Rosacea is a common skin disease characterized by redness and dilated capillaries on the face. In more severe cases, red pimples form, some with a purulent tip, the eyes are affected, or a deformity of the nose develops in men. The disease occurs in both women and men, with middle-aged, fair-skinned women most commonly affected. The cause of the disease has not been elucidated, but it is thought that it may be a combination of hereditary and external factors. Many conditions that increase blood flow can trigger or exacerbate rosacea, such as: alcohol consumption, sun/cold exposure, strong emotions, exercise, cosmetics, blood pressure medications.
Initially, rosacea begins with episodes of skin flushing with sudden temperature changes, strong emotions and intake of hot drinks and spicy food. This condition can persist for months and years. In later stages, the redness becomes permanent and the skin is swollen, in places covered with acne-like pimples. Half of people with rosacea have dry eyes, irritations and redness. Very rarely and mostly in males, the nose enlarges and deforms (rhinophyma).