What is Rosacea? What Causes It? How to Treat It?

31 July 2026

Gül Hastalığı (Rozasea) Nedir? Neden Olur? Nasıl Geçer?

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition commonly seen on the face. It is also known as "acne rosacea" among the public and typically manifests with redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like lesions. Although it is more common in women between 30 and 50 years old with fair skin, it can be more severe in men.

What causes Rosacea?

While there isn't a single cause for rosacea, various genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development:

  • Genetic predisposition: It is more common in individuals with a family history of rosacea.

  • Skin microbiota: Mites, particularly Demodex folliculorum, and certain bacteria can cause sensitivity in the skin's immune system.

  • Immune system imbalances: An excessive reaction to irritants on the skin's surface can lead to vasodilation and redness.

  • Sun exposure: UV rays can trigger inflammation in the skin.

  • Triggering factors: Spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol, sudden temperature changes, and stress can lead to flare-ups.

What are the symptoms of Rosacea?

Rosacea can present with unique symptoms for each individual. Common findings include:

  • Persistent redness on facial areas such as cheeks, nose, and forehead

  • Visibility of superficial blood vessels (telangiectasia)

  • Acne-like bumps (papules and pustules)

  • Burning, stinging, sensation of heat

  • Dryness, redness, and irritation in the eye area (ocular rosacea)

  • Skin thickening around the nose in advanced cases (rhinophyma)

What are the types of Rosacea?

  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Persistent redness and visible blood vessels are dominant.

  • Papulopustular rosacea: Characterized by inflammatory lesions and acne-like bumps.

  • Phymatous rosacea: Thickening and disfigurement are seen, particularly in areas like the nose.

  • Ocular rosacea: Can affect only the eyes.

  • Granulomatous rosacea: Progresses with harder, thicker, and discolored nodules.

How is Rosacea diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made with a dermatological examination. Acne vulgaris, eczema, and lupus can be confused with it, so expert evaluation is required. If necessary, a skin biopsy or dermatoscopic examination may be performed.

If you think you have rosacea, you should consult your family doctor or a dermatologist.

How is Rosacea treated? What are the treatment methods?

While rosacea cannot be completely cured, long-term control can be achieved with appropriate treatment.

1. Topical Products

  • Anti-inflammatory creams

  • Products with temporary vasoconstrictive effects

  • Products containing piroctone olamine can help reduce sensitivity by maintaining the balance of microorganisms on the skin's surface.

2. Systemic Treatments

  • Low-dose antibiotics with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., special capsules used at specific dosages)

  • Potent vitamin A derivatives, only applicable in advanced cases and under medical supervision

3. Light and Laser Applications

  • IPL (intense pulsed light) and PDL (pulsed dye laser) treatments can be used to reduce redness and visible blood vessels.

  • Skin thickness is corrected with CO₂ or Nd:YAG laser.

4. Skincare and Supporting Products

  • Products that strengthen the skin barrier (e.g., creams containing ceramide, niacinamide)

  • Ingredients like piroctone olamine can provide benefits for microbial balance in sensitive skin, in addition to moisturizing.

Products that are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, essential oil-free, or have these ingredients low on the ingredient list, and are non-irritating, should be preferred.

How to choose sunscreen for rosacea?

Sun is one of the biggest triggers for rosacea. Therefore:

Eva Maree Sun Lotion not only protects your skin from harmful sun rays;

  • It also protects your skin from the aging effects of blue light (HEV) emitted from electronic devices such as computers.

  • With its antioxidant effect, it protects your skin from free radicals.

  • It is ideal for eczematous skin with its moisturizing factors.

Click on the product name to examine and purchase the product.‎

What should people with Rosacea pay attention to?

  • Sunscreen use should be part of the daily routine

  • Harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and hot water contact should be avoided

  • Spices, alcohol, caffeine, excessively hot foods and drinks should be limited

  • Sudden temperature changes and stress should be controlled

  • Skin should be regularly and gently moisturized

  • If ocular symptoms are present, an ophthalmologist should be consulted

How should people with Rosacea eat? Rosacea and diet relationship

  • Foods high in histamine (e.g., pickled products, alcohol) can trigger flare-ups

  • Sugary and processed foods can increase inflammation

  • Excessive red meat consumption can lead to vascular reactions

  • A diet rich in Omega-3 (walnuts, flaxseed, fish) is beneficial

  • Sufficient daily water intake supports skin health

  • Eating foods rich in antioxidants can be good for your skin

If you think you have Rosacea, you should consult your family doctor or a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by chronic redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like lesions on the face.

What causes rosacea?

Genetic predisposition, skin microbiota, immune sensitivity, sun exposure, and trigger foods, alcohol, hot beverages, or stress can trigger rosacea.

How is rosacea treated?

It can be controlled with topical and systemic medications, laser applications, and gentle skincare; sunscreen use and lifestyle adjustments are important.

This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.