1. Vascular Rosacea—In addition to problems with redness (usually chronic at this point), those in the vascular stage often begin to notice small blood vessels (telangiectasia) appearing on the face. These broken vessels look a bit like varicose veins on the legs and appear as thin red pencil lines patterned on the cheeks or around the nose.
2. Inflammatory Rosacea—At this stage, papules (bumps) and pustules (bumps containing pus) begin to appear. Rather than being surface pimples (which usually resolve rather quickly), these tend to be deep and more painful than those associated with teen pimples. If (and when) the bumps do drain, they often leave unsightly scars.
3. Advanced Rosacea—If left untreated, rosacea usually continues to deepen as far as the red coloration, and telangiectases and bumps become more plentiful, larger, and more painful. Skin may thicken and become leatherlike. Some men (though rarely women) may begin to develop rhinophyma which is condition where the nose begins to thicken and become bulbous in appearance. W.C. Fields experienced problems with rhinophyma, and a quick look at photos available online will show that nose involvement can be quite unsightly.
At any stage during the disease, skin may be sensitive. Lotions and make-up may cause a burning sensation when applied. Many sufferers also notice an uncomfortable feeling of heat in the affected areas which can be often be felt by others as well by touching the face. In other words, the person with rosacea may often feel too warm, and that heat is real enough to be felt by others in much the same way parents take a quick forehead temperature check of children by placing the back of the hand to the forehead.
Another concern is that the eyes are often involved when someone suffers with rosacea. Eyes may become sensitive to light, burn, and begin to feel like sand has been blown in the eyes. Eye infections may also occur and can be quite serious if not addressed.