What are rosacea spots?

Women are more likely to develop this condition, but when men do, the symptoms are often more severe. There is no cure available, but acne rosacea treatment can improve the skin's appearance and minimise some of the other physical aspects of the condition.

People affected by acne rosacea can experience flare-ups which can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Although the condition is relatively harmless, it can cause a degree of pain and has a major impact on people’s confidence levels. The potential effect on mental health is a motivation to seek out acne rosacea treatment as early as possible. Left untreated the condition is likely to worsen and this can lead to an intense burning or stinging sensation, or even complications such as rhinophyma.

As rosacea can be confused with acne, dermatitis, and lupus, in this article we’d like to take the time to tell you more about the condition, how to recognise it, and what treatment options are available. 

What causes acne rosacea?

The exact cause of acne rosacea is unclear. What is known is that the condition is not contagious and nor is it caused by a lack of hygiene. There is the possibility that rosacea sees genetic factors come into play as people are more likely to be affected if there is a family history. It is also believed that smoking can increase the likelihood of someone developing the condition. 

Whilst the exact cause of acne rosacea may not be known, what is widely accepted is the fact that there are a number of triggers that can cause a flare-up and worsen the condition. The main triggers include:

• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• cheese
• caffeine
• Hot drinks
• Aerobic exercise
• Extreme changes in temperature
• Sunlight and wind
• Medications that dilate blood vessels 

Avoiding these triggers is an important part of managing the condition, but acne rosacea treatment is still the best way to avoid complications developing. One such complication that we referred to earlier is rhinophyma. Rhinophyma sees the oil glands (sebaceous glands) on the nose and cheeks increase in size. The nose itself take on a bulbous appearance due to a build-up of tissue on and around it. This is more common in men aged 50-70, but the potential exists for anyone to be affected.

What do rosacea spots look like?

Rosacea can often be confused with an outbreak of acne and this is why an expert should be consulted to ensure that a correct diagnosis is given as early as possible. This is important so that acne rosacea treatment can be sought. The confusion between the 2 conditions arises as rosacea causes what appears like spots. These are small pink or red bumps and can be filled with pus that has a yellowish colour to it. Prior to these spots appearing, the early signs of acne rosacea include redness across the nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks that comes and goes. There may also be a burning sensation when water is applied to the face. 

The face can develop to almost permanently having a red or purple tinge to it. This is caused by the appearance of tiny broken blood vessels on the face. Other symptoms of acne rosacea include:

• Dry skin
• Swelling, especial around the eyes
• Yellow/orange patches on the skin
• Sore eyelids or a crust that forms at the base of the eyelashes
• Thickening of the skin