What is Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea is a skin disorder that primarily affects the face. Less frequently, the condition can affect the neck, chest and shoulders. The most obvious symptom of the condition is redness and flushing of the cheeks, forehead and nose. An individual with the problem may also experience enlarged blood vessels, small red bumps or pimples, watery eyes, facial swelling, and blotchy red patches.

There are millions of people worldwide affected by acne rosacea and there is no cure. Fortunately, the disease is treatable. Common treatments for the conditions include medications and creams that can significantly improve the condition and reduce the flushing and inflammation.

There are a number of antibiotics prescribed to sufferers. It’s important the condition is properly treated; if left untreated, an individual could suffer from serious problems later such as rhynophyma or telangiectasia. The condition can also cause social or psychological problems.

Many rosacea patients report that the condition can lower confidence and self-esteem. The condition can occur at any time, but there are certain circumstances in which an individual is more prone to suffering from a flare-up. Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, embarrassment and fear can all aggravate the condition. For this reason, stress management and reduction can also treat the symptoms of acne rosacea.

The exact cause of the condition remains a mystery. The most commonly suspected cause is genetic factors. Some researchers believe that sun exposure, bacteria, and even some medications could be to blame for the condition.

Those affected are likely to be in a certain age range. This condition is more likely to affect people between the ages of 30 and 50. Because older individuals are more likely to suffer from the condition, it is sometimes referred to as “adult acne.” Although anyone can suffer from acne rosacea, women are affected more, yet when men suffer from rosacea it is often more severe.

There are cases where a person is unaware that they have the disorder. The effects of acne rosacea can easily be mistaken for other common skin problems. For example, someone with the condition may assume they have gotten sunburned while others with the condition might mistake it for blushing.