What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a non-contagious skin disorder that usually begins as a redness, like a blush, appearing on the face – most often on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. At first, the redness may come and go, but over time, it can become more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. If it is left untreated, bumps and pimples may develop. Only in severe cases, the nose may become swollen and bumpy (this is called “ rhinophyma”.) Rosacea can also affect the eyes, making them appear red, watery or blood-shot and feeling gritty and uncomfortable.
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Rosacea has been misunderstood and misdiagnosed for centuries, mistakenly attributed to acne or alcoholism. It is now recognized as a distinct medical condition that requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to minimize facial abnormality and psychological distress.
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Who gets Rosacea?
Rosacea is quite common – in fact, it is estimated to affect 1.6 million Canadians. Although anyone can get it, it most often affects fair-skinned people who blush easily. This often includes people of northern European descent, including those with Irish, Scottish, or English ancestry.
Women are more likely to get rosacea than men, but when men do get it, the symptoms are often more severe.
Seek Treatment
While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, medical therapy is available to control rosacea symptoms. If you have rosacea, your dermatologist can start you on a plan of treatment to help control the condition. Learn about typical rosacea symptoms and triggers.
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