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What is acne rosacea? Well it is not acne. The symptoms of acne and acne rosacea overlap, but they are distinct skin conditions... Acne rosacea affects the facial area and is most common in fair skinned women between the ages of 30 and 60. When men are affected by this skin disorder their symptoms are often particularly severe. Acne rosacea cannot be cured but the disease can be treated and controlled with the help of a dermatologist.

The early stages of acne rosacea are characterized by frequent reddening of the facial area. It is suspected that individuals who blush frequently are more susceptible to developing acne rosacea. If you have a history of frequent blushing, it may be difficult to distinguish between a normal blush and the beginnings of this skin disorder, since the redness of acne rosacea is intermittent in the early stages of the disease. If your blushing skin burns when you apply lotions or your face is swollen, you may be experiencing the early symptoms of acne rosacea. If you experience these symptoms and do not have a history of frequent blushing, you may need to seek acne rosacea treatment.

As the disease progresses the face become ruddier and is discolored more frequently. Small red solid bumps may begin to appear on the skin of the face. Visible blood vessels and pimples will also appear. Blackheads, a normal symptom of acne, do not appear with the pimples of an acne rosacea sufferer. In severe cases of this disease the skin of the face may thicken and the nose may become bulbous.

The eyes of fifty percent of acne rosacea suffers are affected by this disease. The eyelids become inflamed, and the eyes are red and irritated. Tearing and frequent sty's are common when acne rosacea affect the eye area. In severe cases loss of vision may occur. When the eyes become infected, the treatment plan includes oral antibiotics and a strict eye cleansing routine. Steroid eye drops may also be prescribed.

There is no cure for this skin disorder but acne rosacea treatment includes topical antibiotics to reduce the skin inflammation and pimples. Other forms of acne rosacea treatment include oral antibiotics and long term topical therapy to keep outbreaks under control. Most doctors also realize acne rosacea treatment should also include assessment for depression since this disease is disfiguring and embarrassing to it's' victims.

Aggressive acne rosacea treatment also includes the use of lasers to remove visible blood vessels and reduce redness. Surgery may be indicated in cases where the nose has become disfigured.

Once diagnosed with acne rosacea, it is important to follow an acne rosacea skin care routine. Mild, non abrasive cleansers are recommended. The acne rosacea patient should not use rough cloths or extremely hot or cold water on their faces. Lukewarm water and soft cotton towels are the best options for acne rosacea skin care. Constant use of sun block, (SPF 15 or higher) should be used daily. Make up can be part of an acne rosacea skin care routine, if it does not further irritate the skin.

Currently there is research being conducted on this skin disorder. As the population ages, an increase in acne rosacea is expected. While there is no cure today, research may develop a cure tomorrow.