Rosacea is most well-known for its trademark rash that tends to bloom on the face, especially the cheeks. There are a few types of rosacea rash and just like any form of dermatitis, it can be a frustrating and painful experience.
Discover the most common types of rosacea rash and how to treat it naturally below:
What is a Rosacea Rash?
Here are some different symptoms you can expect for the different types of rosacea rash:
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
This is the most common type of rosacea. The center part of the face develops a blush-like quality of flushing and redness, sometimes accompanied by spider veins.
The skin is usually extremely dry, to the point that it may sting or burn. It is often very sensitive as well, so environmental or contact triggers often have a dramatic effect.
People with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea tend to flush or blush more easily than other people, particularly when they are exerting themselves [1].
Papulopustular Rosacea
Papulopustular rosacea looks and acts like acne. The entire face is oily and red with breakouts on the cheeks, forehead, and chin.
Oftentimes the skin develops plaques or spider veins in addition to bumps or acne-like breakouts. This causes the skin to have a higher level of sensitivity and if left untreated, the affected area can burn or sting [2].
Phymatous Rosacea
One of the rarer sub-varieties, phymatous rosacea, makes the skin thicken and develop bumps or lumps. This thickening occurs most often on the nose and cheekbones.
With this rosacea the skin will look very oily and shiny with large pores. It tends to be in more specific areas than other types of rosacea [3].
Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea is when rosacea develops in your eyes. A person who has ocular rosacea will notice dramatic differences in how their eyes feel and function.
If you have ocular rosacea you may experience one or more of the following: the eyes feeling gritty, like there is sand in them, a burning or stinging sensation, a severe itchiness, or dryness.
Vision can also worsen, often times drastically. Usually the vision can become blurry or the person can have trouble focusing. The sufferer will also notice an increased sensitivity to light, especially sunlight [4].
Rosacea Triggers: What Causes Rosacea?
The short answer is that nobody really knows for sure. There are quite a few possibilities, but nobody has proven any one of them for certain.The different types of rosacea rash can be linked to any of the following:
Genetics
Oftentimes multiple people in one family develop rosacea, so there may be a genetic component.
Natural Bacteria
Certain bacteria can cause rosacea which can cause flare ups. This is not something that all people with rosacea have, and some people encounter the bacteria but never develop rosacea.
Protein Processing
Malfunction of protein breakdown can actually trigger the redness and swelling found with rosacea.
Environmental Factors
If someone is predisposed to rosacea, extreme temperatures (high or low) or strong winds can easily cause a flare up.
People with rosacea are especially vulnerable to sun exposure, so most dermatologists recommend that those living with rosacea avoid direct exposure to sunlight as much as possible and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Because there is no exact rosacea triggers, it is important to note that there is not a specific rosacea “treatment”, instead rosacea sufferers can seek natural treatments to manage their symptoms and prevent flare ups.
Rosacea vs. Acne: What’s The Difference?
Not sure whether you're suffering from rosacea or acne? It's always best to seek the advice of a medical professional who can officially diagnose you and offer options for controlling symptoms.
The main difference between rosacea and acne is that acne causes blackheads and whiteheads. Even papulopustular rosacea, which looks like acne, does not have zits like acne does. Rosacea is characterized by a bright, almost glowing flush that is persistent and consistent.
The Best Rosacea Rash Treatment
Rosacea management requires gentle, yet effective products. No matter which of the different types of rosacea rash you may have, flare ups can be extremely sensitive, so its best to opt for all-natural treatments. Using products with harsh chemicals or unnatural ingredients can actually dry out skin and worsen inflammation. Here are some of our favourite rosacea rash treatment options:
A great rosacea rash treatment is this Chinese Herbal Eczema Bundle by Emily Skin Soothers. Simple and natural ingredients come together to make this an ideal itchy skin rash treatment. It includes our Baby and Adult Soother, Eczema Soap with Chinese Herbs, and a Natural Body Wash.
For itchy skin, we also suggest checking out this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream that is meant for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea. Not only is this product filled with natural ingredients, but manuka honey and manuka oil provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties as well. For a soothing soap, check out our Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar. This handmade soap is made with just 3 nourishing ingredients and has powerful moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties. To benefit from the Manuka cream and soap bar together, you'll love our Body Essentials Bundle which includes both natural products.
Natural remedies for rosacea are essential in treating flare ups, no matter what variety you are fighting. Because skin becomes dry, it's important to restore natural moisture while reducing inflammation.
References
1. Medscape.com. (2019). What is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR)?https://www.medscape.com/answers/1071429-118855/wh...
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Rosacea. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea
3. Medscape.com. (2018). What is phymatous rosacea? https://www.medscape.com/answers/1071429-118857/what-is-phymatous-rosacea
4. American Academy of Ophthamology. (2018). Ocular Rosacea. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/ocular-rosacea-facts
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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
