Q: Which doctor should you consult for rosacea?
A: You should consult your general practitioner first who might refer you to a dermatologist if needed. If your eyes are affected, you might also be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Q: Is rosacea contagious?
A: No. Rosacea is not considered contagious or infectious as it does not spread via skin contact or by sharing personal belongings.
Q: If it is not rosacea than what else could it be?
A: Cases of rosacea are easy to diagnose but can be mistaken with other skin conditions like:
- Acne vulgaris
- Lupus
- Eczema
- Impetigo
- Demodex folliculitis
- Staphylococcus infection
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Allergic or contact dermatitis
- Seasonal allergies
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Perioral dermatitis
- Carcinoid Syndrome
- Herpes Simplex
- Medication reaction (e.g., niacin)
Q: How does rosacea affect the nose?
A: One of the first facial areas affected severely by rosacea is the nose. It develops visible dilated small blood vessels. This makes the nose red and bumpy. This can advance into a condition called rhinophyma if left untreated. Rhinophyma results in a red enlarged nose, bulbous, and thick bumps causing disfiguring of the nose.
Q: Is rosacea hereditary?
A: Rosacea involves swelling of the blood vessels beneath the skin. The exact cause is unknown but genetic links have been found.
Q: Can a baby have rosacea?
A: Although rosacea mostly affects adults, it can rarely affect children too.
Q: What is roseola?
A: Roseola is a common viral disease affecting young children causing high fever and spotty rash. This viral disease usually resolves on its own without any treatment. It is different from the non-infectious rosacea.
Q: Are eczema and rosacea the same?
A: No, eczema and rosacea have similar appearances but they are two different skin diseases.
Eczema mostly occurs on limbs. Symptoms of eczema include reddish brown patches on the skin, small leaky eruptions, severe itching, and cracked scaly skin with scab formation over it.
On the other hand, rosacea mainly affects the face causing red, itchy, and thick facial skin with bulbous acne-like eruptions. Eczema is an allergy while rosacea is an excessive flushing of the skin with blood vessels.
