Rosacea

Although often considered alongside acne (and indeed has been called ‘acne rosacea’) rosacea is, in fact, a distinct condition with features that set it apart from acne. It usually affects the older age group of 30- to 60-year olds and women are three times more likely than men to get it, although men tend to get it more severely. Rosacea is characterised by facial flushing and pustule formation (Figure 13.5). Unlike acne there are no whiteheads or blackheads and the pustules tend to be domed in shape rather than pointed. The skin is generally sensitive and facial oedema can occur. More severe cases can affect the eyes. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of remission followed by relapse lasting for variable lengths of time.

Four subtypes of rosacea exist (Layton, 2008).