Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition of the skin of the face that causes redness that looks like a flush or blush. Rosacea most often affects those aged 30 to 60, especially those with fair skin, blue eyes and of Celtic origin. With over 13 million North Americans suffering from rosacea. In fact, rosacea has been called adult acne or acne rosacea, but the disease has little to do with the pimples and blackheads that commonly afflict teenagers. It's also a misconception that this red-faced condition is caused by drinking alcoholic beverages. It begins as erythema (flushing and redness) on the central face and across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also less commonly affect the neck and chest. Rosacea affects all, but is almost three times more common in women.

Symptoms can include aswollen nose. Some other symptoms include foreign body sensations, itching and burning. Triggers that cause episodes of flushing and blushing play a part in the development of rosacea. Certain medications and topical irritants can quickly progress rosacea. It is believed that some people have a genetic predisposition to developing it as tends to run in families. Exposure to temperature extremes can cause the face to become flushed as well as strenuous exercise, heat from sunlight, severe sunburn, stress, anxiety, cold wind, moving to a warm or hot environment from a cold one such as heated shops and offices during the winter. An increased incidence of rosacea has been reported in those who carry the stomach bacterium.

Rosacea may begin as a simple tendency to flush or blush easily, then progress to a persistent redness in the central portion of your face, particularly your nose.
Rosacea may be aggravated by facial creams or oils, and especially by topical steroids. Steroid induced rosacea is the term given to rosacea caused by the use of topical or nasal steroids. A topical (applied to the skin) antibiotic, metronidazole is commonly given as a gel or cream for the treatment of mild rosacea. Tetracycline antibiotics including doxycycline and minocycline reduce inflammation. Surgery or other treatments may help your skin look better if you have advanced rosacea. Choices may include dermabrasion, cryosurgery, or laser surgery. Avoid oil-based facial creams. Use water-based make-up.

Rosacea Treatment and Prevntion Tips

1. Never apply a topical steroid to the rosacea.

2. Trigger avoidance can help reduce the onset of rosacea.

3. Avoid oil-based facial creams. Use water-based make-up.

4. Protect yourself from the sun. Use light oil-free facial sunscreens.

5. Antibiotic creams or pills may be used to treat redness and pimples.

6. Surgery dermabrasion, cryosurgery, or laser surgery treatments may help your skin look better