Tens of thousands of people around the world suffer from a condition labeled as rosacea. Although some causes have been identified, there remains a broad spectrum of causes that have yet to be fully identified and understood. In fact, there are far more questions than answers in regards to this condition.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a condition of the skin, classified as a disorder, that is manifested in the form of large red patches on the surface of the skin. These patches are often accompanied by ruptured and visible small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Rosacea is not a form of cancer.

General Cause

Rosacea is observed to be caused by the widening of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. It is much like a blush that doesn't go away and is far more intense.

Medicinal Causes

Researchers have discovered a correlation between certain vein-widening medications and rosacea. In these cases, the rosacea went away when the medication exposure ended. Blood thinners are also believed to contribute to rosacea conditions.

Emotional Causes

Blushing is a physiological response to a specific set of emotions caused by the opening of blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Some researchers believe that conditions of high stress, experienced over a long period of time, may be a contributing factor in the manifestation of rosacea.

Alcohol Consumption and Rosacea

One cause for rosacea, well known by physicians, is longterm heavy alcohol consumption. The rosy cheeks common in an alcoholic are the results of alcohol-induced rosacea.

Source:

Rosacea information from Medicinenet

More Information:

Mayo Clinic information on rosacea