Rosacea Rosacea is a persistent skin disorder that produces redness, tiny pimples, and broken blood vessels, usually on the central area of the face. The skin may thicken, particularly around the nose, making it look red and bulbous, a condition called rhinophyma. Occasionally, rosacea appears on the torso, arms, and legs rather than on the face. The cause of rosacea isn't known. The condition usually appears during or after middle age and is most common in people with fair complexions.
Some alcoholics develop rosacea, particularly rhinophyma.
Corticosteroids applied to the skin tend to make rosacea worse. Although usually easy for doctors to recognize, rosacea sometimes looks like acne and certain other skin disorders. Antibiotics that are applied to the skin, such as metronidazole gel, are also effective. Perioral Dermatitis Perioral dermatitis is a red, often bumpy rash around the mouth and on the chin. Perioral dermatitis may look a lot like acne or rosacea.