Rosacea Skin Condition

Learn more about Rosacea Skin Condition:

What causes Rosacea skin to be flushed?

Your blood vessels are dilating under your skin, and it’s causing the skin’s surface to appear reddened and flushed. This is called erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea when you have reddened skin.

Does Rosacea run in families? Is it hereditary?

It’s not proven at this time, though it’s likely. There is a strong line of evidence, though again, nothing is proven quite yet. Almost half of the people who have Rosacea can think of someone else in their family who have or had similar skin conditions. I can think of someone in my family as well. Fair skinned groups are more likely to have an elevated chance of showing Rosacea symptoms.

How does your dermatologist or doctor identify you as having Rosacea?

Based on signs and symptoms, your doctor will be able to determine if you have Rosacea. You’ll also need to let the doctor know what symptoms you may be experienced previously. Because Rosacea is known to flare up and be worse on some occasions, when you go to the doctor, you may not show all the signs. Take note of things like flushing, when it happens, what triggers it, bumps or pustules, a stinging or burning sensation on the skin also can help identify it.

Why am I getting acne like bumps with Rosacea?

These acne Rosacea bumps (papulopustular Rosacea) can be caused by many things. While the follicles on your skin may be irritated, your skin is having an inflammatory response (because this is a vascular skin condition), and because your skin is having this condition Rosacea, you’re more reactive to things like bacteria, or even tiny skin mites. Sun damage is another factor. I know after I’ve been in the sun for quite a bit, like after a visit to the shore, my Rosacea flares up with acne like bumps.

On a personal note, I started with Rosacea in my mid-thirties. I'm now in my early 40's and it's still there. I know what triggers it, and I know what helps it. It doesn't "completely go away", as there is no "cure". You learn to work with it, as it's a chronic skin condition.

Obvious Symptoms:

Redness
Flushing
Papules or Pustuals
Visible capillaries and small blood vessels

You may also start to notice:

A slight stinging or burning sensation
Thickened Skin
Redness around your eyes (ocular Rosacea)
Swelling
A dry appearance

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