Health Topics for Skin Health

Department of Dermatology

Department of Internal Medicine: Allergy

Dermatological Cancers

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease known as "adult acne." It often begins as a redness that looks like a blush across the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. As time goes on, red pimples and pus-filled bumps may appear. Some people also notice small blood vessels across their nose and cheeks. In some people, the skin of the nose may become red, thick, and misshapen. Rosacea can also affect the eyes. It may irritate and inflame the eyelids and the white part of the eye.

The cause of rosacea is not known. There are several theories. Some researchers feel heredity, and environmental factors are to blame. Others feel it is a blood vessel or immune system problem. Yet others think it is caused by a mite that lives in hair follicles or bacteria that causes intestinal infection. But, contrary to popular belief, they agree, it is not caused by alcoholism.

Rosacea tends to run in fair-skinned families and tends to occur in people who blush easily. Symptoms usually begin in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Although rosacea seems to be more common in women, it is often more severe in men.

Factors that trigger or worsen rosacea include:

• anything that causes flushing of the face
• smoking
• drinking hot or alcoholic drinks (Alcohol has been unfairly linked as a cause of rosacea. It does not cause this condition, but can make it worse.)
• eating foods or drinking beverages containing spices
• emotional stress, anger, fear, or other strong emotions
• excessive heat or cold
• sunlight or
• strenuous exercise

Treatment of this condition is very important because rosacea can result in permanent damage to facial tissues. It is rare for rosacea to go away on its own and the condition usually worsens over time. Rosacea can be treated and reversed if diagnosed in its early stages. To prevent or treat rosacea symptoms:

• limit time spent in sunlight
• avoid rubbing or massaging the face, which tends to irritate the inflamed skin
• avoid irritating cosmetics
• use hair spray with caution to avoid getting it on the face
• take antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider, such as tetracycline, to reduce formation of pus-filled pimples
• use antibiotic creams or lotions and
• apply anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your provider to the surface of the skin to reduce swelling

Fair-skinned people, who notice increased flushing and blushing that does not go away or gets worse, should see their healthcare provider. Self-diagnosis and treatment are not recommended and most over-the-counter products only worsen the problem.

If you have a family history of rosacea or are concerned you may have rosacea, contact your provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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