Rosacea, also known as ‘curse of the celts’ by western Europe, is a skin disease characterized by varying degrees of redness, inflammation, irritation, papules and postules, rhinophyma, and other similar symptoms. Symptoms are classified according to their characteristics into subtypes.

Rosacea Subtypes:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea

This type has long lasting redness, trend towards blushing, small surface blood vessels visible, and some itchiness or stinging.

2. Papulopustular rosacea

Also has long duration redness in addition to papules and pustules. For this reason, it looks similar to the common acne vulgaris.

3. Phymatous rosacea

Characterized by rough, thick, and enlarged skin – similar to rhinophyma. Affected areas include your t-zone areas (chin, forehead, cheeks,) along with eyelids and ears. Small blood vessels may also be noticeable.

4. Ocular rosacea

This one appears mainly in your eyes. Redness and irritation. Tiny Blood vessels visible. You may also feel stinging, burning, itching, and other weirdness.

5. Neuropathic Rosacea

This is the newest subtype, characterized by symptoms from Phymatous rosacea combined with extreme bouts of pain and itching – lasting longer than 25 minutes. Pain can occur in response to both irritants contacting the skin and inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. Pain can become semi-permanent as damage starts to reach nociceptors (nervous system receptors).

Unfortunately, Rosacea symptoms worsen as you go longer without treatment. This eventually progresses to permanent disfiguration of your facial skin tissue.

Stages of Rosacea Severity:

1. Pre-rosacea

In stage one, frequent blushing and flushing happens in response to many possible causes. Some of these include high temperatures, face washing, and embarrassment. While that seems innocent, this is when blood vessels in the face first start becoming abnormal. They expand and dilate for increasingly longer time periods until eventually the second stage is reached.

2. Mild rosacea

In the mild stage, symptoms are simply increased versions of pre-rosacea. Blushing occurs more often and lasts much longer – often more than 20 minutes! Skin tone may begin to change, and blood vessels start taking on damage. 

3. Moderate rosacea

In this stage, tissue and blood vessels begin taking heavy damage. Blushing and Flushing become permanent, lasting up to weeks at a time – especially in the T-zone. Swelling, Burning, breakouts of papules and pustules, and roughness start happening. As your blood vessels incur damage, they begin acting less like ‘vessels’ and more like wide open tunnels. This contributes to the redness.

4. Severe Rosacea

This is the worst stage, fortunately one that not all rosacea victims reach. There is permanent and severe flushing. Pain, burning, inflamed acne, and other skin surface irritations occur. Highly damaged blood vessels contribute to redness and a a very ‘rough’ almost leathery look.

Treatment of Acne Rosacea