Silver Bulletin e-News Magazine

Section 4: Disease News & Information

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What is Rosecea?
By some recent estimates Rosecea afflicts 13 million Americans. Rosecea is a chronic disease which appears as usually first appears as subtle reddening on the face. Over time this may develop into some inflammation and be accompanied by skin eruptions. About half of Rosecea suffers also have some sort of symptoms with their eyes (known as Ocular Rosecea). If left untreated, over time Rosecea can result in the appearance of red lines which result from swollen or damaged veins. 

Who Gets Rosecea?
Rosecea most commonly afflicts adults between the ages of 30 and 60 though it has been know to afflict children. Symptoms usually start to appear to people in their 30s or 40s. Men and women are equally likely to to be affected and there seems to be a genetic aspect to the disease. In one survey, forty percent of rosecea sufferers surveyed could identify a relative with the symptoms of rosecea. There is a reasonably common belief the people of Irish or Northern European descent are more likely to be affected though some studies have not necessarily supported this. There is no evidence that Rosecea can be passed from one person to another (i.e: it is not a contagious condition).

What Causes It?
The exact cause of Rosecea is still largely unknown, however the symptoms are reasonably well understood as are a variety of lifestyle factors (such as particular foods and activities) that are known to trigger outbreaks in people that have the disease.