Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. It often worsens with heat, sunlight, spicy foods, alcohol, or stress. While there is no cure, treatment can effectively control symptoms and improve confidence.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our dermatologists specialize in identifying your triggers and creating personalized treatment plans that calm inflammation, reduce redness, and restore skin balance.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Rosacea often develops gradually and may fluctuate over time. Common symptoms include:

• Facial flushing or redness, especially on the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
• Small, red bumps or pustules that resemble acne
• Eye irritation or dryness (in ocular rosacea)
• Thickened skin, especially around the nose (in phymatous rosacea)

During your visit, your dermatologist will review your medical history, skincare routine, and environmental triggers. A careful skin exam helps determine the rosacea subtype and severity, guiding the most effective therapy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation. Because rosacea can resemble other skin conditions, your dermatologist may also:

• Rule out acne, lupus, or seborrheic dermatitis
• Evaluate eye involvement if symptoms such as redness or irritation are present
• Review medication history, as some drugs can worsen facial flushing

Treatment & Ongoing Management

Treatment focuses on reducing redness, controlling flare-ups, and improving skin appearance. Depending on your symptoms, your dermatologist may recommend:

• Topical treatments: Metronidazole, azelaic acid, or ivermectin to reduce inflammation and bacteria
• Oral medications: Doxycycline or other anti-inflammatory antibiotics for moderate to severe disease
• Laser or light-based therapy: Targets redness and visible blood vessels
• Lifestyle guidance: Avoiding triggers such as heat, alcohol, or spicy foods; using gentle, fragrance-free skincare and daily sunscreen

Follow-Up & Outlook

With proper care, most patients achieve long-lasting control of their rosacea. Regular follow-up allows your dermatologist to adjust medications, fine-tune trigger management, and prevent future flares. With consistent treatment, skin redness and irritation can be dramatically reduced—helping patients feel more comfortable and confident.