Rosacea

Key messages

• Rosacea is a common skin condition that mainly affects the face. You may see flushing, lasting color (red, violet, or brown), acne-like breakouts, or visible blood vessels. Some people develop irritated eyes or thickening skin. (1,2)

• Although there is no cure for rosacea, proper treatment can help control the condition.

• See a board-certified dermatologist for the diagnosis and treatment of rosacea.

  • Treatment can reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life.

  • To find a board-certified dermatologist, visit aad.org/findaderm.

Supporting messages

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• While people of all ages and races can develop rosacea, it is most common in the following groups:

  • People between ages 30 and 60. (3-5)

  • Individuals with fair skin, blond hair and blue eyes. (3,5,6)

  • Women, especially during menopause. (3)

  • Those with a family history of rosacea. (5)

  • Exactly what causes rosacea is unclear. However, scientific breakthroughs, many made by dermatologists, are giving us a better understanding of what may be happening inside the body. It’s possible that the many signs and symptoms of rosacea are due to inflammation. As the inflammation increases, so do the signs and symptoms.

• Rosacea treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics, other topical medications including redness-reducing creams, or laser procedures.

  • Thickened skin may be treated with lasers, dermabrasion or electrocautery.

  • Redness or broken blood vessels from rosacea can also be treated with lasers.

• Rosacea may also cause depression and anxiety in patients and have negative impacts on quality of life and self-esteem. (7-9)

Tips for managing rosacea

• Identify and avoid your triggers. (10) Several factors, including spicy foods, alcohol and hot beverages, may cause rosacea flare-ups.

  • Dermatologists suggest identifying your triggers by keeping a journal documenting your flare-ups and your exposure to common causes. Once you’ve identified your triggers, try to avoid them if you can.

• Protect your skin from the sun by:

  • Seeking shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

  • Wearing protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. (11)

  • Using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. (12)

    • Look for a sunscreen for sensitive skin or one that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less irritating for rosacea than other active ingredients. (13)

    • When you’re outside, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

• Avoid overheating, which may trigger rosacea.

• Protect your skin from cold temperatures and wind, which may also cause rosacea to flare.

• Try to avoid stress, another common rosacea trigger.

• Keep your skin care routine simple:

  • Avoid cosmetic and personal care products that contain alcohol. (13)

  • Don’t use too many products.

  • Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or massaging your face.

  • Shield your face when using hairspray.

  • Apply moisturizer and do not over dry.

Related Academy resources for the public

1. Zhang H, Tang K, Wang Y, Fang R, Sun Q. Rosacea treatment: review and update. Dermatology and therapy. 2021;11:13-24.

2. van Zuuren EJ, Arents BW, van der Linden MM, Vermeulen S, Fedorowicz Z, Tan J. Rosacea: new concepts in classification and treatment. American journal of clinical dermatology. 2021;22(4):457-465.

3. Rosacea. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Updated May 2024. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea#tab-risk.

4. Spoendlin J, Voegel JJ, Jick SS, Meier CR. A study on the epidemiology of rosacea in the U.K. British Journal of Dermatology. 2012;167(3):598-605. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11037.x

5. Abram K, Silm H, Maaroos HI, Oona M. Risk factors associated with rosacea. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. May 2010;24(5):565-71. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03472.x

6. Two AM, Wu W, Gallo RL, Hata TR. Rosacea: part I. Introduction, categorization, histology, pathogenesis, and risk factors. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;72(5):749-758.

7. Heisig M, Reich A. Psychosocial aspects of rosacea with a focus on anxiety and depression. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. 2018:103-107.

8. Chang H-C, Huang Y-C, Lien Y-J, Chang Y-S. Association of rosacea with depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders. 2022;299:239-245.

9. Dai R, Lin B, Zhang X, Lou Y, Xu S. Depression and anxiety in rosacea patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatology and Therapy. 2021;11:2089-2105.

10. Alinia H, Tuchayi SM, Patel NU, et al. Rosacea Triggers: Alcohol and Smoking. Dermatol Clin. Apr 2018;36(2):123-126. doi:10.1016/j.det.2017.11.007

11. Oge LK, Muncie HL, Phillips-Savoy AR. Rosacea: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. Aug 1 2015;92(3):187-96.

12. Morgado-Carrasco D, Granger C, Trullas C, Piquero-Casals J. Impact of ultraviolet radiation and exposome on rosacea: Key role of photoprotection in optimizing treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021;20(11):3415-3421. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14020

13. Almeida LMC, Ianhez M, Dal'Forno T, et al. Long-term maintenance treatment of rosacea: experts' opinion. Int J Dermatol. Jan 2024;63(1):94-101. doi:10.1111/ijd.16920

Last updated: 12/04/24