Rosacea: how to recognize and treat an age-related skin disease.

Rosacea is an age-related disorder of the central portion of the facial skin whose peak onset occurs in persons in their 40s and 50s. A chronic and progressive condition of flare-ups and remissions, rosacea can be disfiguring if left untreated. Rosacea can be characterized as having three stages. Target areas for all symptoms include the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. Rosacea resembles a number of other dermatologic conditions, particularly acne vulgaris. The combination of oral and topical antibiotic therapy usually brings about remission. The key is to recognize the early signs and clinical picture so that accurate diagnosis can be made and therapy and counseling instituted.