Acne rosacea is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and races. It is estimated that as many as 14 million Americans suffer from this condition at least once in their life. It can be identified as red patchy skin that has small bumps and the appearance of small blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. It makes the skin very red and it cannot be hidden with just using makeup.

Acne rosacea is actually a chronic skin condition that can appear at any time. The exact cause of the condition is unknown but there are some factors that seem to cause a rosacea flare-up. Stress is one factor and sensitive skin is another. Some people who use inexpensive moisturizers and makeup may have skin that is sensitive to the products contained in the moisturizer or makeup. Continued use will cause the skin to become red and irritated with small red bumps and the small blood vessels just below the skin will become enlarged. Many people who suffer from acne rosacea mistakenly think that they are having an acne breakout.

Unlike acne, rosacea is not something that you can cure but you can keep it under control. It is a condition that does not affect teenagers as much as it does adults and women suffer from rosacea more than men. Without treatment it usually does not go away and will only get worse. It is just as embarrassing as regular acne and cause added stress to those who suffer from it.

People who have fair skin tend to have acne rosacea more than those with darker skin complexions. For most people it appears between the ages of 30 and 50. Many people think that it is a genetic problem that is handed down form the gene pool of the family. Over exposure of the sun on fair skin is also believed to cause or irritate the condition. Other conditions that are believed to aggravate the condition is medication that is taken for gastrointestinal disease and medications that dilate the blood vessels. The consumption of alcohol or spicy foods can also make acne rosacea worse.

Treatment for acne rosacea is available at your doctor’s office. A product called metrogel is usually prescribed for those who suffer from the condition. Metrogel is a thin, clear gel that can be applied to the face. The usual treatment requires twice daily application of the gel. After applying the gel you can then apply a moisturizer of the gel and go ahead and apply makeup if you desire. The metrogel usually clears the condition up within two weeks. If left untreated acne rosacea can last for years and may even get worse.

Treatment of acne rosacea is important because of the possibility of getting into the eyes. Not all who suffer from the condition have a problem with their eyes but when left untreated some do. If it gets into the eyes you will feel a burning sensation along with the feeling of grit in the eye. The eyes will also become red and sensitive to light. If the condition gets to this point you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist for treatment. He can give you some eye drops that will clear the condition up fairly quickly. If left untreated in the eyes the condition could cause permanent eye scarring and impaired vision.