What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, which is generally present in the face

. Its a chronic condition that causes redness and tiny, red pustules or bumps on the skin. The visual symptoms may lead suffers to mistaken the condition for eczema, acne, or various types of allergies. If left untreated, rosacea will worsen with time.

The condition is characterized by flare-ups and remissions, and can potentially be disruptive to ones life. Rosacea often begins after age 30, showing up at first as a redness on the nose, chin and cheeks. Redness may also occur on the ears, scalp, neck or chest. Over time, the redness will deepen and blood vessels may become visible beneath the skin. Without treatment, pustules or bumps will develop, and in extreme cases the nose will become swollen and bumpy due to excess tissue. Those afflicted with rosacea may experience eye irritation, with watery or bloodshot eyes.

Who has it?

Its estimated that one in 20 Americans are affected by the condition, but one study suggests that 78 percent of the U.S. population wouldnt be able to recognize the symptoms of rosacea.

This skin condition tends to be more common in fair-skinned people, but that doesnt mean that it affects only them. Indeed, rosacea can affect all types of skin, and has been discovered in parts of the Middle East, China and South Asia. The condition seems to have more of a presence in those places that have recently seen socioeconomic development. This fact has lead to speculation that in addition to skin color, lifestyle might also be a risk factor. However, this finding may simply represent improved diagnosis in developing areas.

What are the signs?

The symptoms of rosacea include flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples, and visible blood vessels. Other potential signs of the condition include eye irritation, dry-looking skin, burning or stinging, thickening skin, swelling and plaques. As previously mentioned, these symptoms may appear on places other than the face, notably the ears, scalp, neck or chest.

How is it treated?

Today, the cause of the condition remains unknown, and there is no cure for it. However, doctors can apply treatments to attempt to reverse or control the symptoms. Those afflicted with the condition should seek help from a dermatologist or trusted physician.

As with many skin conditions, the symptoms vary for each patient, so a physician must tailor a care regimen to each individual. Bumps, pimples and general redness are usually treated with oral and topical medications for immediate relief, followed by long-term topical therapy to maintain remission. An oral therapy shown to have low risk of resistance has been developed for long-term use by rosacea patients.

by: Peter Wendt

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