Rosacea
Definition
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.
Alternative Names
Acne rosaceaCauses
Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, you are more likely to develop this harmless skin condition if:
- You are fair skinned.
- You blush easily.
- You are a woman. However, men are usually more severely affected.
- You are between the ages of 30 and 50.
Rosacea involves enlargement of the blood vessels just under the skin and may be associated with other skin disorders (acne vulgaris, seborrhea) or eye disorders (blepharitis, keratitis).
References
Habif, TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:198-200.
Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:760-761.
van Zuuren EJ. Systematic review of rosacea treatments. J Am Acad Dermatol. Jan. 1, 2007: 56(1): 107-15
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