Rosacea: A Skin Disease - September 1, 2009

September 1, 2009 Table of Contents

Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.

Information from Your Family Doctor

Rosacea: A Skin Disease

Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 1;80(5):505.

See related article on acne rosacea.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea (ro-ZAY-she-ah), which is also called acne rosacea, is a skin disease that causes redness on your face. It can affect your nose, forehead, chin, and the skin around your mouth.

There are different types of rosacea that may cause acne-like blackheads, red bumps, and skin thickening. The blood vessels in your face may also be larger than normal. You may have redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in your eyes.

It is often confused with blushing, sunburn, or the type of acne that causes pimples. Symptoms can get better over time, but rosacea may never go away completely. You should be treated so that it doesn't get worse.

What causes it?

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it may run in families. Certain things may trigger rosacea, such as sun exposure, alcoholic drinks, spicy foods, stress, and some medicines.

How is it treated?

Your doctor may prescribe a cream to put on your skin or gel to put in your eyes, if they are affected. You may also need to take an oral medicine. Your doctor can help you find the treatment that is best for you.

After your symptoms have cleared, you may still need to use a skin cream or take medicine. You may need laser surgery to fix discolored or thickened skin.

What can I do to reduce the risk of flare-ups?

Avoid the things that seem to trigger your rosacea.
Stay out of the sun when possible. If you are in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Use a moisturizer and gentle cleansers that do not contain fragrance or soap.
Do not use skin care products with ingredients that could irritate your skin, such as alcohol, menthol, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, peppermint, witch hazel, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

American Academy of Dermatology

Web site: http://www.skincarephysicians.com

American Academy of Family Physicians

Web site: http://familydoctor.org

National Rosacea Society

Web site: http://www.rosacea.org

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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