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What is Rosacea?Welcome to 'Rosacea FAQ'. This site provides information regarding the skin disorder Rosacea, plus answering the most frequently asked questions concerning this condition.Do your cheeks and face flush easily and take longer than normal to return to its normal color? Do particular foods, heat or maybe stress cause this reaction? Do you have any friends or family members that always seem to have a red nose or cheeks? Well the above signs could be the skin disorder called Rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause flushing (redness), inflammation, and red lines on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. It is related to acne and used to be reffered to as acne rosacea. It is a surprisingly common condition with more than 14 million Americans suffering from it, but is also poorly understood by the general public. Rosacea typically appears between the ages of 30 and 50 in fair-skinned people and affects more women than men. Although women are more likely to have rosacea, men usually have more severe symptoms. There is no evidence that Rosacea can be passed from one person to another. The primary effect of rosea is cosmetic - it is not a serious or dangerous condition - but the damaging effects are often therefore psychological. About 70 percent of rosacea patients reported that it had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and around 40 percent said that it had made them avoid going out in public or cancel social events. It is estimated that about 50% of Rosacea sufferers also have problems with their eyes such as dryness, burning and soreness in the eyes and eyelids. This is called ocular rosacea. The visual facial effects of Rosacea are caused by groups of tiny microvessels close to the surface of the skin becoming dilated. This results in blotchy red areas with small papules (a small, red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus) and pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps). In the early stages of the condition, the redness may come and go, but eventually it may become permanent. Also, skin tissue can swell and thicken and may be tender and sensitive to the touch. There is not a particular test a doctor can do to determine whether a person has Rosacea. A diagnosis is made from identifying whether a patient has a number of the standard rosacea symptoms common to most sufferers. If you are diagnosed with the condition, you will be assesed as to how far it has progressed using the three stages of rosacea. A dermatologist will decide on the best course of rosacea treatment. Your dermatologist will also help to determine the relevant lifestyle changes which may be needed to help prevent further flare-ups and give you advice on skin care. Although the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, medical help is available that can control the signs and symptoms of this disorder. |