Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic, but treatable, condition that primarily affects the central face and presents with redness, dilated vessels, pustules, ocular irritation, and/or enlarged sebaceous glands.

There are four main types of rosacea:

• erythematotelangiectatic type (red and patchy skin),

• papulopustular type (pustular and bumpy skin),

• phymatous type (thickened skin with sebaceous gland overgrowth),

• and ocular type (red and irritated eyes);

though hybrid types also exist.

The cause of rosacea is not entirely understood, but immune dysregulation, ultraviolet exposure, microbial exposure (Demodex mites), and skin vessel changes are all thought to contribute.

The treatment of rosacea varies based on type, but can include oral medications, topical creams, and laser therapy.