Rosacea & Redness
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that is a variant of acne in adults. It shows up as flushing, broken blood vessels, pimples and oil gland growth.
Expert, compassionate care for rosacea and facial redness
Persistent facial redness isn’t always sensitive skin. If your cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead frequently appear flushed — or you’ve developed visible blood vessels, bumps, or irritation — you may have rosacea.
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects millions of adults. Although symptoms often come and go, early diagnosis and personalized treatment can help reduce flare-ups, improve your skin’s appearance, and make triggers easier to manage.
Dr. Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist, provides expert evaluation and treatment for rosacea at Steele Dermatology. Together with her experienced dermatology team, she develops individualized treatment plans designed to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support long-term skin health.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the face. While it often begins with occasional flushing, symptoms may gradually become more noticeable over time without treatment.
It affects men and women, and typically more fair-skinned, white patients. However, we’ve seen it in patients of every ethnicity and race. There are four different components of rosacea:
Redness and broken blood vessels
Flushing and blushing: It tends to be temporary and associated with a burning, hot or irritated sensation.
Pimples: The pimples that you may get in rosacea are just like those that you get in regular acne, usually without blackheads, whiteheads or deep cysts.
Rhinophyma, oil gland growth on the nose: This rare lumpy enlargement of the nose must be treated with surgery or laser surgery.
Rosacea is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, genetics, the immune system, environmental factors, and blood vessel changes are all believed to play a role.
Because rosacea can resemble acne, eczema, allergic reactions, or other skin conditions, an accurate diagnosis is an important first step.
Common signs and symptoms of rosacea
Rosacea affects every patient differently. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin
- Frequent flushing
- Visible facial blood vessels
- Acne-like bumps or pimples
- Burning, stinging, or skin sensitivity
- Dry or rough facial skin
- Swelling of the affected areas
- Eye irritation or watery eyes (ocular rosacea)
Some patients experience only occasional redness, while others develop multiple symptoms over time.
Rosacea treatment, at a glance
Rosacea cannot be cured, but it can often be managed successfully with consistent care and the right treatment plan. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include:
Topical Medications
Prescription creams or gels may help reduce inflammation, improve bumps, and minimize persistent redness.
Oral Medications
Some patients benefit from oral medications to help control inflammation during more active flare-ups.
Laser Treatment
For visible blood vessels and persistent redness, laser treatment may help improve the appearance of affected areas, depending on your skin type and symptoms.
Personalized Guidance
Daily skincare plays an important role in managing rosacea. We’ll recommend gentle products and practical strategies to help protect your skin barrier and reduce common triggers.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Because rosacea changes over time, periodic follow-up visits allow Dr. Johnson to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as your skin’s needs evolve.
Rosacea FAQs
Although triggers vary from person to person, many patients notice that certain situations make their rosacea worse. Common triggers include:
- Sun exposure
- Hot weather
- Cold or windy conditions
- Emotional stress
- Exercise
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Hot beverages
- Certain skincare products
Identifying your personal triggers is often an important part of managing rosacea successfully.
No. Although rosacea can cause acne-like bumps, it is a different condition with different underlying causes and treatment approaches.
Rosacea is a chronic condition. While symptoms may improve for periods of time, ongoing management often helps reduce flare-ups and maintain healthier skin.
There is no single laboratory test for rosacea.
Dr. Johnson diagnoses rosacea through a careful skin examination and a review of your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments. She will also evaluate your skin to rule out other conditions that may appear similar.
A thoughtful evaluation helps ensure your treatment plan addresses the underlying condition rather than simply masking redness.
For some patients, laser treatments can reduce visible blood vessels and persistent redness. Dr. Johnson can determine whether laser therapy is appropriate for your individual concerns.
Yes. Emotional stress is a common trigger for many patients, although triggers vary from person to person.
Schedule a rosacea consultation at Steele
Rosacea often looks different from one patient to the next. What works well for one person may not be the right approach for another. That’s why Dr. Johnson begins with a careful diagnosis before recommending treatment. Every plan is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals, with a focus on improving your skin while helping prevent future flare-ups.
Patients in Buckhead and Alpharetta and the surrounding areas of Atlanta trust Steele Dermatology for individualized care, thoughtful recommendations, and a commitment to long-term skin health.
Request an appointment
Schedule online, call (770) 464-6000 or text us, and one of our specialists will assist you.
