Rosacea
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease affecting about 14 million Americans that causes redness and swelling on the face and also occasionally the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily, but many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea – i.e. low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations – are more difficult to handle than the physical ones.
Treatment
It is not yet known what causes rosacea and the disease is not curable, although it can be treated in many ways, including topical and oral medications, laser therapy and laser surgery. Early detection and intervention are essential to achieve the most effective results, or to reduce the severity of symptoms if rosacea has already progressed.