Rosacea: When Facial Flushing Becomes Something More
If you’ve noticed persistent redness, acne-like breakouts, or visible blood vessels on your face — especially if they come and go with certain triggers — you might be dealing with rosacea.
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects people of all skin tones. In lighter skin, it often shows up as persistent redness or flushing. In medium to deeper skin, it can appear violet, brown, or dusky in tone. Sometimes, rosacea causes sensitive, stinging skin, irritated eyes, or even thickening skin around the nose and cheeks.
It’s not dangerous, and it’s not contagious — but left untreated, rosacea can worsen over time. The good news? With expert care and the right routine, it’s very manageable.
How Is Rosacea Different from Flushing?
Flushing from embarrassment, red wine, spicy food, or cold wind is normal — and usually fades within a few hours.
But rosacea tends to linger. The redness (or discoloration) doesn’t fade as quickly, and it often worsens with time or certain skin products. Many patients tell us it feels like a flush — but one that sticks around too long.
If your face often feels hot, looks red or patchy, or stings when you use skincare products, it might be more than a temporary flush.
Is It Rosacea or Something Else?
Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, sunburn, a reaction to skincare, or just “sensitive skin.” It’s also frequently misdiagnosed — especially in skin of color, where it may not look red at all.
If you’ve tried to treat your breakouts or redness with no success, or your face frequently feels irritated, it’s time to see a dermatologist. We can tell the difference between rosacea and other conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or even lupus — and get you on the right path to relief.
Is It Rosacea or Something Else?
Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, sunburn, a reaction to skincare, or just “sensitive skin.” It’s also frequently misdiagnosed — especially in skin of color, where it may not look red at all.
If you’ve tried to treat your breakouts or redness with no success, or your face frequently feels irritated, it’s time to see a dermatologist. We can tell the difference between rosacea and other conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or even lupus — and get you on the right path to relief.
What Causes Rosacea to Flare Up?
Rosacea tends to go through cycles — flares and remissions. Flares can feel random, but they’re usually triggered by specific things like:
Hot drinks or spicy foods
Alcohol (especially red wine)
Sun exposure
Stress or heat
Harsh skincare products
At Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics, we’ll help you identify your triggers and develop a daily plan that protects your skin and keeps flares at bay.
What Causes Rosacea to Flare Up?
Rosacea tends to go through cycles — flares and remissions. Flares can feel random, but they’re usually triggered by specific things like:
Hot drinks or spicy foods
Alcohol (especially red wine)
Sun exposure
Stress or heat
Harsh skincare products
At Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics, we’ll help you identify your triggers and develop a daily plan that protects your skin and keeps flares at bay.
You Don’t Have to Live with Flushing, Burning, or Breakouts
Rosacea might feel frustrating, but it’s treatable — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you're noticing ongoing facial redness, stinging, breakouts, or changes in your skin tone, let’s take a closer look.
We’re here to help you understand what’s happening, identify your triggers, and create a personalized plan that gets your skin back in balance.
Let’s take the guesswork out of rosacea.