Rosacea, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that typically affects the face.It results in redness, pimples, swelling, and small and superficial dilated blood vessels.Often, the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin are most involved.A red, enlarged nose may occur in severe disease, a condition known as rhinophyma.

The cause of rosacea is unknown.Risk factors are believed to include a family history of the condition.Factors that may potentially worsen the condition include heat, exercise, sunlight, cold, spicy food, alcohol, menopause, psychological stress, or steroid cream on the face. Diagnosis is based on symptoms.

While not curable, treatment usually improves symptoms.Treatment is typically with metronidazole, doxycycline, or tetracycline.When the eyes are affected, azithromycin eye drops may help.Other treatments with tentative benefit include brimonidine cream, ivermectin cream, and isotretinoin.Dermabrasion or laser surgery may also be used.The use of sunscreen is typically recommended.

Rosacea affects between 1 and 10% of people.Those affected are most often 30 to 50 years old and female.Caucasians are more frequently affected. The condition was described in The Canterbury Tales in the 1300s, and possibly as early as the 200s BC by Theocritus.