Inflammation is the Key

It is widely believed that rosacea results from persistent inflammation of the skin of the face, although its exact causes are not understood.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural response to injury. It can be caused by allergies, infection, irritating chemicals, extreme heat or cold, or a physical injury.

Typical signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and functional limitation (for example, the inability to bend an inflamed, injured finger).

Acute Versus Chronic Inflammation

When there has been an injury to the skin or other part of the body, acute (short-term) inflammation is a critical early step in the healing process. When healing is complete, the inflammation stops and the affected tissues return to normal.

Rosacea, however, results from chronic (long-term) inflammation. Chronic inflammation is abnormal because it continues even after the cause of injury is removed. Chronic inflammation can prevent healing and cause continued tissue damage. Eventually, symptoms associated with the disease appear.

Because rosacea is a chronic condition it may require treatment for long periods of time. Many effective options are available, and new ones are on the way. Often the first step in treating rosacea is prevention—avoiding the triggers that can cause your rosacea to flare up. To learn about advances in medicines used to treat rosacea, talk to your doctor.