Self diagnosis is a dangerous pastime without all of the information. This Frequently Asked Questions is a simple guide to rosacea, and a pointer to more information. It should not be used in the place of professional advice from registered practitioners. The most common symptoms include facial redness across the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead, visibly damaged blood vessels, facial swelling and burning sensations, and small red inflammatory papules and pustules. Rosacea develops gradually as mild episodes of facial blushing or flushing which, over time, may lead to a permanent red face.
Ocular rosacea can affect both the eye surface and eyelid.
Symptoms can include foreign body sensations, sensitivity of the eye surface, burning sensations and eyelid symptoms such as chalazia, styes, redness, crusting and loss of eyelashes. Is is common that Rosacea does not present with blackheads that are seen with Acne Vulgaris. Also the age of onset, and the location of redness is a clue. Rosacea is mostly an adult disease, and is generally restricted to the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Some rosacea sufferers have a significant acne component in their symptoms so it can be easily confused with acne vulgaris.