Acne Rosacea is often called adult acne, but to be honest rosacea isn’t acne at all.

Rosacea is a persistent skin condition that generally affects the appearance of the face (forehead, nose and cheeks), neck and trunk. It is basically a reddening of the face, like a flushing, as a consequence of dilated capillaries beneath the skin. This flushing can ultimately lead to the development of pustules, which appear to be acne like; hence rosacea has become commonly known as acne rosacea.

The episodic inflammatory flushing that rosacea produces can be triggered by a number of things such as consuming hot drinks, hot and spicy foods and alcohol.

For many people the earliest indicator of rosacea is a tendency to blush easily, although the potential onset of rosacea would not be something that most would be aware of… let alone be worried about. As rosacea develops frequent flushing episodes may occur which may be accompanied by a subtle stinging or burning sensation.

The are several different degrees or types of rosacea and some associated conditions:

• Vascular Rosacea
  Vascular rosacea causes persistent episodes of skin flushing. The capillaries (small blood vessels) beneath the skin dilate and as a result small red lines can appear at the surface of the skin. In addition this skin flushing (also known as telangiectasia), may also feel slightly swollen and warm.
• Inflammatory Rosacea
  Inflammatory rosacea causes not only persistent episodes of skin redness but also papules (reddish skin bumps) and pustules (bumps that contain pus). The eyes can also become inflamed and sensitive.
• Advanced Rocacea and Rhinophyma
  Advanced Rocacea causes the skin to become deep red in color and also causes more noticeable inflammation of the eyes. Multiple telangiectases can often be seen and painful nodules may develop. A further condition called rhinophyma can also develop. Rhinophyma is distinguished by a red nose that appears bulbous and inflamed. This occurs as a direct result of the enlargement of the sebaceous glands under the skin on the nose. Rhinophyma is more commonly seen in men but can also affect women.

Rosacea cannot be cured but it can be managed and controlled through proper and regular care and treatment. If you suspect you may suffer from rosacea, go to your doctor and get checked out. As with all things medical, the earlier you catch it the more you can do to manage its progression.