Rosacea dermatologist: when to see one and how to prepare

Rosacea is a common condition that can cause facial redness, flushing, and sensitivity. This guide is meant to help you understand patterns and build a gentler routine.

When it’s worth booking

Persistent central-face redness, acne-like bumps, burning/stinging, visible vessels, or symptoms affecting your eyes are all good reasons.

What to track for 7–14 days

Photos, triggers (sun/heat/spice/alcohol/stress), products used, and what helped/hurt. Bring your product list.

Questions to ask

What subtype does this look like? Which triggers matter most for me? What’s the simplest routine? Which topicals are most likely to help my pattern?

What treatment can look like

Treatment often combines gentle skin care with prescription topicals and/or oral medication depending on bumps/inflammation. Laser/light treatments can help visible vessels and redness in some cases.

Quick takeaways

• Keep routines simple: gentle cleanse, moisturize, daily sunscreen.
• Track triggers (especially heat and sun).
• If symptoms persist or involve the eyes, consider medical evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a dermatologist or can my family doctor help?

Many primary care clinicians can start treatment, but a dermatologist is helpful for confirming diagnosis and tailoring options.

What should I bring to my visit?

A trigger list, photos, and the exact products you use (or a photo of labels).

How long until treatments work?

Many treatments take weeks. Consistency and a gentle routine matter.

Can rosacea be mistaken for acne?

Yes. Papulopustular rosacea can resemble acne, but management differs.

Is rosacea contagious?

No.

Should I stop skincare before the appointment?

If you’re flaring, simplifying for a week can help your skin calm down and make patterns clearer.

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Want a gentler routine to start?

If you’re building a simple, redness-friendly routine, you can request a sensitive-skin sample routine here: /sample/.

This page is for education and does not replace medical advice. If you have eye symptoms, severe burning/stinging, rapidly worsening redness, or you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, seek medical care.