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acne rosacea

Rosacea is a common, yet easily misunderstood condition that is estimated to affect over 45 million people worldwide with over 14 million sufferers in the United States. Many people with Rosacea have Acne Rosacea, a subtype of Rosacea which resembles bacterial acne that is common in puberty.

How do I know if I have acne or acne Rosacea?

Photo source Galderma

For most people this is very difficult to determine. Acne Rosacea almost always includes localized areas of redness which are present even when no acne lesions are seen. For a proper diagnosis, it is best to be checked by a dermatologist.


Can I use regular acne products like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?

No. Rosacea skin is sensitive skin and many of the over the counter acne products will aggravate the condition. There are specific lotions, gels and dual step treatments which include pulsed light which may be part of your control program. Antibiotics used for non Rosacea acne can create antibiotic resistance and side effects. An oral acne reduction prescription medication called Oracea may be prescribed for long term control. Dr. Sikorski will explain the treatment options and which ones may be covered by insurance.

If you use Oracea, you are eligible for a savings card to help cover the cost of the medication. Visit the Oracea  Best Face Forward program to join.


Photo source Intendis (Finacea.com)

It is important to take action and manage your skin's appearance with skin care products that will calm the irritation and prevent Rosacea from progressing into the more severe or permanent problems.

What are the most common symptoms of Rosacea?

There are four identified Rosacea types and patients may have more than one subtype present.

  • Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Permanent redness with a tendency to flush and blush easily. It is also common to have small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin as well as burning or itching sensations.
  • Papulopustular Rosacea: Some permanent redness with red bumps some of which may be pus filled, making it easily mistaken for acne. This is Acne Rosacea. It may “look” like typical acne, but the cause and the control are very different.
  • Phymatous Rosacea: This is most commonly associated with bulbous appearance of the nose. Symptoms can include thickening skin, irregular surface nodularities, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea can also affect the chin, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, and ears. Small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin may be present.
  • Ocular Rosacea: Red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids. Some other symptoms include foreign body sensations, itching and burning.

Read more about Rosacea in general.

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What causes Rosacea?

The cause of Rosacea is not fully understood, but researchers suspect that rosacea may be caused by a combination of inflammatory proteins and peptides in the skin, rather than by bacteria. Most dermatologists now view rosacea as an inflammatory disease of the skin.

Although anyone can develop rosacea, it tends to be seen more often in people over 30 years of age with fair skin and light eye color.

Common triggers for flare-ups include seasonal weather conditions, emotional stress, exercise, alcohol consumption and spicy foods.

What treatments should I consider if I have Rosacea?

Medical management with topical RX medications is a first step with azelaic acid, metrogel and metrocream being commonly used and effective products. At times, larger veins may benefit from treatment of laser such as a vascular laser like the Gentlemax. Avoid aggressive treatments such as microdermabrasion.

What’s the best way to take care of my skin if I have Rosacea?

It is important that individuals with rosacea treat their skin gently when using cleansers and moisturizers. Experimenting with a few different products may be required until one finds the products that work best for his or her individual condition but here are some general guidelines.

  • When washing, use a soap-free, alcohol-free cleanser recommended by a dermatologist
  • Avoid rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes, or sponges; after washing, blot skin dry with a soft cotton towel
  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight on the face; use a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen daily
  • Select fragrance-free products - they have less potential for irritating the skin
    Use non-comedogenic makeup to hide blemishes and cover redness
  • Avoid powders, which can make dry flaky skin look worse

Rosacea Resources

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