There are four progressive stages of rosacea.

• First stage — Flushing and intermittent facial redness
• Second stage — Persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
• Third stage — Small, pus-colored or red bumps, along with tiny blood vessels that appear as red, thin lines called telangiectasias
• Fourth stage — Bumps and skin thickening of the nose

The dermatologist usually can diagnose rosacea based on the history of flushing and the appearance of your skin.

Rosacea symptoms commonly come and go in cycles, often triggered by substances and situations that make the face flush.

Common triggers include hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, sunlight, stress, extreme heat or cold.

No, rosacea is not contagious.

There are several treatments depending on how severe your case is. In the initial stages, local treatments are usually enough to control the symptoms. The dermatologist will prescribe you creams or gel containing ivermectin, metronidazole, brimonidine or permethrin. In more advanced stages, oral antibiotics (minocycline and doxycycline) are indicated.