Fast facts to help you understand and act

Flushed with frustration? You’re far from alone. The red-faced, acne-like condition called rosacea (ro-ZAY-sha) affects more than 14 million Americans, yet most don’t know what it is, how to recognize it or how to manage the condition.

So where to begin? Start with these 5 essential—and empowering—rosacea facts:

1. Fact: Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition

Rosacea is a disorder characterized by facial flare-ups. There are 4 general types of rosacea, so depending on your specific condition, typical signs and symptoms may include:

Tendency to blush or flush easily
Bumps or pimples on the face
Dry, tight or itchy facial skin
Burning or stinging sensation in the face
Redness and/or thickening skin on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead
Small visible blood vessels on the face
Watery or irritated eyes or swollen eyelids

Rosacea is not contagious, though it can affect anyone. People over age 30 with fair skin and a family history of rosacea tend to be most at risk.

2. Fact: Rosacea is not acne

While the conditions can sometimes be similar in appearance, and even coexist, rosacea is an entirely different disorder with its own set of symptoms, triggers and treatments. Some key differences:

Unlike acne, rosacea occurs most often in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
While acne-like bumps and pustules are common in some types of rosacea, other symptoms like persistent redness, enlarged blood vessels and thickened skin are unique to rosacea.
Many acne medicines are just too harsh for the sensitive skin of rosacea, and may, in fact, make your rosacea worse.

Take the first step and find out if what you are seeing in the mirror might be rosacea, then speak to your dermatologist about your symptoms and treatment options for this frustrating but manageable medical condition.

3. Fact: Rosacea can be triggered

The exact cause of rosacea remains a mystery, though we do know that flare-ups can be provoked by a wide range of environmental, physical and emotional factors. Triggers vary greatly from person to person, so learning how to identify and adjust to yours can really help keep your rosacea in check.

4. Fact: Rosacea's impact can be more than physical

With such visible symptoms and confusion surrounding the condition, it’s easy to see why rosacea leaves many feeling self-conscious and isolated. If rosacea is affecting your quality of life, know that support is here.

Start by signing up for tips to help manage your condition, and talk with a dermatologist who can help you better understand your condition and treatment options.

5. Fact: Rosacea can't be cured, but it can be managed

Throughout this site, you’ll notice we stress one action above all: visit your dermatologist. If left untreated, the symptoms of rosacea can progress. Only a dermatologist can provide a clinical diagnosis and help put you on the path to clearer skin. Enter your zip below to partner with a professional near you.

Now that you know the essentials, let’s put your symptoms to the test.