Thirty-one percent said flushing was the first symptom they experienced and 63 percent said it was the second. Meanwhile, 24 percent reported that persistent redness was their first sign of rosacea, while it was named second by 34 percent, and third by 39 percent.

“Rosacea goes undiagnosed in so many people because the most common initial symptoms – flushing and persistent redness – are often overlooked or mistaken for something else, such as sunburn,” said Dr. John Wolf, chairman of dermatology at Baylor University. “Very often, patients are already experiencing multiple signs of rosacea before they seek medical help.”
While nearly 43 percent of the survey respondents said that more than a year elapsed between the time they experienced their first rosacea symptom and their most recent, others stated that this happened more quickly. Thirty-eight percent said the interval was only a few months while 20 percent said it was about a year. Although eye irritation was rarely the first sign of rosacea, it was reported second by 14 percent, third by 10 percent, fourth by 19 percent, and fifth by 19 percent of the clients.

“As awareness of rosacea and its early signs and symptoms increases, early diagnosis and treatment should become more of the norm,” Wolf said. “Patients will be better able to manage their disorder once they know what it is and receive proper therapy and daily care.”

Wolf also noted that more than 77 percent of the survey respondents reported medical therapy had reduced the signs and symptoms of their condition. Survey respondents tended to be well into adulthood before the first sign of rosacea appeared. Twenty-five percent said they were in their 30s, 22 percent were in their 40s, and 25 percent reported they were over 50. Seventeen percent were in their 20s and 11 percent were under the age of 20.
Rosacea often begins as a flushing or redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and small blood vessels may appear. Without treatment, bumps and pimples often develop and, in severe cases, the nose may become swollen from excess tissue. Burning and stinging are common, and in many clients, the eyes are also affected, feeling irritated, and appearing watery or bloodshot.