Rosacea is a common but often misunderstood condition that is estimated to affect over 45 million people worldwide. It begins with flushing and redness on the central face and across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also affect the neck and chest.

Triggers that cause episodes of flushing and blushing play a part in the development of rosacea. Exposure to temperature extremes can cause the face to become flushed as well as strenuous exercise, heat from sunlight, severe sunburn, stress, anxiety, cold wind, moving to a warm or hot environment from a cold one such as heated shops and offices during the winter. There are also some foods and drinks that can trigger flushing, these include alcohol, foods and beverages containing caffeine (especially, hot tea and coffee), and spicy food.

Trigger avoidance can help reduce the symptoms but alone will not normally cause remission for all but mild cases. A diary should be kept to help identify and reduce triggers. It is important to have a gentle skin cleansing regimen using non-irritating cleansers. Protection from the sun is important and daily use of a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 containing a physical blocker such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is advised. Oral and topical antibiotics are usually the first line of defense prescribed by doctors to relieve inflammation and some redness.

Recent advances in laser technology have allowed for safe and long lasting results using the V-beam laser.