Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition in which surface capillaries are dilated resulting in blotchy red areas of skin with bumps and pimples. The redness can become permanent if the blood vessels are permanently dilated, a condition known as telangiectasia. The inflammation of rosacea can look like acne, except that it is chronic. This condition progresses slowly and its underlying cause is unknown. Women are more susceptible to developing rosacea, but when men have the condition they have a nose that is chronically red and enlarged.

Aggravating factors: alcohol consumption, spicy food, exposure to sunlight, humidity, extreme temperature, use of makeup and skin products containing alcohol, stress, infection and vitamin deficiencies.

Symptoms: red patches of skin that have thickened and are sensitive to touch, flushing of the nose and cheeks, burning and gritty sensations in the eyes, inflamed eyelids and vision impairment.

Who to consult: Dermatologist, dietician, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, pharmacist, psychologist.