by Scholten A

Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes chronic redness of the face. It can cause swelling, pimples, and visible blood vessels. Rosacea usually affects the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose, but the ears, chest, and back may also be affected. More than half of people with rosacea also have mild eye symptoms, including redness, burning, and watering. There are 4 types.

  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
  • Papulopustular rosacea
  • Phymatous rosacea
  • Ocular rosacea
Rosacea Rash
IMAGE
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

In some people, especially men, a condition called rhinophyma develops. In this condition, the nose becomes enlarged, bulbous, and red.

The cause of rosacea is unknown. A combination of genetic and environmental factors may be related to its development. Some researchers believe that rosacea is primarily a disorder of the blood vessels, or vascular system, in which something causes blood vessels to swell, resulting in flushing and redness.

A mite that lives in facial hair follicles may possibly be involved. Some researchers believe that these mites clog the sweat gland openings, leading to inflammation. There may also be a link between rosacea and Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes infection in the gastrointestinal system. The immune system may also play a role in the development of rosacea in some people.

Approximately 16 million people in the United States have rosacea. It usually occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. While rosacea cannot be cured, it can be treated and controlled.

What are the risk factors for rosacea?What are the symptoms of rosacea?How is rosacea diagnosed?What are the treatments for rosacea?Are there screening tests for rosacea?How can I reduce my risk of rosacea?What questions should I ask my doctor?Where can I get more information about rosacea?

References

All about rosacea. National Rosacea Society website. Available at: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php. Accessed December 27, 2017.

Causes of rosacea. National Rosacea Society website. Available at: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/causes/introduction. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Rosacea. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea. Updated June 2014. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Rosacea. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116224/Rosacea  . Updated June 8, 2017. Accessed December 27, 2017.

Rosacea: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/rosacea#overview. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Rosacea: What is it? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea#tab-overview. Updated April 30, 2016. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Revision Information