Although rosacea can occur on any colored skin, those with fair skin are most prone to it. Rosacea can vary in intensity and is a long-lasting skin condition. Usually the first sign of rosacea is a persistent flushing/blushing that is not associated with sweating. The individual usually has broken small blood vessels sprinkled over the face (chin, forehead or cheeks). Occasionally it can appear on the neck or chest area. Half of the individuals who have rosacea also have some eye involvement that includes conjunctivitis like symptoms (dry, gritty eyes and recurrent sties). Men will often have rhinophyma which is nose enlargement due to thickened skin on the nose.

Rosacea usually starts between ages 20 - 40. Rosacea lasts a long time but does not leave any scarring on the skin. It can vary in how severe it gets and will change in intensity over time. The individual usually experiences flushing/blushing that last longer than is normal and is not associated with sweating. Inflammation may also occur that can cause small red bumps or pimple like eruptions. Half of all rosacea suffers will have eye involvement that has symptoms of dry, gritty feeling eyes that appear as if the individual has conjunctivitis.

Other symptoms of rosacea are a burning sensation or stinging sensation on the face. A persistent redness after blushing or flushing. Small blood vessel lines will show on the face. The nose may have thickened skin.

What can individuals can do who have rosacea?

Learn all you can about rosacea

Avoid the triggers for your rosacea

Take control over the symptoms that you experience that are connected with your rosacea

This is a chronic condition that needs continued care

They can avoid exposure to extreme weather changes like cold, heat and wind.

Avoid drinking very hot liquids or very hot foods

Do not over do the exercise and be sure to exercise in cool environment and to stay well hydrated

Avoid vasodilating drugs (those that dilate your blood vessels)

Avoid using rough towels or loofahs

Avoid using facial toners, astringents or exfoliating agents

Using yellow or green-tinted cover-up before applying foundation can be helpful

There are patient support groups that you can join to help deal with rosacea situations

More about rosacea:

Rosacea is sometimes confused with acne. It is not the same, because rosacea is not something that occurs in teens, though the beginning stages of blushing/flushing can start at that time. Rosacea typically starts between the ages of 30 - 50. Rosacea is most prevalent in individuals of fair skin but can strike any skin color. Acne can also contain blackheads and whiteheads. Rosacea does not contain either blackheads or whiteheads. Like acne, rosacea does happen to sexes, occurring more frequently in women but striking more severely in men.