Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face.
It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps.
Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction, or other skin problems.
Rosacea can occur in anyone.
But it most commonly affects middle-aged women who have fair skin.
While there’s no cure for rosacea, treatments can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.
If you experience persistent redness of your face, see your doctor for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
Rosacea is not sparked by poor hygiene.
A number of factors can trigger or aggravate rosacea by increasing blood flow to the surface of your skin.
Some of these factors include:
Anyone can develop rosacea.
This complication is much more common in men and develops slowly over a period of years.
There’s no specific test for rosacea.
Instead, doctors rely on the history of your symptoms and a physical examination of your skin.
These conditions can sometimes cause signs and symptoms similar to those of rosacea.
If your eyes are involved, your doctor may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
Treatment for rosacea focuses on controlling signs and symptoms.
Most often this requires a combination of skin care and prescription treatments.
The duration of your treatment depends on the throw in and severity of your symptoms.
The bang out of medication your doctor prescribes depends on what signs and symptoms you’re experiencing.
It is applied to the skin as a gel.
It works by constricting blood vessels.
You may see results within 12 hours after app.
With these drugs, improvements generally don’t appear for three to six weeks.
Oral antibiotics.Antibiotics help reduce some types of bacteria but likely mainly fight inflammation when used for this disease.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic taken as a pill for moderate to severe rosacea with bumps and pustules.
It’s a powerful oral acne drug that also helps clear up acne-like lesions of rosacea.
Don’t use this drug during pregnancy as it can cause serious birth defects.
Laser therapy may help reduce the redness of enlarged blood vessels.
Gentle daily facial massage may help reduce swelling and inflammation.
But no conclusive evidence supports the idea that any of these substances are effective.
Talk with your doctor if you’re considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapies to treat rosacea.
He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific alternative therapies.
You’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner.
If your condition affects your eyes, you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
It’s a good idea to prepare for your appointment.
Here’s some information to help you.
Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.
You might feel embarrassed or anxious about your appearance and become withdrawn or self-conscious.
You may be frustrated or upset by other people’s reactions.
Talking to a counselor about these feelings can be helpful.
Updated: 2017-08-19
Publication Date: 2001-05-23
