Rosacea is a chronic (long-term) inflammation of the facial skin that can cover the cheeks, chin, forehead, eyelids, and nose. Rosacea is when erythema (facial redness) appears as a reaction to emotion like embarrassment or aggravation and lasts. Other characteristics might be a swelling of the facial tissue, which increases the size of the tissue, which can occur especially over the nose area. The blood vessels of the face can become more visible as they enlarge. Facial pores also increase in size making them much more visible on the face. Skin eruptions that look quite like acne also appear over the reddened skin.

Rosacea has triggers that can elicit the characteristic response. These triggers can be sunlight, physical exercise, and emotions like embarrassment, mental stress or being aggravated. Sinus problems or allergies can also trigger rosacea. Drinking hot liquids or foods, and eating spicy foods and also extreme temperature (weather) changes can also trigger rosacea. Drinking alcohol is also a trigger for some individuals.

Weather extremes not only in temperature but also in dryness or sunlight can also affect rosacea, causing the skin to be irritated. When irritated the skin can become blotchy and red with small papules. Arterioles, capillaries, and venules can come close to the facial skin surface and become more visible. The facial eruptions become more severe when inflammation and pustules signal that the skin has become inflamed in response to acid food or the drink that has been consumed, or sunlight.

Much about rosacea is not understood including the cause of rosacea. It is known that the triggers of food, drinks, sun exposure and irritating skin products produces aggravated symptoms that the response is increased as the individual ages. The pustules of rosacea are not like the infected pimples of acne, which are bacterial in nature.

Although teens and those in their 20s may notice blushing or flushing that does not fade easily; the usual symptoms of rosacea typically will not be full-blown until the individual reaches their 30s, 40s or even their 50s.

The symptoms of rosacea are persistent and will worsen over time. Untreated the symptoms can lead to permanent changes in the facial appearance and can have a negative effect on self-esteem.

Treatment for rosacea includes avoiding the triggers and keeping the skin well hydrated. It is also important to protect the skin from sun by using sun protection products.

Treatments also include topical products and oral medications, laser therapy for the enlarged and visible blood vessels. Usually your dermatologist will use a combination of treatments that are specified to the individual. When prescribing a topical medication an antibiotic is often also prescribed at the same time. Topical medication is designed to reduce the amount of papules and pustules.

Oral medications are antibiotics that work faster than topical antibiotics in treating the eruptions on the face. Glycolic acid peels, washes and creams are often used along with oral antibiotics.