Rosacea

Rosacea is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that often affects the face. In the early stages, it causes easy flushing or blushing. Redness may become long-term (permanent) as the small blood vessels of the face widen (dilate). You may have small, red, pus-filled bumps (pustules). It may look like acne, and it has been called adult acne. But it's not caused by the same things that cause acne.

You may have flare-ups that come and go. They may happen every few weeks or every few months. Experts don't know what causes rosacea. If not treated, it tends to get worse over time.

Some older men often have a more severe form of rosacea (rhinophyma). The oil glands on the skin of the nose become larger, and the nose gets bigger. The cheeks also become puffy. Alcohol may make the flushing worse. But this condition isn't caused by alcohol use.

Rosacea can be treated with gels and creams for the skin (topical). You may need antibiotic medicine by mouth for more severe cases. You should see improvement in the first 4 weeks. Dilated blood vessels can be treated with a small electric needle or laser surgery. Rhinophyma can be treated with surgery, such as scraping the skin (dermabrasion).