by James Spiller

Created on: October 04, 2008   Last Updated: October 10, 2008

Even though it affects up to 14 million Americans, Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that is relatively foreign to many people. Most often affecting adults between the ages of 30 and 50, Rosacea (also known as Acne Rosacea) is characterized by extreme redness around the areas of the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. This redness, or flushing, does not remain permanently. Instead, sufferers of Rosacea can expect to experience frequent appearances and remissions.

Though symptoms vary from person to person, sufferers often experience at least one, but often more, of the following symptoms: facial blushing and flushing, perpetual redness around the face resembling a sunburn, acne-like pimples, and blood vessels that appear on the skin. In more extreme cases, redness can also appear on the neck, chest, scalp, or ears and can be accompanied by symptoms such as facial swelling, skin thickening, and eye irritation.

There are four subtypes of the disease.
Subtype 1
(erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) is most common and is characterized by redness and visible blood vessels. Subtype 2 (papulopustular rosacea) is accompanied with various facial pimples. Subtype 3 (phymatous rosacea) is the thickening of the skin, usually around the nose, enlarging the area due to excess skin. The last type of Rosacea, subtype 4 (ocular rosacea) affects the eyes. It is accompanied by dry eyes, swollen eyelids, burning, tearing, and can lead to vision loss. Sufferers of Rosacea can expect to experience a combination of these subtypes as opposed to one specific subtype. A dermatologist should be contacted for Rosacea treatment as soon as possible to avoid developing different subtypes of the disease.

Though Rosacea is a chronic disease and has no cure, there are certain treatments and preventative measures that can help sufferers lead unencumbered lives. Dermatologists will often prescribe oral antibiotics as a means of Acne Rosacea treatment. Additionally, Rosacea cleansers can help to alleviate symptoms. The cleanser should be applied to the face, washed off with lukewarm water, then blotted dry with a cotton towel, taking special care not to rub or apply too much pressure to the affected area.

Certain preventative measures can also be taken to reduce the occurrence of outbreaks. Avoiding direct sunlight, and using sunblock, can help prevent instances of the disease. Other causes of outbreaks are emotional stress, wind, hot weather, spicy food, alcohol, excessive exercise, hot baths, and humidity, which should all be avoided if possible.

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