As we well know rosacea is a progressive vascular problem that affects the facial skin and the eyes. Even if it starts as an innocent mild flush across the face it may lead to severe symptoms. In early stages the flush comes and goes, but as the disorder progresses the symptoms become more intense and broken blood vessels become visible. After the first stage the inflammation usually intensifies leading to permanent redness, swelling or burning sensations.

The common symptoms are the ones that help doctors to realize the diagnosis. It is well known that no single test can determine if someone has rosacea or not.

A high number of sufferers all over the world are developing rosacea symptoms. It is known that in the United States about 13 million people suffer of rosacea. This high percentage of about 5 % is seen in the United Kingdom, Canada or China.

Rosacea develops various symptoms depending on the stage of the problem or on the patients. The most common symptoms that occur in rosacea sufferers are flushing and blushing occurring easily and often and last longer than normal. Rashes and redness are also common symptoms in rosacea. They occur all over the face and appear as mild sunburn. In time the appearance may become worse. Sensations such as burning or stinging are also seen in rosacea.

Papules or pustules are seen in some cases. These are bump eruptions that may be solid or puss filled. These affections may lead to a dry skin.

Visible red lines are also a symptom of rosacea. Called telangiectatis these lines are caused the enlarged or damaged blood vessels.

Ocular symptoms are also seen in more than half of the rosacea cases. This condition leads to red, sore or gritty eyes or eyelids.

All these symptoms caused by rosacea are in many cases aggravated by sun exposure. The change of the climate is also affective for rosacea sufferers. Wind and extreme temperatures are not tolerated by these people. A unwanted effect may be caused by the consumption of certain foods, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.

Among the less common symptoms we have to remember the redness extended to other parts of the body such as the chest or the bumps on the nose that makes it look swollen.

Rosacea knows three stages. Stage 1 includes flushing or redness that lasts for hours or days; sensitive skin and not so often, telangiecstases.

The second stage includes the occurrence of papules and pustules. These may last for weaksand may spread to other parts of the body too.

The last stage includes the most severe conditions and refers to the untreated rosacea. The third stage may result in large nodules, most commonly on the cheeks and rhinophyma.