Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder of the face. A red, flushed face may be the first sign of rosacea, a disease that affects an estimated 13 million adults in the United States.

Rosacea usually affects fair-skinned people aged 30 to 50 who tend to blush or flush easily. The first signs of rosacea include redness on the cheeks, nose, and forehead and possibly a gritty feeling in the eyes. In later stages, rosacea can cause pimples, increasing redness, and small, visible blood vessels. In advanced stages, the nose may become red, bumpy, and permanently swollen from excess tissue.

No one really knows for sure. But there are certain "triggers" that can cause the disease to get worse. These triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include heat, sun, certain foods, strenuous exercise, stress, and alcohol. Sometimes, lifestyle changes may be necessary to avoid rosacea flare-ups.

If you answer "yes" to these questions, you may have rosacea...