Types of Rosacea

There are four main types of rosacea: 1) Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea; 2) Papulopustular rosacea; 3) Phymatous rosacea; 4) Ocular rosacea.  Below is a description of some symptoms and physical signs common to each type.

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

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Symptoms

  • Flushing and blushing – May be triggered by sunlight, hot or cold drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, and even different emotions.
  • Redness of the face – The redness usually occurs on the cheeks and chin in women but can also include the nose in men.

Physical Signs

  • Redness of the central face that will not go away.
  • Telangiectasias (small dilated blood vessels) may be present where the redness is located.

Papulopustular Rosacea

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Symptoms

  • Flushing and blushing that will not go away.
  • May include a burning or stinging sensation.
  • There are many small bumps and fluid-filled bumps over the face.

Physical Signs

  • Redness of the central face that will not go away.
  • Telangiectasias may be present where the redness is located.
  • Tiny Bumps (papules) and Fluid-filled Bumps (pustules) are present.

Phymatous Rosacea

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Symptoms

  • Skin on the face is thick.
  • There are irregular surfaces on the skin.
  • Men usually have swelling of the nose.

Physical Signs

  • Deep redness of the face that will not go away.
  • Many telangiectasias all over the face.
  • Papules and pustules are present.
  • Inflammation of the skin (this may also involve the eyes).
  • Swelling of the skin – “Baggy cheek”.
  • Swelling of the nose – “Rhinophyma”.

Ocular Rosacea

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Symptoms

  • Flushing and blushing that will not go away.
  • May include a burning or stinging sensation.
  • There is a foreign-body sensation (gritty feeling) within the eye.
  • May have dryness, itching, and light sensitivity in the eye.
  • Can be associated with blurry vision.

Physical Signs

  • A watery or nloodshot eye.
  • Telangiectases of the inner eye structures.
  • Resistant styes or history of stye formation.
  • Decreased vision.
  • In some patients, ocular rosacea may occur before rosacea appears on the skin.


References:

Rosacea. MDconsult, 2009. Web. www.mdconsult.com

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