Rosacea

Rosacea is more than blushing skin; it can cause widespread redness, visible blood vessels, and pus-filled bumps that affect your confidence and self-esteem. At Miami Dermatology & Skin Care in Miami, Florida, board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Carlos Ricotti, MD, offers effective rosacea treatments to manage your condition and reduce flare-ups. Call the practice today or schedule an appointment online for a personalized rosacea treatment plan.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory disorder that causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. While it can affect the neck or chest, rosacea typically develops on the face or eyes. Symptoms can come or go depending on your diet, lifestyle, and unique triggers. 

My skin is red with small bumps. Is it rosacea or acne?

Rosacea and acne can both cause redness, pustules, and small bumps on the face, but there are a few key differences. While redness from acne typically only affects the skin immediately surrounding the pimple, rosacea is more widespread. It covers larger areas, such as the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Other telltale signs of rosacea include:

• Tiny pimple-like bumps
• Redness that comes and goes
• Eye irritation
• Skin thickening

Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can also worsen rosacea symptoms, while acne can cause cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads that typically don’t present in rosacea.

Who is most prone to rosacea?

Rosacea doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anybody at any time. However, some people are more prone to the condition than others. Risk factors for rosacea include:

• Fair skin
• A family history
• Demodex mites
• Weakened immune function
• H. pylori infection

While women are more likely to have rosacea than men, men typically experience more severe symptoms when they develop the condition.

What are the four types of rosacea?

The four main types of rosacea are:

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea 

This type of rosacea causes flushing, visible blood vessels, and persistent redness. It’s the most common type of rosacea and often worsens with age.

Papulopustular rosacea 

Papulopustular rosacea closely resembles acne, causing small whiteheads to appear on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead.

Phymatous rosacea 

This type causes skin thickening, particularly on the nose. It can lead to rhinophyma, a disorder that causes a bulbous nose. 

Ocular rosacea

If you have ocular rosacea, your eyes may appear bloodshot or watery. They can also become irritated and sensitive. 

Will rosacea ever go away on its own?

Rosacea is a lifelong condition that usually doesn’t go away on its own. At Miami Dermatology & Skin Care, your dermatologist works with you to create a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms and reduces flare-ups. Treatments may include:

• Topical or oral antibiotics
• Diet changes and trigger avoidance
• Prescription creams
• Laser therapy

Don’t let rosacea stop you from enjoying life. Call Miami Dermatology & Skin Care today or schedule an appointment online to get the care you deserve.