Rosacea Skin Care

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness and flushing of the facial skin, usually on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead.

It tends to begin after age 30, and over time the red areas can become inflamed and develop visible blood vessels, bumps and pimples. In some people, rosacea also affects the eyes, which can become watery, bloodshot and irritated. Rosacea is most common in women with fair skin who tend to blush easily, but many men have this condition as well.

Both of my parents have rosacea, so I am probably at high risk for developing this condition. My mother's symptoms are best classified under Subtype 1, known as erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. This form is defined by persistent redness and flushing with visible blood vessels but without swelling, pimples or thickening of the facial tissue.

My father has Subtype 4, ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes and is defined by redness, swelling, and frequent inflamed bumps (styes). He has not suffered corneal damage, but this can occur in advanced stages of ocular rosacea.

The good news is that rosacea is treatable. For acute flare-ups, oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed to get the symptoms under control. Long-term management includes proper skin care, diligent sun protection, and avoidance of triggers. Some of the most common triggers of rosacea are listed below (see "Rosacea Triggers").