Acne rosacea is a skin disorder that shows up on the middle part of the face. The areas of the face around the nose, forehead and chin become reddened and can be full of pimples. Even though it is called acne rosacea, it is different than acne. Acne rosacea usually occurs in adults between the ages of thirty to fifty, and is a disease that mostly affects adults who have fair skin. In the areas affected by acne rosacea, the blood vessels, which are usually small, become enlarged and visible.

Causes Of Acne Rosacea

The causes of acne rosacea are unknown. It is possible that stress can cause flair ups of rosacea. People who commonly blush have more flair ups of rosacea. Exposure to the sun can cause flair ups as well.

It is possible that there is a mite in the hair follicles that could cause flair ups of acne rosacea. Also, some doctors believe that the bacteria Heliobacter pylori can cause rosacea breakouts. But these are all guesses. Right now, doctors are not sure what exactly causes acne rosacea. It could be different for different people.

Signs Of Rosacea

Acne rosacea usually appears as an inflammation of the skin on the face around the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Over time, the skin no longer returns to its original condition, unless treated. It can be combined with the nodules associated with acne. Rosacea can cause a nose condition that is called rhinophyma. This makes the nose grow to be bulbous and enlarged. Also, the eyes can be affected by acne rosacea. Rosacea sufferers often suffer from conjunctivitis, which is a burning and itching of the eyes. This can lead to very serious complications of the eyes.

Can Rosacea Be Treated?

Rosacea is not curable, but it can be regulated with treatment. People who suffer from acne rosacea should not use over the counter acne treatments. These can irritate the skin and actually make rosacea worse. If you are suffering from rosacea, head to your doctor. You will be given both oral and topical medications for your condition.

Oral medications are usually antibiotics. Doctors usually start patients off with a high dosage to shock the body, and then taper off the treatment as the rosacea begins to respond. Topical medications vary, and can include antibiotic creams that reduce the swelling and rosy color of rosacea. Sometimes at the beginning of treatment, doctors will give the patient topical steroids, such as cortisone, to start the treatment of the inflammation.

Avoid spicy food and smoking can also help flush out the symptoms of acne rosacea. It is also important to avoid sun exposure and extremes in temperature when treating rosacea. Do not use any strong skin care products.