For such a conspicuous condition, rosacea can be tricky. Often confused with acne, or even sunburn, rosacea also presents itself in a variety of ways.

Experts generally agree that there are four “sub-types,” or groupings, of symptoms. Keep in mind that it’s possible to show signs of each type, and at the same time. Though your rosacea may or may not progress from one symptom to another, all symptoms can worsen if left untreated.

1. Facial redness

Medical name: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
Symptoms: flushing and persistent redness, may include visible blood vessels, stinging, burning and swelling

2. Bumps and pimples
(with some redness, sometimes with swelling and visible blood vessels)


Medical name: Papulopustular rosacea
Symptoms: bumps (papules) and/or pimples (pustules) that come and go, may include red patches

3. Skin thickening

Medical name: Phymatous rosacea
Symptoms: excess tissue often results in enlargement of nose and irregular surface nodules (bump-like lesion). The red, bulbous nose that became entertainer W.C. Fields’ trademark was actually this type of rosacea.

4. Eye irritation

Medical name: Ocular rosacea
Symptoms: watery or bloodshot eyes, tearing and burning, swollen eyelids, recurrent styes