Whilst its root cause is still unknown, most experts believe that the characteristic flushing and redness associated with rosacea can be explained by prolonged dilation of the blood vessels.
1 Damage to the underlying blood vessels can also make certain areas prone to spots and pimples.
People with rosacea often experience outbreaks of symptoms followed by periods of improvement. Rosacea has a tendency to run in families although a genetic link has yet to be confirmed.
Certain lifestyle and environmental factors can trigger flare-ups or aggravate individual symptoms of rosacea. Click
here for more information about triggers.
1. Van Zuuren EJ et al. Interventions for rosacea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005;3:article CD003262.