Classic Rosacea Symptoms

Rosacea has long been thought to be a genetic, chronic skin condition that most commonly occurs on the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. Because they often re-occur, the episodes of breakouts are called flares. In one of these rosacea flares, the blood vessels close to the surface of the skin become dilated, resulting in blotchy red areas with small bumps consisting of a small, red areas or bumps of inflamed skin lesions called papules. These differ from acne pimples in that they do not contain pus. Rosacea usually begins with frequent flushing of the face, particularly the nose and cheeks. This facial flushing is caused by the swelling of the blood vessels under the skin. The facial redness can come and go, eventually becoming more permanent. Furthermore, the skin tissue can swell and thicken and may be tender and sensitive to the touch.