what is rosacea

3 hours ago 3
Nature

Rosacea is a common, long-term inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, swelling, and sometimes pimples or bumps. It most often appears on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, and can also affect the eyes, causing irritation and redness

. The condition typically begins after age 30 and is more common in people with fair skin, especially women, although men may experience more severe symptoms

. Rosacea tends to flare in episodes lasting weeks to months, with periods of remission in between

. The exact cause is unknown, but factors such as family history, sun exposure, heat, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain skincare products can trigger or worsen symptoms

. There is no cure for rosacea, but treatments including topical and oral medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes laser therapy can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups

. Managing triggers and using gentle skincare and sun protection are important parts of care

. In severe cases, especially in men, rosacea can cause thickened skin and enlargement of the nose, a condition called rhinophyma

. Eye involvement may require specific treatments to prevent complications

. In summary, rosacea is a chronic but manageable skin disease characterized by facial redness, inflammation, and sometimes eye symptoms, with treatment aimed at symptom control and trigger avoidance