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A Quick Understanding of the Four Types of Rosacea

A Quick Understanding of the Four Types of Rosacea

Published by Jil Goorman on Jan 23rd 2023

Redness, inflammation, and breakouts are just a few common symptoms of rosacea, which can be extremely bothersome in your daily life. Believe it or not, rosacea sufferers have various triggers; therefore, this skin condition doesn’t look the same for everyone. Whether you struggle with rosacea or just want to learn more about it, follow along for a quick understanding of the four types of rosacea.

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea—also known as ETR—is the most common type. Common symptoms include intense redness, spider veins, and flushing. Interestingly, increased blow flow to the face is the root cause of these unpleasant symptoms. While someone’s cheeks may appear rosy, rosacea is different because pain and burning often accompany the sudden flush.

While ETR may impact your appearance more than anything, you should know that treatments may include gels, creams, and other topical solutions.

Papulopustular Rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea is the second type, and it’s much worse than the first. Unfortunately, those with papulopustular rosacea may experience red bumps and pustules in addition to the classic redness. Burning and stinging may also come with this type of rosacea, and treatments include topical creams and possibly oral medication to increase treatment effectiveness.

Phymatous Rosacea

The third type of rosacea is phymatous, which may result in the thickening of facial skin. There are a few different terms to describe skin thickening on different areas of the face, but it’s also possible on the ears and cheeks.

  • Rhinophyma describes skin thickening on the nose.
  • Gnathophyma describes skin thickening on the chin.
  • Metophyma describes skin thickening on the forehead.

Treatment may include the use of lasers to remove extra skin tissue and oral medications to reduce inflammation. Together, these treatments are generally effective at managing phymatous rosacea.

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea is the fourth type, and it doesn’t impact the normal skin on your face. This type of rosacea impacts the eyes and vision. The typical symptoms of ocular rosacea include:

  • Chronically dry or watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Red or inflamed eyes
  • Redness or cysts on the eyelids

Generally, treatment includes eye drops or artificial tears, oral medications, and creams for eyelid cysts.

Now that you have a quick understanding of the four types of rosacea, you should consider getting a rosacea skincare set to ensure your beauty products aren’t triggering a flareup. Rosacea is a bothersome skin condition, but proper care and treatment can work wonders to control it.