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Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the skin on the face. Rosacea can occur on the cheeks, chin, forehead, eyelids and nose. This disorder may cause general redness to the face or bumpy eruptions that look like acne.

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Rosacea is not a life-threatening disease, but it is chronic. However, rosacea can be controlled with treatment, and it will worsen if left untreated. The redness of the skin may extend to the back, chest and ears. Rosacea is not the same condition as acne and cannot be treated with over-the-counter acne medications.

Rosacea generally affects people with fair skin who blush easily. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, but men with rosacea experience more-severe symptoms. The disease generally affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. Rosacea is one of the most common skin disorders. One in 20 people in the United States currently live with this condition (Source: PubMed).

Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for rosacea but mild symptoms recur or are persistent.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of rosacea?

The main symptom of rosacea is inflammation of the skin on the face. This redness can start on the nose and cheeks and then slowly spread to others parts of the face or body.... Read more about rosacea symptoms

CAUSES

What causes rosacea?

The cause of rosacea is not known. However, certain risk factors for developing the condition have been identified.... Read more about rosacea causes

TREATMENTS

How is rosacea treated?

There is no known cure for rosacea. As part of your treatment plan, your health care provider will help you identify potential triggers for rosacea in order to reduce flare-ups. Your health care provider may ask you to maintain a symptom diary to pinpoint your triggers and determine a pattern for your rosacea outbreaks.... Read more about rosacea treatments

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Medical Reviewer: All content has been reviewed by board-certified physicians under the direction of Rich Klasco, M.D., FACEP. Last Annual Review Date: May 2, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

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