Rosacea Diagnosis

Do I have rosacea?

Some people confuse rosacea with other skin problems like acne and leave it untreated (or seek improper treatment). Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward managing and treating the symptoms of rosacea.

There is no specific testing used to diagnose²⁰ rosacea. Instead, healthcare providers rely on self-reported and observed symptoms—as well as an examination of your skin—to determine whether you have the condition.

Generally, the presence of at least two of the following signs can be used to diagnose rosacea:

• Flushing/redness
• Bumps and papules
• Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
• Eye irritation

The presence of either persistent redness or skin thickening (rhinophyma) is usually sufficient to diagnose rosacea.

If your provider is uncertain of the cause of your symptoms, he or she may ask you to undergo testing to rule out the presence of other conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, or lupus, all of which can cause signs and symptoms similar to those found in rosacea.

Ocular rosacea diagnosis

As is the case with rosacea, no specific testing is used to diagnose²¹ ocular rosacea. Your healthcare provider will likely diagnose your condition based on your signs and symptoms, as well as an examination of your eyes, eyelids, and the skin of your face.

In some cases, when your symptoms affect your eyes, you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for examination and diagnosis.

Ocular rosacea complications

In severe cases, ocular rosacea can lead to complications¹⁹ that affect the cornea (surface of the eye)—particularly when you experience dryness. Damage to the cornea can cause visual problems and can ultimately lead to vision loss.

Inflammation of the eyelids (called blepharitis) can also cause secondary irritation of the cornea (due to fallen eyelashes or other complications).

If you suspect yourself of having ocular rosacea, see your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of the condition can prevent serious complications from developing.