Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea or facial redness usually manifests after the age of 30 and is characterized by bumps (papules) and a diffuse redness over the cheeks, chin, and forehead. Patients often complain of flushing quickly with such common triggers as exercise, alcohol, tobacco, emotional stress, taking hot baths and even the consumption of certain foods such as cheese, spicy foods, shell fish, soy sauce, and nuts.
The presence of thousands of very fine blood vessels (telangectasias) makes the face appear red. In men this condition can be much more aggressive and even lead to a red bulbous nose usually associated with W.C. Fields. In rare cases, the eyes can be affected and cause serious problem including corneal damage. If you have these symptoms you should see an ophthalmologist.
The cause of this relatively common condition is not entirely known and many theories including exceedingly sensitive facial vasculature, circulating hormones and even a hair follicle mite called Demodex Folliculorum are thought to be the cause.
With proper treatment this condition can be effectively treated and the facial redness and blood vessels erased.
Note: None of the above is intended as medical advice.
