Just What is Rosacea?

Well if you are looking for an answer to this question then you are probably new to the world of rosacea. What is called rosacea, and therefore what is not rosacea ?

Rosacea Definition

The National Rosacea Society says it is

• “poorly understood disorder of the facial skin” and also
• “is a chronic and potentially life-disruptive disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions”

My Personal Definition

My own stab at a definition of rosacea “is a potentially progressive neurovascular disorder that generally affects the facial skin and eyes. The most common symptoms include facial redness and inflammation across the flushing zone – usually the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead ; visibly dilated blood vessels, facial swelling and burning sensations, and inflammatory papules and pustules.”

Expert Committee Rosacea Definition

Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder, primarily of the central face. It is often characterized by remission and exacerbation and it encompasses various combinations of such cutaneous signs as flush, erythema, telangiectasias, edema, papules, pustules, ocular lesions, and rhinophyma. Primary features considered as necessary for diagnosis include flushing, erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasias. A variety of secondary features are listed that may be absent or present as a single finding or in any combination.

How Do I Know if I  Have Rosacea ?

Officially, because rosacea can vary so much between individuals, you should have at least one primary and maybe also a secondary sign

Primary Symptoms of Rosacea

• Flushing
• Persistent Redness
• Acne like bumps or pimples
• Visible Blood Vessels

Secondary Symptoms of Rosacea

• Eye Irritation
• Burning or Stinging
• Dry Appearance
• Plaques
• Skin Thickening
• Swelling

Wow that is a lot!

Yes the list of possible rosacea signs is quite long and quite varied. Rosacea really is an unusual collection of symptoms

More Links to keep you going

• The Journal of the American Medical Association has published a Rosacea Patient Page which is a nice one page introduction to Rosacea.
• Tips for Getting Started
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Just Diagnosed with Rosacea
• The Official Rosacea Treatments
• Treating Each Rosacea Symptom