What is Rosacea?

Papulopustular: This type of rosacea is the most common and typically consists of inflamed, small red bumps and pimples. The skin may be oily, and large pores may be seen.

Phymatous: A rarer form of rosacea that can occur in people with fair skin, this subtype is distinguished by thickening or enlargement of the skin due to excess tissue growth. It can cause thickened rough patches on the nose and cheeks or a swollen forehead or eyelids. When the thickened tissue on the nose is removed, a “swollen bump” called a rhinophyma may result.

Ocular: This type of rosacea affects the eyelids and surrounding skin. Typically, it causes red bumps on eyelids, swelling of the eyelids, dry eyes, and itching, burning, or tearing of the eyes. People with ocular rosacea may have problems with their vision if it is severe.

Erythrotelangiectatic: This type of rosacea causes flushing, persistent redness, and broken blood vessels on the nose, cheeks, or forehead. Blotchy redness may occur on the nose and cheeks but usually does not affect the forehead. Nodules may form, especially in heavy drinkers. This type of rosacea can cause the nose to become enlarged, crooked, and bulbous in extreme cases. It is sometimes called rhinophyma (when the enlargement is on the nose) or buffalo hump rosacea (which affects people with darker skin).