment are key to effective management, as is seeking professional help if you have even an inkling that you may be affected.

Spotting the Clues: Early Signs of Rosacea (and some may well surprise you…

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition. It’s most common on the face, but can also appear on the scalp, ears, chest, back, arms, and even the eyes. There are four types of rosacea:

  1. Erythematotelangiectatic (ETR, or Type 1): The most common kind, which causes facial redness and visible blood vessels. It tends to flare and disappear in cycles.
  2. Papulopustular (Type 2): Causes redness along with papules and pustules. Can look similar to acne, but without the blackheads and whiteheads.
  3. Phymatous (Type 3): The skin thickens and enlarges. It’s most typically seen around the nose, sometimes causing it to have a bulbous appearance.
  4. Ocular (Type 4): Affects the eyes and eyelids. Styes can appear, and the eyes may water, look bloodshot, feel scratchy, and become light-sensitive.

Each type is not exclusive. Many people suffer from one or more simultaneously.

Early rosacea symptoms include:

  • Facial blushing that comes and goes. It can also extend to the neck and chest. It may feel warm or even sting, typically lasting for a few minutes before disappearing.
  • Skin sensitivity to skin care products—or even water.
  • The appearance of tiny broken blood vessels beneath the skin.
  • Patches of dry skin that don’t go away with moisturizing.
  • Irritated, watering, painful eyes and/or eyelids, perhaps combined with a crusty discharge.
  • The appearance of small bumps or pimples.

It affects both men and women, as well as all skin colors. Signs, such as the initial reddening, can sometimes be more challenging to spot on those with darker skin tones.

As you can see, these early symptoms can easily be ignored or attributed to something else. Acne, lupus, dermatitis, eczema, and even blepharitis are examples of misdiagnosis. The clinical understanding of rosacea is still evolving, which is why seeking help from a dermatologist experienced in treating the condition is so important. Current research shows strong evidence that the longer it’s allowed to continue without intervention, the worse and longer lasting the symptoms may be.

Understanding the Link Between Triggers and Rosacea Symptoms

Flare-ups are often trigger-related. Current understanding links environmental and other factors to the worsening of symptoms. These might include:

  • Sun exposure.
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Eating spicy foods.
  • Temperature fluctuations.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Cosmetic products.
  • Certain medications, such as vasodilators or long-term steroid use.

There’s also a potential genetic link. It’s believed that you’re more likely to suffer if you have a close relative with the condition.

While there’s currently no cure for rosacea, there are plenty of management options. We can’t overstress how vital it is to seek early medical help. While there’s no single test for the disease, an experienced rosacea dermatologist will be able to make a diagnosis through a detailed history and skin examination. They might also perform blood tests and/or a skin biopsy to rule out any differential diagnosis.

As an inflammatory condition, rosacea has the potential to rumble along with minimal symptoms that suddenly erupt—something that will, naturally, be extremely distressing. That’s why it’s so important to address symptoms as early as possible.

Issues, such as dry, scaly spots that won’t heal, the onset of mild skin sensitivity and/or stinging, developing excessive facial blushing, or the new appearance of acne-like spots when you don’t have acne, should definitely be checked out.

The best results are achieved with early intervention, something that we help hundreds of people with at Bayou City Dermatology.

Find out more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/rosacea and call today to book an appointment.