Board-Certified Dermatologists in NYC

Rosacea Treatment Specialists

Rosacea patients may feel self-conscious and experience discomfort as a result of their condition. Our dermatologists are here to offer effective and personalized treatments to reduce redness and other symptoms.

Lady with rosacea on her cheeks and nose.

About Rosacea: Signs and Symptoms

Woman with rosacea on face.

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people and often requires specialist care. It commonly appears on the face, causing visible redness, flushing, bumps, or dilated blood vessels. While sometimes mistaken for acne or sensitive skin, rosacea is a distinct condition that needs tailored treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms

  • Facial redness and flushing – Persistent redness across the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin is the most common symptom. Flare-ups may resemble a sunburn that doesn’t go away.
  • Visible blood vessels – Small, dilated veins (telangiectasia) can appear on the skin’s surface, especially around the nose and cheeks.
  • Acne-like breakouts – Red bumps and pustules may develop, often mistaken for acne but requiring different treatment.
  • Thickened skin – In advanced stages, skin—especially on the nose—may thicken and become bumpy, a condition known as rhinophyma.
  • Eye irritation (ocular rosacea) – Red, dry, or watery eyes, along with eyelid swelling, may occur in some patients.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Before and after rosacea treatment.

How Rosacea Is Diagnosed

A dermatologist can usually diagnose rosacea with a skin exam and medical history review. Because rosacea may look like acne or other conditions, it’s important to see a specialist who can confirm the diagnosis and identify which type of rosacea you have. In some cases, further evaluation may be needed to rule out other skin or eye conditions.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for rosacea, many effective treatments can reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of rosacea:

  • Medications – Topical creams, oral antibiotics, or other prescription medicines to control redness and bumps.
  • Laser and light therapies – Options like intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulsed dye laser (PDL) target visible blood vessels and reduce redness.
  • Lifestyle and trigger management – Identifying and avoiding personal triggers such as heat, stress, or spicy foods.
  • Specialized procedures – In more advanced cases, treatments can help with thickened skin or visible lesions.

How We Help with Rosacea

Understanding the Underlying Causes

We start with a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, triggers, and overall health. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that can involve topical treatment, systemic therapies, and/or in-office procedures.

Management and Support

We provide long-term management support so you can maintain healthy skin and a better quality of life. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, our team helps you find lasting relief from rosacea’s discomfort and disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who gets rosacea?
Rosacea can occur at any age but is most common between ages 15–30 or 50–60. It tends to run in families, is more common in Caucasians, and affects about 16 million Americans.

What are the four types of rosacea?

  • Erythematotelangiectatic (ETR): Persistent redness, flushing, and visible veins.
  • Papulopustular (PPR): Red bumps and pustules that look like acne.
  • Phymatous: Thickened, bumpy skin, often affecting the nose.
  • Ocular: Irritated, red, or swollen eyes and eyelids.

How is rosacea diagnosed?
Dermatologists diagnose rosacea by examining the skin, reviewing your medical history, and identifying triggers. They may also rule out conditions like acne, lupus, or dermatitis before confirming the diagnosis.

Can rosacea go away on its own?
In rare cases, rosacea may fade over time, but for most people it is a lifelong condition. Treatment helps reduce symptoms and prevent progression.

What happens if rosacea is left untreated?
Untreated rosacea can worsen, leading to more visible blood vessels, thicker skin, rhinophyma, painful flare-ups, and even vision problems if the eyes are affected.

How is rosacea treated?
Treatment is tailored to the patient and may include:

  • Topical or oral medications
  • Laser or light therapies like IPL or pulsed dye laser
  • Lifestyle changes to avoid triggers
  • Specialized care for thickened skin or eye symptoms

What triggers rosacea flare-ups?
Common triggers include sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, heat or cold weather, stress, and certain medications. Triggers vary by person, so keeping a diary can help identify patterns.

Is there a cure for rosacea?
There is currently no cure, but with the right treatment and trigger management, symptoms can be significantly improved and controlled long term.

What to Expect

Comprehensive exam

We will review your symptoms, medical history, and triggers, followed by a skin exam to confirm your diagnosis.

Personalized treatment

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Instead, we’ll create a personalized plan for your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Ongoing support

We’ll monitor your progress, adjust treatments as needed, and guide you in preventing flare-ups for long-term skin health.

Hear from our Happy Patients

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"Dr. Alvarez is a conscientious and compassionate physician. My family and I have been seeing him for 8+ years and I’ve referred him to family and friends alike.

Everyone is always pleased with the referral and the care they receive."

- V.R.

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"Dr. Alvarez is incredible - by far my favorite doctor. He has helped me with a multitude of issues - advocating to my insurance for necessary care and offering me options for everything.

He and his team are dedicated to giving excellent, welcoming, quality care - and they have great views from their office."

- B.G

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"Dr. Karp is truly amazing! When I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. She's knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident in her care.

I actually came to see her when my regular dermatologist couldn't get me in, but honestly, I won't be going back. Her exceptional care and welcoming demeanor have won me over completely. "

- K.P

Our Certifications & Awards

American academy of dermatology association logo
American society for dermatolgic surgery logo.
ABD logo. American board of dermatology.
NYU Grossman school of medicine logo.
Contact Our Downtown Manhattan Office
DOWNTOWN DERMATOLOGY