Rosacea is a
chronic inflammatory condition
of the pilosebaceous (sweat) glands
located in the face. It was once considered
to be a form of acne, but recent
study views chronic inflammation as
its own dermatological condition.
Rosacea is characterized by
flushing, erythematous (red)
papules, and pustules with
telangiectasia (new blood vessel
growth). It primarily affects
middle age individuals with light
skin. Rosacea is usually present in
the central areas of the face, and
is not typically found on other parts of the body, like acne. [1]
The cause of rosacea
is unknown. There is
speculation, however, that moderate
and severe acne at a younger age may
precede rosacea, and be an
underlying determinant. Rosacea causes
cosmetic changes to the skin surface. The skin surface loses its smooth
appearance and becomes chronically
inflamed. Tissues of the nose,
forehead, ears, and chin will often
have increased and irregular growth in
the later stages of the disease. [2]
Rosacea is most
common in individuals between the
ages of 30 and 50 years old. It
is rarely diagnosed in younger
individuals. It primarily
affects females, though males are
more likely to get hypertrophy
(increased growth) of the nose. Rosacea
tends to affect individuals with
lighter skin and has an affinity for
the Celtic race and southern
Italians. This condition
rarely affects
individuals of color. [3]
In the early stages
of rosacea individuals will
experience an intermittent flushing (reddening) of
the face. This
flushing may be a response to
alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, and
hot liquids. Over time, the flushing
that was once periodic becomes
constant and small blood vessels
begin to grow in the areas affected
by flushing. The skin in this area
then becomes inflamed with first
papules appearing, then pustules. In
the final stage, there is persistent
redness, deep papules, and pustules
with marked blood vessel growth. Later, other areas of the face such
as the nose, chin, forehead, and
ears may begin to increase in
growth. In rare cases the eyes can
be affected by rosacea. This can
become as serous complication, as the growth of cataracts may
significantly affect one's vision. [4]
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