From a medical point of view, Rosacea is a “chronic inflammation of the skin”. It causes redness and pimples on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. It comes and goes and is sometimes called adult acne. It can also cause soreness of the eyes and eyelids.
It starts as someone’s tendency to blush easily, but it can progress into facial redness, and red bumps and pustules.
Symptoms
The disease is likely to appear at age 30. (Pre-rosacea is seen sometimes in teens and early 20’s.) A flushed face, pimples or bumps (swelling) around the cheeks, nose, mouth and forehead are early indications.
Sometimes, tiny red veins appear on the face, and there is a burning or stinging pain when applied with lotions or medicines. The face will become increasingly dry and sensitive.
In ocular rosacea, the eyes become red and look irritated, including the eyelids which may look red and swollen. Vision sometimes can be blurry. The eyes become watery and tend to develop sties. (Unchecked, there is a possibility of corneal damage or even blindness.)
In extreme cases, especially without treatment, there would be knobby bumps on the nose and cheeks that can multiply. This is advanced rosacea (rhinophyma).
Causes
The exact cause or causes are not yet known. Researchers think rosacea is caused by genetic conditions and environmental factors (bacteria and the sun, etc.)The disease has a tendency to affect fair-skinned people or those who blush easily.
