Can rosacea be itchy?

Itching is not a typical symptom of rosacea, which more commonly causes mild discomfort or burning sensations. Itching tends to be associated with other conditions that cause facial redness such as eczema or perioral dermatitis.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red bumps. Although itching is not a typical symptom of rosacea, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or a burning sensation in the affected areas.

It is important to distinguish rosacea from eczema, another skin condition that causes redness and itching. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and red skin. It can occur anywhere on the body and often appears as patches of dry, thickened, scaly skin. Unlike rosacea, eczema can cause intense itching that can often interfere with daily activities.

The best rosacea treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. In general, treatment for rosacea includes lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme temperatures, as well as topical and oral medications. Topical medications may include creams or gels containing metronidazole, ivermectin, azelaic acid, or brimonidine, which can help reduce inflammation and redness. Oral medications may include antibiotics, such as doxycycline or minocycline, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent acne-like breakouts. To reduce the appearance of generalised redness and facial capillaries, the most successful treatment is usually vascular laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy.

To calm a rosacea flare-up, it is important to avoid triggers that can worsen symptoms, such as sunlight, hot beverages, and stress. Applying cool compresses or a soothing moisturiser can also help reduce redness and inflammation. In some cases, prescription medications or laser therapy may be necessary to manage severe or persistent rosacea symptoms.