Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects over 16 million Americans - with many more who are "undiagnosed". Those that have this disease have "red face" . Redness on the forehead, cheeks, chin, or neck and/or the appearance of fine blood vessels is the main sign of rosacea. Watery eyes or pimples also accompany it in some cases. Fair skinned adults (over 30) are the most common patients and severity ranges, as shown below.
Causes
It's not a well understood skin disorder, and scientists aren't 100 % sure of the causes, however, "triggers" are understood. Many people originally thought that Rosacea was due consuming too much alcohol, but that is not a cause, rather, it is a trigger that enflames the disorder. Other triggers include certain types of foods (liver, sour cream, cheeses, vegetables, chocolate), weather (high winds, a lot of sun), drugs (vasodilators - like high blood pressure medicine or steroids), stress, anxiety, physical exertion, and certain cosmetics. Obviously, avoiding triggers, will reduce flare-ups (96% of patients saw success).
Due to many sources of evidence, scientists believe Rosacea is hereditary. There is also a study that says 33% of rosacea patients have Irish heritage and 26% had English descent.
In addition, rosacea is understood to be an autoimmune disease which essentially means your immune system is working "against you" or causing this problem.
Rosacea by location in the U.S.
Treatment
It can't be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled. Those with acne can be given drugs to help with that. Laser treatments are available to reduce the redness and blood vessels close to the skin. These treatments cost about $200-$500 (depends on the size of the area) for each session and usually 3-5 treatments will be needed (depends on the severity and the type of technology).
*I'm no professional, but from my understanding insurance companies don't cover laser treatments because it's often times under the "cosmetic surgery" category. For better price estimates set up a consultation with a dermatologist. I'm unsure about if you get treatment but don't avoid flare ups if the surgery would be counter-productive or if the surgery prevents flare ups by eliminating the vessels -- questions for a doctor.
Statistics gathered from rosacea.org
76% of patients with Rosacea say that it has lowered their self-esteem in various situations
41% have cancelled social engagements because of it
88% say that it has affected their professional lives
51% of patients have missed work because of it
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