Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the central face and sometimes the eyes. It can cause flushing, persistent colour change, visible vessels and acne-like bumps. Redness may be harder to recognise in darker skin tones. Other skin conditions can resemble it.
What you may notice
- Recurrent flushing or persistent facial colour
- Burning, stinging or sensitive skin
- Visible small blood vessels
- Inflamed bumps or pustules
- Dry, gritty or irritated eyes
Why it can happen
The cause is not fully understood. Immune responses, blood-vessel reactivity, skin-barrier changes and Demodex mites may contribute. Sunlight, temperature changes, alcohol, spicy food or irritating products can trigger symptoms, but triggers differ between people.
What may help
Gentle skincare, sun protection and avoiding personal triggers can help. Prescription treatment depends on whether inflammation, redness, eye symptoms or thickened skin predominates. Vascular laser or intense pulsed light may improve selected skin features but does not treat eye involvement or permanently cure rosacea.
When to consult
Seek assessment for persistent facial symptoms or suspected eye involvement. Eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision or a markedly red eye requires urgent assessment. New or worsening gritty eyes also deserve prompt advice. Thickening skin, particularly on the nose, should be reviewed.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Rosacea [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea (new tab)
- National Health Service. Rosacea [Internet]. London: NHS; 2017 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/ (new tab)
- American Academy of Dermatology. Rosacea: diagnosis and treatment [Internet]. Rosemont (IL): American Academy of Dermatology; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/treatment/diagnosis-treat (new tab)