Subtypes of Rosacea
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As is the case with numerous other conditions, the detection of Rosacea in an early stage can slow down and sometimes prevent it’s progression to a later and more severe stage.
What are the different types of rosacea?
There are four main types or stages of rosacea which vary in terms of their signs and symptoms.
- Type 1, also known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterized by redness of the skin on and around the facial area. This redness, also known as erythema may be visible on and off but may last for upto days at a time. In most cases, there may be a distinct appearance of blood vessels caused by the dilation of the capillaries in the skin of the nose and cheeks. This results in a significant increase in the sensitivity of the skin to touch as well as chemicals. It is therefore common for the skin of individuals with rosacea to react adversely to the application of cosmetic products.
- Type 2 is known as papulopustular rosacea and is in many ways a progression of the disorder from type 1. In addition to erythema, the noticeable features of this type include the appearance of bumps and pimples which are caused primarily by an increase in the size of the sebaceous follicles. In some severe cases, this type may lead to scarring of the skin even after the bumps have been cleared up.
- Type 3, phymatous rosacea is characterized mainly by the increase in skin thickness and the build up of excess skin tissue. For this reason, a common characteristic of type 3 rosacea is the enlargement of the nose. The sebaceous glands continue to grow and lead to the irregular appearance of one’s facial features. An individual with type 3 rosacea often exhibits the symptoms of types 1 and 2.
- The 4th type is known as ocular rosacea because at this point, the disorder progresses to have an effect on the eyes. Common ocular manifestations of this type in clued dryness of the eyes, reflex tearing in order to compensate for this dryness, swollen eyelids as well as the possibility of a partial loss of vision brought about by damage to the cornea.
Despite the fact that rosacea may not always progress from one type to another the signs within each subtype may progress and become more severe in nature. Hence it is important to detect the disorder as early as possible so as to attempt to manage it. Often, individuals who are likely to develop rosacea will exhibit warning signs. Such individuals are said to be in pre-stage 1 rosacea and experience symptoms such as temporary blushing in response to skin products or medication.
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