Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition that affects over 14 million Americans, many of whom are unaware that they have the condition. Rosacea appears on the skin of the face as areas of redness and sometimes small, red bumps or pus-filled papules similar to acne, and can affect a patient's confidence and self-esteem as a result. Although rosacea is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, there are several treatments available to relieve symptoms and prevent flare ups, allowing patients to avoid embarrassment from the appearance of their skin.

Cause of Rosacea

While the specific cause of rosacea is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Symptoms can also be triggered by certain factors, including:

Stress
Sunlight
Extreme temperatures
Alcohol
Hot or spicy foods
Strenuous exercise
Certain medications

Rosacea can affect anyone, but is most common in fair-skinned adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Women are more affected by this condition than men, since it is often associated with menopause. When diagnosing rosacea, your doctor will consider your personal and medical history, as well as perform a physical examination of the skin.

Symptoms of Rosacea

Patients with rosacea may experience:

Redness
Small red bumps or pustules
Visible blood vessels
Flushing or blushing easily
Burning or stinging of the facial skin
Dry, irritated eyes

Symptoms most commonly appear on the nose, cheeks, mouth and forehead. Some patients may also experience thickened skin, raised red patches and  facial swelling.  The symptoms of rosacea can come and go, as this condition is cyclic for most patients, meaning that symptoms will flare up for period of weeks to months and then lessen for a while.

Since rosacea is a progressive condition, symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses, and can be classified into three different phases. Pre-rosacea symptoms often begin with frequent flushing or blushing, and then progress to a persistent redness on the face. Vascular rosacea symptoms refer to swelling of the small blood vessels around the nose and cheeks, a condition known as telangiectasia. Oily skin and dandruff are also common during this phase. Inflammatory rosacea is when the small bumps or pustules begin to develop and spread across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.

Treatment of Rosacea

While there is no cure for rosacea, there are several treatments available to help control symptoms and allow patients to enjoy their lives without constantly worrying about the appearance of their skin. The most effective treatment for rosacea depends on each patient's individual case, but usually includes a combination of prescription treatment and life changes.

Medication for rosacea may include topical ointments that are applied to the skin once or twice a day, as well as oral antibiotics to relieve the inflammatory symptoms of the condition.   Accutane� (isotretinoin), a powerful oral medication usually used for severe cases of acne, has also been used for severe and non-responsive rosacea.  It can help severe symptoms of rosacea by limiting oil production by the sebaceous glands.

Treatment for rosacea may be long-term, but most patients notice an improvement to their symptoms within one to two months. Patients can reduce the risk of flare ups by identifying certain triggers that lead to flare ups, and then trying to avoid them. Flare ups can also be reduced by wearing sunscreen, protecting the eyes and providing gentle but thorough care for your skin. If permanent skin damage or blood vessels have occurred as a result of rosacea, advanced treatments such as  laser surgery may be performed to improve the appearance of the skin.