Rosacea is one of the most common skin problems people experience, yet it is a relatively obscure term that most people are not familiar with.

In the simplest of terms, rosacea (pronounced ro-ZAY-shuh), describes a subset of symptoms wherein which the patient experiences redness and facial discomfort. This can includes the presences of acne-like red bumps, dry eyes, itchy sensations on the skin of the face and neck, burning sensations on the skin of the face and neck, an enlargement of the nose, and permanent facial redness. The aforementioned symptoms describe the 4 different types of rosacea that have currently been identified.

Rosacea is estimated to effect about 40 million people worldwide. It is by far more common in women in men, with the exception of  Phymatous Rosacea, which is more often seen in men than women.

Furthermore, those with rosacea tend to fall into one subset of the population more than any other; that of caucasian or fair skinned women between the ages of 25 and 50, whose ancestry goes back to Europe.

Scientists have not yet determined or identified a single cause for rosacea. Furthermore, there are 4 different types of rosacea identified thus far and a number of variants.

There is no cure for rosacea, but most people are able to keep their rosacea symptoms under control by a combination of different rosacea treatment types along with a lifestyle that avoids irritating or bringing on their symptoms (this is known as “rosacea triggers“).

Many people only suffer from a mild form of rosacea. This often leads to it being confused with simple acne and being left both undiagnosed and under treated or improperly treated.

Rosacea treatment is a “dance” that many patients have to partner with for life. Symptoms retreat and treatments decline, and then come back, and treatments decrease. This is often considered normal and is expected to happen as part of the treatment plan.

Treatments for rosacea typically start with antibiotics and move on to other types of prescription medications from there. Additionally, there are a number of over the counter rosacea medicines, and also treatments that are seen as natural or herbal treatments. Increasingly, laser treatments are also a popular and viable method for reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

It is important to see a doctor and have a diagnosis and treatment plan devised if you suspect you have rosacea. As with any medical condition, starting treatments at an early stage usually translates into better, more effective results at keeping the rosacea condition under control.