SUBTYPES

Rosacea is categorised into 4 key subtypes although overlap is common.

• Subtype 1 - erythematotelangiectatic - consists of flushing and persistent redness with increased visibility of blood vessels.

• Subtype 2 - papulopustular - is characterised by persistent redness with bumps and pimples.

• Subtype 3 - phymatous - involves thickening of the skin, including enlargement of the nose; this is called rhinophyma.

• Subtype 4 - ocular rosacea – involving the eyes which may cause dry or watery eyes, burning, swollen eyelids, recurrent styes and potential vision loss from corneal damage.

Many patients experience characteristics of more than one subtype at the same time and those often develop in succession. It must be noted that it is entirely possible that, for example, you can have subtype 1 on its own, or even have subtype 2 and 4 at the same time.

While rosacea may or may not evolve from one subtype to another, each individual sign or symptom may progress from mild, through moderate to severe. Early diagnosis, treatment and protection are therefore highly recommended.