Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes flushing and ultimately dilation of tiny blood vessels of the face, especially of the cheeks and nose. It also occurs, though not as commonly, on the chest and back. It often starts as tiny pustules on the cheeks and patients often have a history of flushing. Flushing is brought out by increases in skin temperature in response to hot liquids and spicy foods, exposure to sun and heat, and is also sometimes precipitated by alcohol. Rosacea often starts between the ages of 30 and 50 but is more common between the ages of 40 and 50. It is unrelated to acne, though many people who have rosacea often have a history of acne as well. It can also cause irregular enlargement of the nose and other facial features in some people, more commonly men. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are different topical treatments that are used to control the signs and symptoms and sometimes oral medications are used as well. Laser treatments can be used to treat the dilation of blood vessels on the face.