What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic, acne-like condition of the facial skin that may affect over 15 million North Americans. The condition manifests itself as red patches on the face, mostly on the nose, chin, cheeks forehead and eyelids. The cause of rosacea remains unknown. Some theories include microorganisms (mite) and poor blood flow from the face causing a facial vasodilation (opening of pores) and strong vascular response to heat and other stimuli resulting in redness, swelling, etc. but the evidence is not sufficient to make an accurate claim. Unfortunately, there exists no cure for the condition. However, the symptoms can be controlled. The condition occurs in both men and women and usually manifests itself around the age of 30. It occurs most often in blue eyed, fair skinned people usually of Celtic decent, but not exclusively. Women are more commonly affected by the disorder, but men are usually more severely affected.
Rosacea is a hereditary, chronic (meaning long term) skin disorder that most often affects the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. In its beginning stages this common skin disease, which causes subtle redness in the center of the face, may come and go on its own. But, if left untreated, Rosacea may develop some inflammation, accompanied by skin eruptions, and may gradually become chronic and even permanent. Furthermore, the skin tissue can swell and thicken and may be tender and sensitive to the touch. About half of Rosacea sufferers also complain of symptoms with their eyes, also known as Ocular Rosacea. The Medical Breakdown of Rosacea Rosacea is caused by the dilation of tiny blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to break out with blotchy red areas called papules. A papule is a red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus (unless the papule is severe). These papules have three classifications: minor, moderate and severe. A minor Rosacea pa
Rosacea (said rose-ay-shah) is a potentially progressive neurovascular disorder that generally affects the facial skin and eyes. The most common symptoms include facial redness and inflammation across the flushing zone – usually the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead ; visibly dilated blood vessels, facial swelling and burning sensations, and inflammatory papules and pustules. Rosacea can develop gradually as mild episodes of facial blushing or flushing which, over time, may lead to a permanently red face. Ocular rosacea can affect both the eye surface and eyelid. Symptoms can include redness, dry eyes, foreign body sensations, sensitivity of the eye surface, burning sensations and eyelid symptoms such as chalazia, styes, redness, crusting and loss of eyelashes. A panel of experts have agreed on a standard classification system for Rosacea. This system is a brief text that is not intended to be exhaustive, but is a place to start. “Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder, primarily of the
