Rosacea Symptoms, Signs, and Triggers Explained

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes redness, flushing, and sometimes acne-like bumps across the central face. It’s more than sensitive skin—it’s a vascular disorder influenced by triggers like heat, stress, and certain skincare products. Recognizing its patterns early can help manage flare-ups and reduce long-term effects

Rosacea on a Middle Aged Womans Cheek

When Redness Becomes More Than a Blush

Everyone flushes from time to time, but rosacea is different. It’s not just a passing blush or sensitive reaction—it’s chronic. For many adults, it begins subtly with occasional flushing, then progresses to persistent redness and visible veins. In some cases, it brings stinging, burning, or bumps that look like acne.

  • Redness that lingers long after triggers fade
  • Discomfort, burning, or stinging with certain products
  • Uncertainty: “Is this acne, or is it rosacea?”
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Red Cheeks from Rosacea

Evidence-Based Approaches That Help Calm Rosacea

What the Research Shows

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Unlike temporary flushing, rosacea symptoms persist and often worsen over time. The National Rosacea Society and American Academy of Dermatology emphasize that persistent facial redness is the hallmark diagnostic sign, with additional features including papules, pustules, telangiectasia (visible small blood vessels), and in some cases ocular involvement. Phymatous changes, such as thickened skin on the nose, are also considered diagnostic.

Common Rosacea Symptoms

  • Persistent centrofacial redness
  • Flushing with heat, stress, or triggers
  • Burning or stinging sensations
  • Visible capillaries (telangiectasia)
  • Acne-like bumps in papulopustular subtype
  • Ocular redness or irritation in some patients

Diagnostic Criteria

  • NRS: Persistent redness or phymatous changes are primary; diagnosis can also be made with two or more major features such as papules/pustules, flushing, or ocular symptoms [1][2][3].
  • AAD: Requires at least one primary feature – persistent redness, flushing, papules/pustules, or visible vessels. Secondary signs include burning, plaques, edema, or phymatous changes [5][6].
  • Current consensus favors a phenotype-based approach: diagnosis is clinical, and no lab test confirms rosacea [7].

Known Triggers

According to the National Rosacea Society, common flare-up triggers include heat, sun, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress. Triggers vary between individuals, so tracking and avoiding personal triggers is a key management step.

Subtypes of Rosacea

  1. Erythematotelangiectatic – persistent redness, visible vessels
  2. Papulopustular – redness with acne-like bumps
  3. Phymatous – thickened skin, often around the nose
  4. Ocular – eye redness, burning, irritation

Fast Facts About Rosacea

SubtypeKey FeaturesDiagnostic Notes
ErythematotelangiectaticRedness, visible vesselsNRS: major feature; AAD: primary feature
PapulopustularRedness with bumpsNRS: major feature; AAD: primary feature
PhymatousThickened skinNRS: primary diagnostic; AAD: considered
OcularEye redness, irritationNRS: major feature; AAD: secondary feature

Clinically Supported Skin Solutions

Rosacea is a chronic condition, and while there’s no single cure, research shows several supportive therapies can reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Understanding these evidence-based options helps patients and providers choose gentler, more effective care.

LED Light Therapy

Clinical studies demonstrate that red and blue LED light significantly reduce papulopustular lesions and erythema. Patients report decreases in burning and itching after just a few sessions, with visible calming of redness [5][6][7]. Researchers believe this effect comes from modulating inflammatory mediators such as cathelicidin (LL-37) and TLR2.

Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) provides anti-inflammatory effects without thermal damage. In clinical trials, more than 90% of patients improved by at least one Fitzpatrick photoaging category, with reductions in background redness and skin discomfort [8][9].

Research highlights non-invasive light, laser, and ultrasound therapies as promising options to reduce redness and support rosacea care

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Rosacea Questions, Answered

If you’re struggling with redness or bumps that won’t go away, you’re not alone. Here are clear answers to the most common rosacea questions we hear from clients in Edmonton.

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What is the main cause of rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but research points to overactive blood vessels, immune system reactions, and genetics. Rosacea often runs in families and is triggered by heat, stress, or alcohol.

  • Inflammation plays a central role
  • Triggers worsen visible redness
  • Genetics increase likelihood of developing it

How can I clear up my rosacea?

Rosacea can’t be “cured,” but it can be controlled. Gentle skin care, sun protection, and identifying personal triggers are the foundation. Professional options like light or laser therapy may help reduce redness.

  • Use mild cleansers and moisturizers
  • Apply daily SPF
  • Track triggers like heat, alcohol, spicy foods

What is the biggest trigger of rosacea?

According to the National Rosacea Society, the most common triggers include heat, sunlight, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress. Each person’s triggers are unique, but avoiding or reducing them helps minimize flare-ups.

  • Sun and heat are top culprits
  • Stress can worsen flushing
  • Food and drink may play a role

What happens if you ignore rosacea?

Left untreated, rosacea often worsens. Flushing can progress to permanent redness, visible capillaries, or skin thickening. In some cases, eye problems (ocular rosacea) develop. Early care helps prevent long-term changes.

  • Redness may become permanent
  • Visible blood vessels can spread
  • Eye irritation and thickened skin may occur