Medical dermatology
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. It's eminently treatable, but the treatment isn't the same as treating ordinary acne.
What it is.
Rosacea typically affects the central face: cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It can show up as flushing and redness, acne-like bumps, skin thickening (classically of the nose), or eye irritation.
Who it affects.
Rosacea most commonly affects fair-skinned adults between 30 and 60, though it occurs in all skin tones. Common triggers include sun, heat, alcohol, spicy food, stress, and certain skincare products.
How we treat it.
Treatment combines trigger avoidance and sun protection with topical agents (metronidazole, ivermectin, azelaic acid) and, when needed, oral therapy (low-dose doxycycline). Visible vessels and persistent redness can be addressed with vascular laser referrals.
When to come in.
If your face flushes easily, you have persistent central redness, or you're being treated for acne that isn't responding, an accurate diagnosis often changes the treatment plan completely.
Common questions.
Can rosacea be cured?
Rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be permanently cured, but it can be well controlled. With consistent treatment, sun protection, and trigger avoidance, most patients keep redness and bumps to a minimum. Because rosacea tends to flare over time, ongoing maintenance usually works better than short bursts of treatment. We can build a long-term plan at your evaluation.
What skincare should I use if I have rosacea?
Rosacea-prone skin does best with a gentle, simple routine: a mild non-foaming cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, since sun is a common trigger. Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, menthol, or harsh scrubs, which can worsen redness. Patch-test new products. Your dermatology provider can tailor specific recommendations to your skin at a visit.
Is rosacea contagious?
No. Rosacea is not contagious and does not spread through touch, sharing items, or close contact. It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, not an infection, so you cannot catch it from someone or pass it to others. If you are unsure whether facial redness is rosacea or something else, an in-office evaluation can clarify the diagnosis.
Related conditions.
Next step
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