A skin condition which causes redness or flushing of the face, visible capillaries, and acne-like papules. Rosacea affects the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, and sometimes the eyelids.
If the condition progresses, redness increases, the skin becomes more coarse and bumpy, and the nose may become larger. For some, rosacea also causes red, gritty-feeling eyes.
Rosacea is sometimes mistaken for adult acne, but it is not acne vulgaris. Rosacea is most common in people with fair skin, and usually appears after age 30. Women are more prone to rosacea, but men tend to have more severe forms.
No one knows for sure exactly what causes rosacea. Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be successfully controlled with help from your dermatologist. Treatment may include oral or antibiotics, metronidazole, sulfacetamide, and/or retinoids.
