What is Rosacea?

Guide · October 3, 2017

Rosacea : A Chronic Inflammatory Disease (RRDi)

Rosacea has been defined by many authorities and organizations and the list is quite extensive. Usually the consensus of all these authorities is that all the definitions include erythema. For some examples, read below:

Rosacea Defined by Many Authorities

Rosacea is a chronic and sometimes progressive disorder of the face, characterized by some or all of the following symptoms:

Extremely sensitive facial skin with blushing, flushing, permanent redness, burning, stinging, swelling, papules, pustules, broken red capillary veins, red gritty eyes (which can lead to visual disturbances) and in more advanced cases, a disfiguring bulbous nose. Men and women of all ages can be affected, with over 415 million estimated rosacea sufferers worldwide. RRDi Welcome Page

"Rosacea is probably a collection of many different diseases that are lumped together inappropriately." Zoe Diana Draelos, MD. • RRDi Welcome Page

"Rosacea is a multifactorial, hyper-reactivity, vascular and neural based disease with a broad range of facial manifestations where normal vasodilation is greater and more persistent and involves an autoimmune component of microscopic amounts of extravasated plasma induce localized dermal inflammation that may induce repeated external triggers, vasodilation, telangiectasias, redness with eventual fibrosis and hypertrophic scarring of the dermis." Sandra Cremers, M.D., F.A.C.S., RRDi MAC Member • RRDi Welcome Page

Rosacea is a polyethiologic chronic inflammatory disease with varying clinical manifestations. It is primarily a dermatologic disease, which often manifests in the eyes affecting eyelids, cornea and conjunctiva. The leading role in the pathological process belongs to disruption of regulatory mechanisms in the vascular, immune and nervous systems. It is accompanied by increased levels of metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). [1]

Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems or natural ruddiness. [2]

Rosacea (ro-ZAY-she-ah) is a long-term disease that causes reddened skin and pimples, usually on the face. It can also make skin thicker and cause eye problems. [3]

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that usually only affects the face and eyes. Occasionally, the neck, chest, or other areas may be involved. Characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels, rosacea tends to begin after middle age (between the ages of 30 and 60). It is more common in fair-skinned people and women in menopause. [4]

"Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease that can severely impair the quality of life. However, despite various treatment options, treatment results are often unsatisfactory, and relapses are common." [5]

"Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by remissions and flares." [6]

FAQs

Is this rosacea?

Do more women or men have rosacea?

Do Children Get Rosacea?

What Is The World Wide Number Of Cases Of Rosacea?

Differential Diagnosis Of Rosacea

What Is The Rosacea Butterfly Or T Zone?

Does rosacea spread beyond the facial region?

What Causes Rosacea?

What is involved in diagnosing rosacea?

End Notes