Rosacea

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition of the skin of the face that causes redness that looks like a flush or blush. It is initially characterised by outbreaks and periods of improvement. Rosacea is sometimes called acne rosacea, which is misleading because rosacea and acne are two totally different conditions, although they can appear together.

Rosacea often progresses from intermittent to persistent facial redness with pimples without blackheads and telangiectasia (red lines where the tiny blood vessels of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead become quite prominent).

Rosacea occurs in both men and women and, and although it may occur at any age, onset usually begins after the age of 30.

People with rosacea often find that certain lifestyle and environmental factors trigger a flare-up or aggravate their individual conditions. Common triggers include certain foods (especially hot or spicy foods) and drink, (especially alcohol and caffeine), exercise, temperature changes, exposure to the sun, rain or wind, and stress.

Rosacea responds to treatment but cannot be cured. Left untreated, the redness becomes more permanent and the tiny blood vessels may become more visible. Pimples often develop and in a few people, especially older men, the nose may become bumpy, red and swollen (Rhinophyma).