The Stages of Rosacea

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

Written By Linda Wasmer Smith on June 5, 2021

• 

  Mild Rosacea

  In the early stage, rosacea causes redness that comes and goes on the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin. If you apply lotion or makeup to the reddened area, you may feel a burning sensation there.
• 

  Moderate Rosacea

  As rosacea gets worse, the facial redness grows more noticeable and long-lasting. In some cases, bumps and pimples appear on the skin. In other cases, tiny blood vessels are increasingly visible as fine red lines.
• 

  Severe Rosacea

  In the most advanced stage of rosacea, the skin is a deep shade of red. A growing number of visible blood vessels may leave a roadmap of tiny red lines on the skin. Some skin bumps may become painful.
• 

  Rhinophyma

  In advanced rosacea, the nose sometimes grows red, swollen, and bumpy, a condition called rhinophyma. W.C. Fields’ trademark bulbous nose is a classic example. Rhinophyma occurs mainly in men; it’s rare in women.
• 

  Eye Irritation

  Up to half of people with rosacea also experience eye symptoms. Some feel as if their eyes have sand in them. Others develop dry, itchy, burning, watery, or bloodshot eyes. At times, the eyelids may become swollen and inflamed. Some people say their vision is blurry or their eyes are over-sensitive to light.
• 

  Rosacea Can Be Treated

  Rosacea can’t be cured, but it can be treated and controlled. Because symptoms vary from person to person, treatment must also be individualized. Options include medications, treatments with lasers or intense pulsed light sources, and surgery. Skin-care strategies and lifestyle changes are often quite helpful as well.
• 

  Treatments Can Be Effective

  Proper treatment may reduce rosacea symptoms and improve the skin’s appearance. In some cases, it may take weeks or months to see the full effect. But for rosacea sufferers, the payoff is well worth the wait.

The Stages of Rosacea

Was this helpful?

16