Rosacea is a common skin condition that’s usually marked by redness that stems from visible blood vessels on your face. Rosacea is a chronic condition that can flare up periodically. It’s mostly found in women with fair skin, though it can affect anyone.

The most obvious sign of rosacea is redness in your face, which is caused by blood vessels on the surface of your skin, usually around your nose and cheeks. Other symptoms can occur with this skin condition as well, including:

• Swelling

• Small bumps that look like acne

• Dry eyes

• Swollen and reddened eyelids

• Enlarged nose, which occurs more often in men

Medical researchers are unsure of the exact cause of rosacea, but they believe that genetics and environment play a role. What is known is that rosacea strikes women far more than men, especially fair-skinned women. The condition also usually starts to develop after the age of 30.

Researchers have been able to link flare-ups of rosacea with triggers that increase blood flow to your skin, including:

• Alcohol

• Spicy food

• Hot beverages

• Exercise

• Exposure to extreme temperatures, sun, and wind

• Medications that dilate your blood vessels

Since there’s no known cause of rosacea, there’s no cure. In fact, there’s no one test that Dr. Mikell turns to confirm your rosacea, but he can identify its presence during a physical exam of the area.

Once he determines whether you have rosacea, he discusses a treatment plan with you that typically includes using a prescribed topical cream that constricts your blood vessels. If your rosacea flare-up is moderate to severe with bumps containing pus, Dr. Mikell may also put you on antibiotics to control the inflammation and possible infection.

As important as prescription medications are steps you can take at home to minimize and prevent outbreaks of rosacea. Dr. Mikell recommends the following:

• Sunscreen and a hat (rosacea is sensitive to the sun)

• Gentle cleansers that don’t irritate your skin

• Identifying and avoiding your triggers