Medical Health Encyclopedia

Rosacea


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Acne, close-up of cysts on the back
Acne, close-up of cysts on the back
Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Definition

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may appear as redness, prominent spider-like blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne.


Alternative Names

Acne rosacea


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, you are more likely to develop this harmless skin condition if:

  • You are fair-skinned
  • You blush easily
  • You are a woman (however, men with the condition are usually more severely affected)
  • You are between the ages of 30 and 50

Rosacea involves swelling of the blood vessels just under the skin. It may be associated with other skin disorders (acne vulgaris, seborrhea) or eye disorders (blepharitis, keratitis).



Review Date: 11/01/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




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