What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects one in 20
Americans-nearly 13 million people-but it is commonly mistaken for acne. This
skin disorder is characterized by redness, flushing, swelling and blemishes
around the face. It nearly always affects adults, much more commonly women
than men, although men are often more severely affected. Rosacea even cause
overgrowth of the nose; WC Fields had advanced rosacea. The cause is unknown,
although 4 out of 10 people affected have a family history of this condition.
Rosacea is not just a cosmetic problem: in 6 out of 10 patients, the eyes
are affected. In a third of these patients, eye symptoms occur before skin
changes: watery, bloodshot or swollen eyes with a gritty, burning or dry feeling
are common. Sometimes inflammation of the eyelids or whites of the eyes may
develop causing blepharitis or conjunctivitis or a stye. These symptoms should
be evaluated by an eye doctor and treated with antibiotics, cleansing agents
and artificial tears. Patients with skin symptoms should see a dermatologist
for effective topical treatment. For more information, click here.
Created: 10/24/2001  - Donnica Moore, M.D.