Rosacea

What rosacea is

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and sometimes a rash, usually on the nose and cheeks, and may affect the eyes. [1] Symptoms come and go in flare-ups and quieter periods. [1] The NHS says it is more common in women and people with lighter skin, but can be worse in men, and that the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin. [2] NIAMS notes it may be underdiagnosed in darker skin. [1]

Common features

• Redness or flushing that comes and goes, with warmth, burning or stinging, sometimes with water or skincare products. [2]
• Persistent redness, small pink or red bumps, and visible tiny blood vessels. [2][1]
• Thickened skin, mostly on the nose, after many years. [2]
• Sore, red, gritty or watery eyes. [1]

Rosacea can look like acne, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, lupus or other conditions, so it needs a clinician's diagnosis. [2]

Causes and triggers

The cause is not known. Inflammation drives redness and rash, and sunlight, skin sensitivity, skin microbes, genes and environment may play roles. [1] The NHS lists common triggers: alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, sunlight, hot or cold temperatures, aerobic exercise and stress. [2] Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. [2]

Established care and self-care

The NHS says rosacea cannot be cured but treatment can control it; a GP may prescribe creams or gels, or antibiotics for 6 to 16 weeks, and refer to a dermatologist if needed. [2] The NHS suggests wearing a high-SPF sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily, avoiding known triggers, covering the face in cold weather, using gentle products made for sensitive skin, cleaning eyelids daily if they are inflamed, and managing stress. [2] This is an established recommendation. See Skin care basics.

What about natural remedies?

Research is limited for specific remedies. Proper evidence not found for a specific herbal or natural rosacea treatment in the sources checked for this page (NHS, NIAMS and NCCIH). Topical aloe gel is generally well tolerated but occasionally causes burning, itching or rash. [3] Nearly 80 essential oils have caused contact allergy, so products on already sensitive skin deserve caution. [4] See Essential oil safety and Natural skin-care ingredients.