Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.
Alternative NamesAcne rosacea
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAlthough the cause of rosacea is unknown, you are more likely to develop this harmless skin condition if:
Rosacea involves swelling of the blood vessels just under the skin. It may be associated with other skin disorders (acne vulgaris, seborrhea) or eye disorders (blepharitis, keratitis).
SymptomsYour physician can usually diagnose rosacea with a thorough medical history and physical exam.
TreatmentThere is no known cure for rosacea. The goal is to identify and avoid possible triggers, and thus reduce flare-ups. By keeping a symptom diary to identify the specific triggers you may have, you may be able to see a pattern of what makes your rosacea worse. Use this information to avoid future flare-ups.
Here are some steps that may help:
Triggers vary from person to person. Other triggers may include wind, hot baths, cold weather, specific skin products, exercise, or other factors.
Antibiotics taken by mouth (such as tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline) or applied to the skin (such as metronidazole) may control skin eruptions. Other medications (isoretinol or Accutane), which are similar to vitamin A, are stronger alternatives that your doctor or dermatologist might consider. Rosacea is not acne and will not improve with over-the-counter acne treatment.
In severe cases, laser surgery may help reduce the redness. Surgical reduction of enlarged nose tissue may also improve your appearance, if you so choose.
Expectations (prognosis)Rosacea is not medically dangerous. It is not curable, but can usually be controlled with treatment. It may be persistent and chronic.
ComplicationsHabif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 7.
Goldgar C, Keahey DJ, Houchins J. Treatment Options for Acne Rosacea. Am Fam Phys. 2009 Sep;80(5).
van Zuuren EJ, et al. Systematic review of rosacea treatments. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007:56(1):107-115
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that makes your face turn red and may cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne.
Alternative NamesAcne rosacea
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsRosacea is a harmless condition, but it may cause you to be self-conscious or embarrassed. The cause is not known. You may be more likely to have this if you are
Rosacea involves swelling of the blood vessels just under the skin. It may be associated with other skin disorders (acne vulgaris, seborrhea) or eye disorders (blepharitis, keratitis).
SymptomsYour health care provider can usually diagnose rosacea by performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical history.
TreatmentThere is no known cure for rosacea.
Your doctor will help you identify the things that make your symptoms worse. These are called triggers. Avoiding your triggers may help you prevent or reduce flare-ups.
Here are some steps that may help ease or prevent symptoms:
Triggers vary from person to person. Other triggers may include wind, hot baths, cold weather, specific skin products, exercise, or other factors.
In severe cases, laser surgery may help reduce the redness. Surgery to remove some swollen nose tissue may also improve your appearance.
Expectations (prognosis)Rosacea is a harmless condition, but it may cause you to be self-conscious or embarrassed. It may be a long-term (chronic) problem. It cannot be cured, but may be controlled with treatment.
ComplicationsHabif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 7.
Goldgar C, Keahey DJ, Houchins J. Treatment Options for Acne Rosacea. Am Fam Phys. 2009 Sep;80(5).
Webster GF. Rosacea. Med Clin North Am. 2009 Nov;93(6):1183-94.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/22/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Does rosacea get better with age
Acne Rosacea is the scientific name for Rosacea although it should not be confused with Acne Vulgaris (acne). The symptoms are different and the treatment should be different as well. The symptoms of Rosacea are facial redness and flushing as well as other possible reactions.
Paranerita rosacea was created in 1909.
Drillia rosacea was created in 1845.
Mitra rosacea was created in 1845.
Rosacea itself is not a fatal condition, but in rare cases it can lead to complications such as severe infection or ocular problems which could be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. It's important to seek medical treatment to manage rosacea and prevent potential complications.
The similarity in appearance of rosacea to acne led people in the past to erroneously call the disease acne rosacea or adult acne.
If you think you have rosacea, I suggest seeing you doctor and/or a dermatologist. They will be able to diagnose you and if you do have rosacea, give you a treatment plan.
Lupus and rosacea are not the same thing. A dermatologist would need to do a biopsy to determine if redness and inflammation are caused by lupus or rosacea. It is possible for a lupus rash to look lmuch like rosacea.
Sulphur is an old and very effective treatment for rosacea
The most common symptom of rosacea is flushed skin or redness of the skin. If you think you may have rosacea, I suggest seeing your doctor or a dermatologist.
Topical ointments are usually prescribed for rosacea. Oral antibiotics and Isotretinoin may also be used depending on the severity and location of the rosacea.