Rosacea
Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is rosacea?
Rosacea (roz-ay-sha) is a very common benign skin disorder that affects many people worldwide. As of 2008, it is estimated to affect at least 14 million people in the United States alone. The main symptoms of this facial condition include red or pink patches, visible broken blood vessels, small red bumps, red cysts, and pink or irritated eyes. Most people with the disease may not even know they have rosacea or that it is a diagnosable and treatable condition. Many patients may just assume they blush easily or have gotten sunburned.
Rosacea is considered a chronic (long-term), non-curable skin disease with periodic ups and downs. As opposed to traditional acne, most adult patients do not "outgrow" rosacea. It characteristically involves the central region of the face, causing persistent redness or transient flushing over the areas of the face and nose that normally blush -- mainly the forehead, the chin and the lower half of the nose. It is commonly seen in people with fair or light skin, and particularly in those of Irish and Scottish backgrounds. Some famous people with rosacea have included former President Bill Clinton and W.C. Fields.
 |
| What does rosacea look like? |
The redness, often aggravated by flushing, may cause small blood vessels in the face to enlarge (dilate) and become more visible through the skin, appearing like tiny red lines (called telangiectasias). Continual or repeated episodes of flushing may promote inflammation, causing red bumps that resemble teenage acne. In fact, rosacea can frequently be mistaken for common acne. Rosacea is also referred to as acne rosacea.
 |
| Red cheeks are a common symptom of rosacea. |
Next: Is rosacea like acne? »
- doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
- Acne (Pimples) - Learn acne causes, treatment information and types: comedones, whiteheads, blackheads, zits, pustules and cystic acne. Folliculitis and rosacea may look like pimples, but they're different conditions.
Latest Medical News
|
|
 |
From WebMD
Skin Problems and Treatments Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Rosacea
Blepharitis »
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is the medical term for inflammation of the eyelids. The word
"blepharitis" is derived from the Greek word blepharos, which means "eyelid," and
the Greek suffix itis, which is typically used to denote an inflammation in
English. Inflammation is a general term used to describe the process by which
white blood cells and chemicals produced in the body protect us from foreign
substances, injury, or infection. The normal body response of inflammation
involves varying degrees of swelling, redness, pain, warmth, and change in
function. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, causing red, irritated,
itchy eyelids, and the formation of dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. It is
a very common eye disorder with a wide variety of causes. It affects people of
all ages. Although it may be uncomfortable, annoying, or unattractive, blepharitis is not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage
t...
Read the Blepharitis article »
|
Skin RSS