Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes red patches, 'pimples', bumps and 'burst' capillaries on the face. Rosacea can occur at any age but is most likely to start in fair skinned people in their 30's and 40's.
The first symptoms people of rosacea is a tendency to blush (facial flushing) which becomes more frequent and more evident. Some things such as alcohol, which causes facial redness in most people, are likely to cause a more rapid and prolonged flushing or redness in people with rosacea. Eventually the redness of the face becomes constant, only changing in intensity. The areas most likely to be affected are over the nose and cheeks, but it can affect the whole face, ears and neck.
On this background of more intense than usual skin redness there may also appear, small, dilated blood vessels known as telangiectases, also called spider veins. These telangiectases are seen as a fine red pattern just below the surface of the skin.
People with rosacea also tend to have more sensitive easily irritated skin. Alcohol based lotions, make-up, sunscreens and other skin-care products may cause stinging, redness and irritation.
Various theories have been suggested to explain the origin of rosacea but the precise cause remains obscure. Sun-damage contributes to the features, and possibly the occurrence of rosacea. Rosacea mainly affects those with fair skin, blue eyes and Celtic origins.
People with rosacea can now be successfully treated with IPL therapy achieving excellent cosmetic result and disappearance of the annoying redness.
