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What is rosacea? -

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face.

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Who is affected? -

A common complaint, rosacea is more likely seen in women over 30 years old and people with lighter skin.

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Men with rosacea -

Men are less likely to suffer from rosacea, but symptoms can be more severe.

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People of color -

People of color can also develop the disorder, though symptoms may be harder to notice on brown or black skin.

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Primary signs and symptoms -

The first signs of rosacea include persistent facial blushing or flushing across the central part of the face.

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"Spider veins" -

This redness is accentuated by prominent and visible small dilated or broken blood vessels called telangiectasias, or "spider veins."

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Bumps and pimples -

Rosacea is also characterized by small, red solid bumps on the skin. These pimples sometimes contain pus.

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Ocular rosacea -

Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated swollen eyes and eyelids. This is a condition commonly known as ocular rosacea.

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Secondary signs and symptoms -

Burning or stinging sensations on the face are not uncommon. The skin can feel hot, with itching or a feeling of tightness also developing.

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Rhinophyma -

As it worsens, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing it to appear bulbous, a nasal deformity known as rhinophyma. This condition occurs more often in men than in women.

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Swelling -

Swelling of the face, especially around the eyes, is another sign of rosacea. Known as edema, this is often accompanied by raised red patches, known as plaques, which may develop without changes in the surrounding skin.

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Dry skin -

Dry, scaly skin is associated with rosacea. Confusingly, the central facial skin may be rough despite some patients complaining of oily skin.

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Skin discoloration -

Skin discoloration that appears on the neck and chest in the form of yellow-orange patches is a rare symptom of rosacea.

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What causes rosacea? -

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is not contagious. Research into the condition suggests it could be due to an overactive immune system. Another theory is that rosacea is heredity. Various environmental factors have also been considered.

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Demodex folliculorum -

Theories as to the cause of rosacea also blame the presence of a microscopic mite called Demodex folliculorum. This bug is a normal inhabitant of human skin, but has been found to be substantially more abundant in the facial skin of rosacea patients.

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What can trigger the complaint? -

There are known triggers that cause flare-ups of rosacea. These include excessive heat and overexposure to sun or wind.

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Alcohol -

Alcoholic drinks, in particular red wine, can trigger rosacea.

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Spicy food -

Similarly, hot spicy food, chili con carne or curry for example, is known to aggravate the condition.

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Stress -

Psychological stress is known to take a toll on the body, increasing the risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. It also serves as a trigger for all sorts of secondary ailments, in some cases including rosacea.

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Exercise -

Exercise, while essential for physical and mental well-being, can unfortunately trigger rosacea in some people prone to the condition.

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Skin conditions mistaken for rosacea -

Rosacea resembles a number of other skin disorders in signs and symptoms. One of these is acne.

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Lupus -

Rosacea can also look like lupus. This is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body.

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Keratosis pilaris -

Keratosis pilaris is a very common but harmless condition where small bumps appear on your skin. These can be similar in appearance to redness and pimples associated with rosacea.

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Treatment options -

There is no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.

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Skin-care procedure -

If rosacea has been diagnosed, you should first check that your skincare routine is not to blame. Flare-ups can be triggered by certain cosmetic, skin, or hair care products. Choose non-irritating skincare products and use a mild and non-abrasive cleanser.

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Antibiotic creams -

Failing this, your physician may suggest prescriptions for topical and antibiotic creams and ointments.

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Oral medication -

Alternatively, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the various signs and symptoms associated with the disorder.

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When to see a dermatologist -

If topical and antibiotic treatments fail to address the condition, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for a more thorough examination of the skin.

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Lifestyle management -

Otherwise, the onus is on the individual to avoid triggers that worsen the condition. Applying sunscreen of at least sun protection factor 30 every day, for example, can help reduce the onset of rosacea.

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Keep cool -

Regular cold water face baths help check the onset of flare-ups. Practice frequent eyelid hygiene if you're prone to ocular rosacea.

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Keep a journal - Use a journal to record flare-ups of rosacea. Note things like environmental factors and any daily events or activities, anything in fact that could contribute towards the outbreak.

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Living with rosacea -

The highly visible nature of rosacea symptoms are often psychologically challenging for anyone affected. Those living with the condition can experience issues with self-esteem, socializing, and changes to their thoughts, feelings, and coping mechanisms.

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Outlook -

Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that provide advice and support to those living with the condition.

Sources: (NHS)(Healthline) (National Rosacea Society) (Changing Faces)

See also: The most common skin conditions, and their cures

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