Q. Sometimes my flushing is so severe, my ears feel hot and burn. Is this part of rosacea?

A. Rosacea patients flush more frequently than the general population, and in some cases this flushing might include the ears. Adults who are prone to blush and flush are at greater risk of developing rosacea, and prolonged flushing leading to persistent redness in the face is an early symptom.

When flushing occurs, the blood vessels in the face dilate and allow an increase in blood flow. Many patients complain that this triggers a hot or burning sensation. Vascular areas such as the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and ears can be affected.

Q. My rosacea symptoms have always been more concentrated on the left side of my face. Are rosacea symptoms generally asymmetrical?

A. Rosacea patients may exhibit varying levels of severity of symptoms over different areas of the face. Patients have often reported that the disorder actually began with a red spot or patch on one cheek or another part of the face, and then spread to other areas.

On the other hand, many rosacea patients exhibit similar symptoms on both sides of their faces. Rosacea can present itself in different ways for different individuals.