What is Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition. It is a type of inflammatory condition of the skin and it typically affects the face. Acne rosacea is not contagious.

This condition is characterized by enlargement of the capillaries or the blood vessels present in surface of the skin. As a result of this the person suffering from this condition appears to have a permanent flush. The forehead, cheeks and chin may develop flushing, redness, red pimples and papules.

Who is at risk of developing rosacea?

It primarily attacks Caucasians of mainly northwestern European descent. But rosacea is also common in people of other races and ethnic backgrounds.

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Acne Rosacea

Acne rosacea is one of the types of rosacea and it can be commonly mistaken for acne. It has to be taken into account that rosacea and acne are two entirely different skin conditions. Acne is mainly caused by bacterial infections and the blocking of the sebaceous ducts that are present under the skin. Acne rosacea occurs when blood vessels just below the surface of the skin become enlarged, which in turn leads to blotchy red patches on the face. These patches of redness on the face have a tendency to fade and then appear again. Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition and it becomes more permanent over a period of time.

Acne rosacea is mainly characterized by facial redness, papules, blotchy red patches and the appearance of a permanent flush on the cheeks and forehead. These papules are usually solid and hard to touch.

Vascular Rosacea

Vascular rosacea is also one of the common types of rosacea. Blood vessels under the surface of the facial skin of the face may become engorged. These enlarged blood vessels may be visible through the skin in the form of small red lines. This skin condition is more common in women than men. The condition is due to swollen blood vessels in the face. This gives the facial skin a puffy, red and swollen appearance..

When the blood vessels under the surface of skin enlarge, they have a tendency to leak fluid. This fluid is accumulated under the surface of the skin over a period of time. This gives the face a swollen and puffy look. The affected parts of the face feel warm and uncomfortable. This condition may be associated with a burning pain.

Ocular Rosacea

When the inflammatory condition of the skin affects the eyes and the eyelids then this condition is diagnosed as ocular rosacea. There is inflammation of the eyelids resulting in redness and pustules. The person affected by acne rosacea often complains of redness, burning pain and irritation of eyes. There may be formation of crusts on the eyelids and the person may experience difficulty in opening the eyelids after a night’s sleep. Washing the eyes with warm water helps to relieve the burning pain and irritation of the eyes.

Ocular rosacea can affect the cornea and cause inflammation of cornea which is known as keratitis. It is a rare but serious complication and may lead to blindness.

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