Acne Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that affects the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose.
The skin turns persistently red from the enlargement of capillaries, and often forms acne-like bumps.
In fact, it is sometimes mistaken for acne although it occurs mostly in middle-aged people (especially those who have fair skin).
It affects an estimated 14 million people in the United States.
With rosacea the bumps that form on the face are reminiscent of those that are symptomatic of acne, but there are no whiteheads and blackheads - only papules.
And unlike acne, rosacea affects more women than men, though it does tend to be most severe in men.
Acne Rosacea may eventually cause a type of eye inflammation and enlargement and reddening of the nose.
The causes of Acne Rosacea are not well known and there is no cure for it.
But there is treatment available to control the symptoms.
It tends to affect those areas of the face that blush and is most common in those people who blush easily.
Those situations that can cause blushing (embarrassment, etc.
) may aggravate the condition, as will weather conditions that affect fair-skinned individuals.
And while alcohol doesn't cause it, it can worsen the reddening.
Rosacea sometimes leads to emotional and psychological problems for some sufferers, as they avoid social contacts and interaction.
Rosacea is a progressive disease that results in inflammation of the center section of the face, including the chin, nose and forehead.
It can start out by repeatedly appearing and disappearing until it appears for good and results in the characteristic redness and acne.
It almost never goes away by itself.
Rosacea will worsen over time and must be treated if it is to be controlled.
While its cause is not known, factors that increase the blood flow to the skin can aggravate it.
These include: · Sunlight · Wind and very hot or cold temperatures · Alcohol · Stress, embarrassment or anger · Hot and spicy foods · Over-exertion · Hot showers and baths · Smoking Rosacea sometimes causes eye problems for some of its patients.
It can produce a form of conjunctivitis that leads to inflammation and burning, and can damage the cornea and the vision if left untreated.
It can also damage the nose because of a condition called rhinophyma.
This manifests itself as an enlarged, red and bulbous nose that in the most serious cases requires plastic surgery.
A dermatologist or doctor may be needed for diagnosis and treatment of rosacea.
Undiagnosed self-treatment can be risky as over the counter medications commonly used for acne can actually aggravate rosacea.
So if persistent redness appears on your face, it makes sense to see your doctor.
And since rosacea is most successfully treated when treatment is started early; the sooner it's diagnosed and treated, the better.
Effective treatment for rosacea usually involves prescription medications, as well as patient provided care.
Frequently, oral antibiotics and topical cream antibiotics are prescribed.
Initially both may be used to reduce symptoms.
Tetracycline is commonly prescribed to orally treat rosacea, as well as metronidazole, a topical antibiotic.
This tends to lessen skin inflammation and redness.
The eye problems associated with rosacea are treated with ocular antibiotics.
You may be prescribed certain skin care products that are designed to improve overall skin health.
These might include soaps, moisturizers, sunscreens and other skin care items.
In cases where enlarged blood vessels or redness are permanent, laser surgery or other cosmetic surgery procedures may be needed to remedy them.
Whatever treatment is prescribed it's important to continue its use, as there is no cure; so symptoms may recur if treatment is stopped.
In addition, it's important to take proper care of the skin by avoiding those things that can aggravate your condition.
And when using soaps or other skin applications such as lotions, avoid using those with irritating ingredients like alcohol.
And always wear sunscreen when spending any appreciable time out in the sun.