National Rosacea Awareness Month

April is here, and even though it’s brought snow to the midwest we’re celebrating the fact that summer should be right around the corner. April has been recognized by the American Acadamy of Dermatology as Rosacea Awareness month. You may wonder what exactly rosacea is, so we’d like to give some clarity to our patients while bringing attention to this condition this month.

Rosacea is a long-term skin disease that causes redness and swelling, primarily on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Sometimes, rosacea affects the eyes.There are four components to rosacea: flushing/persistent redness, blood vessels, pimples, and thickened skin tissue. Rosacea usually develops over a long period of time. It often begins as a tendency to flush and blush easily, then progresses to persistent redness of the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose, or sensitivity to cosmetics. It can produce small, red papules (bumps) or pus-filled papules (pustules). Those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. The condition can occur over a long period of time and often progresses to a persistent redness, pimples and visible blood vessels in the center of the face that can eventually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Since rosacea causes facial swelling and redness, it is easily confused with other skin conditions, such as acne and sunburn. For this reason, rosacea is known as the “great pretender,” and often incorrectly referred to as “adult acne.”

To learn more about rosacea click here to visit our page that focuses on this condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with Rosacea the American Academy of Dermatology has a list of 8 things you should know, which you can read about here.

If you have questions and would like to schedule an appointment to see one of our doctors call us today at 952-898-1600.