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ROSACEA

This patient information and photographs on Rosacea and Rhinophyma are provided by John "Lucky" Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

What is it?    Rosacea is a peculiar disorder of the skin that is usually seen in adults over thirty. Often those affected will have a Celtic ancestry (Light colored hair and eyes).  Typically it appears on the central face as a background of redness that is studded with many small pimples or pus bumps. Sometimes tiny blood vessels called telangiectasia show through the skin. In some cases if Rosacea is present for a long period of time the skin of the nose may become thickened.

What causes it?    Contrary to folk lore Rosacea is not due to excessive alcohol consumption. I and many other skin specialists believe that Rosacea may be due to bouts of flushing and sun exposure. Over a period of many years repeated bouts of flushing and sun exposure damage the tiny nutrient blood vessels (capillaries) in the face. The vessels become so weak that anything that causes more flushing may worsen the condition.

Is it dangerous?    For the typical healthy person Rosacea is a harmless disorder. It is not related to cancer and it does not involve internal organs.

Can it be cured?    The treatment program I put you on will help control or clear the disorder, but it is not a cure. Even if the Rosacea is totally cleared, you will still be predisposed to have repeat episodes. Repeat treatments may be needed and some individuals may require continuous therapy.  Laser therapy can help clear the blood vessels on the face that cause the flushing. 

Will it spread?    Rosacea typically stays confined to the face. A few individuals may get eye irritation from the Rosacea and need evaluation by an eye specialist.  On rare occasions there can be swelling and tissue overgrowth on the nose.  When this occurs it is called Rhinophyma.  Rhinophyma is harmless but can be very disfiguring.  Rhinophyma can be treated in our office with lasers.

Is it contagious?    Rosacea is not contagious and you can not "catch it" from anyone.

Last modified: 08/27/06