Rosacea is a chronic skin condition in which the facial skin appears red. Small red bumps filled with what looks like pus may accompany the skin redness. For this reason, rosacea is sometimes referred to as "adult acne." However, acne and rosacea are separate skin conditions.
Rosacea usually begins in middle age, but it can also affect young adults. People from 30 to 60 years old are most commonly affected. Although women are more often diagnosed with the condition, men are more likely to show severe symptoms. Rosacea is more common in individuals with fair skin, especially people of Irish and Northern European descent.
Without treatment, rosacea can get worse over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent this from happening. Rosacea does not endanger a person's physical health, but it is a chronic (ongoing) condition and there is currently no known cure for it.