Rosacea can show up as flushing, persistent redness, visible vessels, acne-like bumps, burning, or eye symptoms—and many patients have more than one pattern at the same time.
Treatment is matched to the dominant problem. Prescription skin care and oral medication target inflammation, while vascular laser treatment may be useful for persistent redness or visible vessels.
Why are my cheeks red, hot or burning?
Rosacea is one possible cause of persistent or recurrent facial redness, warmth, flushing or burning, but it is not the only one. Irritant or allergic dermatitis, sun exposure, medication effects, seborrheic dermatitis and other conditions can also cause facial redness. The pattern, triggers and accompanying symptoms help distinguish them.
What triggers rosacea?
Triggers vary among patients and may include heat, sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, stress, exercise, temperature changes, wind, cold and irritating skin-care products.
How is rosacea treated?
Treatment depends on the dominant features. Options can include gentle skin care, daily sun protection, prescription topical medication, selected oral medication and laser or light treatment for persistent redness or visible vessels.
Laser treatment for persistent redness and visible vessels
Laser or light therapy may help selected vascular redness and visible vessels, but it usually works best as one part of a broader rosacea plan rather than as the only treatment. Explore Excel V+ vascular laser for selected vascular redness and visible vessels.
What about bumps that look like acne?
Rosacea can cause acne-like papules and pustules, but the treatment differs from ordinary acne.
Related reading from Borealis
Explore these articles for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.
Can rosacea affect the eyes?
Yes. Eye dryness, irritation, eyelid inflammation and other ocular symptoms can occur. New eye pain or a change in vision deserves prompt medical attention.
Can rosacea be cured?
Rosacea is usually managed rather than permanently cured. Trigger awareness, gentle skin care, medication when needed and selected laser or light treatment can reduce flares and improve control.