What is Acne rosacea?

Acne rosacea is a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin, which features episodic flare ups and remissions. Potentially life disruptive, it affects an estimated 14 million Americans and most of them don't realize it. A redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead may begin any time after age 30, and the symptoms may come and go. While it appears most often on the face, acne rosacea may also show up on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. The condition tends to progress over time, the redness becomes ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels, or spider veins, may appear.

Remember the late comedian W.C. Fields and his lumpy red nose? If acne rosacea is left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may swell from excess tissue. Fields suffered from acne rosacea, which produced his characteristic bulbous nose and bloodshot eyes. In over half of acne rosacea patients, the eyes are affected by the accompanying condition of ocular rosacea, making them feel irritated and appear watery.

A majority of Americans have absolutely no clue about this condition. Most can neither recognize what it looks like nor what to do about it. As the Baby Boomer generation moves into the most susceptible age group of the 50s and 60s, acne rosacea will become more and more widespread.

Self-confidence and self-esteem can most certainly be affected by the ravages of acne rosacea. Many patients have reported that they avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. In the most severe cases of acne rosacea, most sufferers have said that the condition had affected their professional interactions in a negative way, and nearly one-third said they had even missed work because of their acne rosacea symptoms.

Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. Because women are more likely to consult a physician about the earliest symptoms, the disease is more frequently diagnosed in women. Men, however, tend to exhibit more severe symptoms perhaps because they often put off a doctor’s visit until the disorder has already reached an advanced stage. Acne rosacea cannot be cured and there is no known cause. Medical intervention, however, can control or reverse its signs and symptoms. If you begin to notice redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead; small visible blood vessels (spider veins) on the face; facial bumps or pimples; or watery, irritated eyes take these as warning signs and see a doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible. With prompt and appropriate treatment, symptoms can be managed before they become too severe.

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