Rosacea: symptoms and support.

Rosacea is a common skin condition, especially for middle-aged and some older adults. However, it is often wrongly perceived as cosmetic facial redness caused by alcohol. This can be very distressing for rosacea patients, as it is a facial vascular condition with subtypes, varying in severity. Rosacea should be effectively treated, as physical symptoms such as burning, stinging and soreness, as well as facial disfigurement are very distressing and can have a major impact on quality of life. This articles seeks to explain what rosacea is, including a description of sub-types and possible causes and trigger factors. Treatments for different severities of rosacea and the nurse's role in supporting patients will also be discussed.