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Rosacea and Rhinophyma

Rosacea is a common skin condition. (Read about "Skin") The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says rosacea affects about 13 million people in the United States. It causes redness and swelling in the face. In about 50 percent of the cases, there is eye involvement. (Read about "The Eye")

Rosacea is often referred to as adult acne. However, the International Rosacea Foundation says that - while these conditions may look similar - they are in fact different. Rosacea, for example, does not involve blackheads, and it does not do well with harsher treatments that may be prescribed for acne. (Read about "Acne")

NIAMS says there are four types of rosacea based on the symptoms. They are:

• Prerosacea - This is the earliest stage that is recognized. It usually involves episodes of flushing in the face and the neck. The reasons for the flare-ups can be varied from sun exposure, eating spicy foods, hot drinks, drinking alcohol, even facial cleaning products that sting or burn.
• Vascular rosacea - This is more common in women. The small blood vessels under the skin of the face swell and results in a constant redness. There may be some facial swelling involved.
• Inflammatory rosacea - This can follow vascular. In this case, little pink bumps and pimples develop on the face. The blood vessels get larger and show through the skin looking like a road map on the face.
• Rhinophyma - This occurs most often in men. The nose usually turns red and is enlarged. Thick bumps may also form on and around the nose. There may also be a waxy appearance. NIAMS says that rhinophyma is not related to alcohol consumption.

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown.

Treatment options include topical and oral antibiotics, as well as other medications. Lasers and peels can also be used to treat rosacea, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). For rhinophyma, surgical reshaping of the nose can be accomplished by laser or scalpel. (Read about "Plastic Surgery") Dermabrasion is sometimes an option. You can discuss your different options with your doctor.

Treatments depend on the type and severity of the condition, but there are also a number of things that can be done to minimize the disease. Many of them include lifestyle changes of avoiding certain foods or strenuous exercise if they tend to trigger outbreaks. Sunscreens can help people whose condition is aggravated by sun exposure. (Read about "Sunscreen") Patients with eye involvement need to take special precautions to avoid eye infections, according to AAD. Blepharitis is also a concern for people with rosacea, so if you develop irritation in the eye, you should see an eye doctor. (Read about "Blepharitis")