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
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.
Drillia rosacea was created in 1845.
Mitra rosacea was created in 1845.
Paranerita rosacea was created in 1909.
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.
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.
If you have rosacea, the burning is from the rash. You can put an ice pack on it to help with the burning.
Diagnosis of rosacea is made by the presence of clinical symptoms. There is no specific test for the disease.