What Is Rosacea? What Exactly Is Acne Facial Rosacea?

"What is facial rosacea?" As an esthetician, this is one of the most frequently asked questions that I receive. Rosacea (pronounced: roh-zay-sha) can be summed up as a chronic congestion that is found mainly on the nose and cheeks. It is distinguished by redness, broken capillaries and the dilation of blood vessels. In severe cases, pimples and pustules (pimples with pus) will form. No need to ask yourself What is rosacea any longer.

Facial rosacea usually rears its ugly head in the form of redness across the nose, cheeks or forehead. However, it can also appear on the chest, neck, ears, back, and even the scalp.

WHAT IS ACNE ROSACEA?

Conversely, while asking, What is rosacea?, a person might also inquire as to, What is acne rosacea? Some define acne rosacea as having all the conditions found in rosacea with the addition of pimples, pustules and mites. Others say the term "acne rosacea" is a misnomer and it should just be called rosacea.

Acne rosacea is most prevalent in light-skinned adults between the ages of 30 and 50. It affects both the face and the eyes, and can also involve the neck and chest area. Generally, you can expect to see acne-like bumps clustered together, along with redness or flushing. The favorite areas of attack seem to be the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. I had the "good" fortune to have my acne rosacea appear right on the end of my nose. Boy, was that little constant cluster of tiny pimples a pretty picture!

With chronic acne rosacea, a person's eyes might become bloodshot and watery or perhaps a bit dry and sensitive to light. The nose becomes red and bulbous.

Rosacea often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed as adult acne. Facial rosacea is known as the "Great Pretender" because during its early phases, people tend to "justify" their symptoms. A person might think they just got a little too much sun and have a slight sunburn. On the other hand, they think for some bazaar reason they are just experiencing a little bit of a flushing sensation. They also might own up to experiencing a tad of acne, but justify the admission with, "It's no big deal; it'll go away."

Unfortunately, rosacea seldom just goes away. Generally, it will become worse without treatment. It is a chronic condition that presently has no cure. However, do not loose heart as it can be controlled with some lifestyle changes, facial skin care, and medical intervention.

WHO GETS ROSACEA

Rosacea affects over 14 million Americans. Although rosacea does not discriminate and affects both men and women, it generally can be found three times more often in the Caucasian female. Men are less likely to develop rosacea, however, when they do, they tend to have a more severe form of rosacea then women.

Most famous for this condition was W.C. Fields. It appears he never thought to ask, "What is rosacea? He suffered a severe form of the disease with much redness across the middle of his face, along with a very bumpy and bulbous nose. In fact, because of his appearance, it was always rumored that he was quite the drinker and had the red schnoz to prove it!


ADDITIONAL ACNE ROSACEA INFO

Symptoms Of Rosacea - Here's a page of information if you're interested in learning more about this condition. Each of the rosacea symptoms and characteristics are discussed in full detail.