Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder which causes inflammation of the facial area including the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. The patient who has rosacea may notice that they tend to blush easily and that the redness persists. Other signs of rosacea may include visible blood vessels on the face, acne-like bumps or pimples, and/or watery irritated eyes. Like most chronic skin disorders, there can be periods of remission and flare-ups. This skin condition also varies in the severity of symptoms that a patient will experience. While some people having rosacea may experience periodic bouts of facial flushing, others may develop rhinophyma, which is an enlargement of the nose, or vision problems associated with ocular rosacea.
One of the reasons why rosacea awareness campaigns exist is because so many people are not aware that they have this skin condition in the first place. In fact, the National Rosacea Society reports that 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it and what to do about it. Although Rosacea has no cure, there is treatment. Getting treated for your rosacea from a dermatologist can help prevent your condition from worsening.
If you are curious as to whether or not you have rosacea we have a Rosacea Check Test where you can find out if you should speak with your doctor about getting your skin looked at for signs and symptoms of this skin disorder. Remember that only a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis but your quiz results may be a starting point for a conversation with your doctor.
If you suspect that you may have rosacea or if you have already been diagnosed with this skin condition, you will undoubtedly have many questions. The best person to answer these questions is your doctor. To help you in your quest for information we have prepared a list of questions you may ask your doctor about rosacea. If you do suffer from rosacea it is probably wise to seek a referral to a dermatologist who specializes in treating chronic skin conditions.
Questions about your skin and rosacea
• What signs or symptoms of rosacea do I have?
• How can I tell the difference between acne and rosacea?
• How severe is my rosacea?
• Are there ways to prevent my rosacea from worsening?
• How likely is it that I may develop severe symptoms such as skin thickening on the nose or eye problems?
Questions about rosacea triggers
• What are the main triggers for rosacea symptoms?
• Are any of my medications contributing to my rosacea symptoms?
• Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid to prevent a flare-up?
• Do you recommend any special skin products such as soaps or cleansers for my rosacea? Are there any skin products to avoid?
• What about cosmetics? Are there ways to cover up my rosacea with make-up? Are there any ingredients in cosmetics known to trigger rosacea symptoms?
