• Persistent skin condition affecting blood vessels, hair follicles and oil glands on the central portion of the face
• Symptoms may include facial redness, nasal swelling, pimple like eruptions and dilated blood vessels.
• Cause unknown but may involve hereditary factors, increase in blood vessels and blood flow to face, high temperature exposure, medications or consumption of alcohol or spicy foods
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females and more severe in males
• Can occur at any age but most often in adults after age 30 years
• May be mild to severe
• May progress to major disfigurement without proper treatment

GENERAL THERAPY

• No known cure
• Worsens if left untreated
• Flare-ups can occur for periods of weeks or months, then lessens up
• Avoid touching or rubbing face
• Use gentle soap or cleansers when washing problem areas
• Use sunscreen everyday with protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more, that contains UVA, UVB
• For eye care, warm compresses several times a day and use products made for eyes to wash eyelids
• Use of cosmetics with a green-colored base can help mask the redness

Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

• Artificial tears

PRECAUTIONS AND AVOIDANCES

• Avoid skin care products that contain alcohol or any other irritants
• Cover face with scarf or mask during winter months
• Apply moisturizer after facial medicine has dried
• Avoid getting overheated
• Limit drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods and hot drinks
• Avoid hot tubs, and saunas
• Avoid midday sun
• Wear wide brimmed hat when out in sun
• Limit stress
• Limit exercise to shorter, more frequent low intensity workouts during cool mornings
• Use only products labeled noncomedogenic
• Keep a diary of what triggers a flare-up (Extreme temps, sun exposure, spicy foods, stress, alcohol, exercise, skin care products)
• Wash daily with gentle cleaners
• Use skin products that are oil-free, and water based

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

• Facial red patches that come and go
• Eye redness or irritations
• Thick bumps on nose that are red and look like blisters
• Small red lines on face and redness with pimples