A rosy, flushed face can be a sign of embarrassment, allergies, or even drinking alcohol for people especially sensitive to it. But for many people, it may be an indication of rosacea. Scientists have made important breakthroughs in studying and treating rosacea in recent years, but there remain many questions surrounding it, and millions of Americans aren’t getting the help they need to better manage it.
is a chronic inflammatory condition that’s to affect around 5% of adults (in the U.S., that would roughly translate to 12 million people).
It tends to show up later in life, typically after age 30. Its symptoms vary significantly between any two sufferers and can be confused for other skin-related health problems like acne or sunburn. Many will experience flushed patches of skin around their nose and forehead at first, for instance.
But over time, these patches can become permanently reddened. Some people might develop pimple-like bumps or small but visibly swollen blood vessels; some can also feel itching or painful stinging. More severe cases can cause a person’s skin or nose to become thickened and bulbous.
All of this is typically relegated to the face, but can extend into the neck and chest, while some people will also or only get eyes. Episodes of rosacea can come and go for no apparent reason or can be set off by specific triggers, such as exercise, sun, stress, or certain foods. Another maddening aspect of rosacea is its etiology—meaning that no one’s reall.