What Is Rosacea?​

 

Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.

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The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time.

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Rosacea can cause more than redness. There are so many signs and symptoms that rosacea has four subtypes:

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1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.

2. Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.

3. Phymatous rosacea: Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.

4. Ocular rosacea: Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and person may have what looks like a sty.  

With time, people who have rosacea often see permanent redness in the center of their face.

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Rosacea can affect more than the skin and eyes. Because rosacea is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease, it can reduce a person’s quality of life. Many people report problems at work, in their marriage, and with meeting new people. Surveys and studies report that living with rosacea can cause: 
 

• Feelings of frustration and embarrassment: In surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society, 41 percent said their rosacea caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.
   

• Worry: People worry that their rosacea will get worse or cause scars. People worry about side effects from medicine used to treat rosacea.
   

• Low self-esteem: Surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that almost 70 percent of people living with rosacea said that the condition lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem.
   

• Work-related problems: Surveys conducted by the National Rosacea Society find that when rosacea is severe, 70 percent of people say the disease affects their interactions at work. Nearly 30 percent say that rosacea causes them to miss work.
   

• Anxiety and depression: Living with a skin condition that flares unexpectedly can cause people to believe you have a drinking problem. This can cause anxiety and depression.

Treatment seems to improve a person’s quality of life. Studies show that when people have fewer signs and symptoms of rosacea, their quality of life improves.

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Source: https://www.aad.org