Does your face look flushed all the time? Are you embarrassed because of the constant shade of red on your cheeks and nose? If so, then you could be suffering from a condition known as rosacea, and you are not alone; it's estimated that there are 16 million people who suffer from this condition.

So, what exactly is this condition? What causes it and is there any way that it can be treated? Keep on reading to find out.

What is Rosacea?

This common skin disorder primarily affects people over the age of 30. Its primary characteristic is redness, which occurs mainly on the cheeks and nose; however, the chin and forehead can also be impacted. In addition to redness, small bump-like pimples can develop on the redness, and a burning sensation is often experienced.

Causes of Rosacea

The truth is that nobody really knows what causes rosacea. Despite significant research, dermatologists have not quite figured out why this condition occurs. One thing that has been ruled out is that it is an infection.

People who are fair-skinned and who blush easily tend to be the population that is affected the most by rosacea. Also, it does seem to be hereditary, so if you have it, someone else in your family probably has it, and if you have children, they may also have it.

Though you may always have a flushed appearance, there are times when it may be worse. There are certain triggers that cause rosacea to flare, including:

• Exercise
• Sun exposure
• Heat
• Stress
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods

The reason why these triggers cause the flares is because they cause the blood vessels to expand, which is what causes the red effect.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, if you are suffering from rosacea, you don't have to live with the redness. There are several different treatment options. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Skin creams that contain azelaic acid or metronidazole.
• Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, which is used to treat bacterial infections (though the condition is not caused by a bacterial infection, this medication does seem to have a positive impact on it.)
• Laser treatments, which can help to reduce the redness from the blood vessels.
• In severe cases, cosmetic surgery can be a form of treatment, especially if the skin becomes thick as a result of the condition.

If you are experiencing rosacea, make an appointment with a dermatologist, who can assess your condition and determine the best course of action for getting it under control.