Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Mild Rosacea?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Mild rosacea is typically characterized by red, flushed cheeks that may be accompanied by bumps. Some people with mild rosacea also have blood vessels that are visible through the skin. Most of the time flare ups from this stage of rosacea are brought about by certain triggers that may include intense heat, cold, or some type of stressful situation. Some people also experience mild rosacea when they come in contact with various skin irritants or have an allergic reaction to something in their immediate surroundings. For the majority of people who experience mild rosacea, the flare ups last for roughly half an hour before subsiding.

Most doctors typically classify rosacea into four different stages. Pre-rosacea is the stage that generally prefaces the mild variety. When a person has pre-rosacea, he normally doesn't have any visible symptoms on the outside, but the blood vessels beneath the skin are starting to dilate at various times. When this stage of rosacea turns into mild rosacea, symptoms are usually noticed for the first time.

Mild rosacea may be treated with medications that are commonly used to treat acne.
Mild rosacea may be treated with medications that are commonly used to treat acne.

The mild form of rosacea often turns into moderate rosacea, which is usually much more severe. With moderate rosacea, the redness and flushing generally persist for hours at a time and may cause vascular damage. The redness and bumps are normally much worse, and broken blood vessels are usually very visible in the skin. Moderate rosacea may turn into severe rosacea, which can cause facial swelling in addition to the redness and bumps. People with severe rosacea might also experience intense facial pain when they have flare ups, and the redness and swelling may begin to include the nose.

Mild rosacea may be treated with topical antibiotics.
Mild rosacea may be treated with topical antibiotics.

Many doctors choose to treat mild rosacea with topical medicines that may be similar to those that are used for treating acne. Some topical medicines for rosacea often include benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics. There are also some prescription anti-inflammatory antibiotics, such as tetracycline, that a doctor may prescribe to treat mild rosacea. These drugs are normally used in the event that topical medications are ineffective. Doctors might occasionally prescribe a very strong acne medicine called isotretinoin for treating milder forms or rosacea, but it is usually reserved for patients with very severe rosacea.

People who suffer from mild rosacea may be able to use some home remedies to help reduce their symptoms. One of the most effective methods of controlling rosacea outbreaks is daily sunscreen use, because rosacea typically flares up when a person has had too much time in the sun. Drinking lots of water and avoiding very spicy foods may also help to control symptoms. People with rosacea in any form tend to have very sensitive skin, so it is usually recommended to avoid things like exfoliation and the use of very hot water on the skin.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Mild rosacea may be treated with medications that are commonly used to treat acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Mild rosacea may be treated with medications that are commonly used to treat acne.
    • Mild rosacea may be treated with topical antibiotics.
      By: Coprid
      Mild rosacea may be treated with topical antibiotics.