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Rosacea
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<p>Rosacea is a <a href="/facts/Chronic_(medicine)/6CqLP41r">long-term</a> <a href="/facts/Cutaneous_condition/Vkr5XpeG">skin condition</a> that typically affects the face. It results in <a href="/facts/Erythema/VUsgXRlB">redness</a>, <a href="/facts/Pimple/WrBWl7Nl">pimples</a>, <a href="/facts/Edema/Q6MI3KdH">swelling</a>, and <a href="/facts/Telangiectasia/72MBl6oP">small and superficial dilated blood vessels</a>. Often, the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin are most involved. A red, enlarged nose may occur in severe disease, a condition known as <a href="/facts/Rhinophyma/LIUFmTJs">rhinophyma</a>. </p><p>The cause of rosacea is unknown. Risk factors are believed to include a family history of the condition. Factors that may potentially worsen the condition include heat, exercise, sunlight, cold, spicy food, alcohol, <a href="/facts/Menopause/b3Fz6NHb">menopause</a>, <a href="/facts/Psychological_stress/eqat8pq9">psychological stress</a>, or <a href="/facts/Corticosteroid/jeL2QeIL">steroid cream</a> on the face. Diagnosis is based on symptoms. </p><p>While not curable, treatment usually improves symptoms. Treatment is typically with <a href="/facts/Metronidazole/pY5K5twk">metronidazole</a>, <a href="/facts/Doxycycline/A8DBTzNh">doxycycline</a>, <a href="/facts/Minocycline/naFLfSJu">minocycline</a>, or <a href="/facts/Tetracycline/DQ0exP62">tetracycline</a>. When the eyes are affected, <a href="/facts/Azithromycin/8CAbVtsz">azithromycin</a> eye drops may help. Other treatments with tentative benefit include <a href="/facts/Brimonidine/oYXMh7SE">brimonidine</a> cream, <a href="/facts/Ivermectin/6H3H05nI">ivermectin</a> cream, and <a href="/facts/Isotretinoin/XBKv4fQJ">isotretinoin</a>. <a href="/facts/Dermabrasion/mGkclNKk">Dermabrasion</a> or <a href="/facts/Laser_surgery/LJsjmA6t">laser surgery</a> may also be used. The use of <a href="/facts/Sunscreen/W6J13MRz">sunscreen</a> is typically recommended. </p><p>Rosacea affects between 1% and 10% of people. Those affected are most often 30 to 50 years old and female. Fair-skinned people seem to be more commonly affected. The condition was described in <i><a href="/facts/The_Canterbury_Tales/FrrCdDy0">The Canterbury Tales</a></i> in the 1300s, and possibly as early as the 200s BC by <a href="/facts/Theocritus/UhlWU2zM">Theocritus</a>. </p>