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What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic disease that affects the skin on the face causing redness and sensitivity to the skin. In some cases the eyes can be affected as well and rarely the upper part of the body.

Is rosacea contagious?
No, rosacea is not contagious.

Who gets rosacea?
It typically affects adults between 30 and 60 years of age and is more common in women than men. While it can affect any skin color, it occurs most frequently and is most obvious in fair skinned individuals.

Does skin type affect my likelihood of having rosacea?
Any skin type is a potential candidate for rosacea. The key is finding the balance to treat your particular skin type as well as the rosacea.

What does rosacea look like?
The skin on the face will be flushed, especially around the nose and cheeks as well as the chin and forehead. Pimples and some swelling may also be present. In advanced stages the skin may thicken and becomes a deeper shade of red and men may experience a bulbous, red nose.

Why do my eyes bother me?
Rosacea can also affect the eyes, causing irritation and sensitivities. Eyes may be itchy, dry or burn and tear with the feeling that sand is in the eye. The eyelids can become swollen and inflamed. This problem can affect as many as 50% of those with rosacea.

What causes rosacea?
A specific cause has not been determined but it appears that there may be hereditary tendencies. It is believed that the flushing and redness is a result of the blood vessels dilating too easily.

Can you test for rosacea?
There aren’t any diagnostic tests that can be done to diagnose rosacea. The determination will come from your dermatologist based on an examination of your symptoms and medical history.

What impacts rosacea?
Different factors may impact some individuals and yet have no affect on others. Among the triggers that could have an affect are: hot/cold weather, certain foods (i.e. fruits, marinades, dairy, spicy), cosmetics and skin care products, alcohol consumption and medications.

Is there a cure for Rosacea?
At this time there is no cure for rosacea, but it can be treated and managed. A dermatologist is best equipped to work with you to help control the condition. It is important to treat rosacea as the condition can escalate if left untreated which can leave the skin permanently marked with red, inflamed skin that has thickened over time.

Will my rosacea get worse?
Predicting how an individual’s case of rosacea will progress is virtually impossible, however it has been determined that those who don’t treat their condition show a marked advancement over a relatively short period of time (from early to middle stage within a year).

What treatments options are there for rosacea?
Depending on the severity of the case topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor. Electrosurgery, laser surgery and surgical removal of excess tissue are also options to deal with visible blood vessels on the skin. Related eye problems may also be treated with oral antibiotics. Careful attention to eyelid hygiene as well as warm compresses may also be recommended. In severe cases steroid eye drops may be required.

Why would my doctor prescribe antibiotics if rosacea isn’t a bacterial infection?
While doctors aren’t certain, it is believed that the anti-inflammatory properties are what work against the rosacea as opposed to their bacteria fighting abilities.

Why did my doctor ask me if I was sad or having trouble eating/sleeping?
It is not uncommon for people to feel sad or depressed as a result of the changes to their skin and as a result the changes in their appearance. Some may find their self esteem is affected by the condition and feel that it is impacting their personal or professional lives. Your doctor is asking to make sure that you are not also experiencing signs of depression that may require additional treatment and monitoring.

What can I do to help myself and my doctor?
Keep track of incidences when your Rosacea flares up – did you eat, use or do something different? Learning potential triggers can help you avoid them in the future. Make sure that you use sunscreen (and that it doesn’t irritate your skin!) to avoid irritations from exposure to the sun. If you have problems with your eyes, closely follow your doctor’s recommendations to care for them. Green tinted make up can help conceal redness, reducing appearance on the skin.