How can you determine (aside from a dermatologist’s diagnosis) if you have rosacea? I really want to know because in the last year or so I have wondered if I am showing early signs of the condition. I can clearly see numerous small, broken capillaries on and around my nose and at times during the day I experience redness on the forehead and nose for no obvious reason. The flushing usually subsides after an hour or two.

Rosacea seems to be largely a mystery in the medical community but is gaining more and more press as increasing numbers of people are diagnosed and subsequently the demand for effective treatments climbs. Yet, despite growing concerns, I still can’t seem to find a clear definition of the condition. Some sources simply define rosacea as “adult acne” while other sources are vague about symptoms as subtle as broken capillaries and as severe as weeping lesions.

A couple of my friends have been diagnosed with rosacea and rely on regular steroidal treatments to control flare-ups. Although they (like many rosacea sufferers) don’t fully understand their condition, they do say that their skin remains problem-free as long as they are faithful to their prescribed treatment.

I’m not sure if I’m at a point where I need to see a dermatologist to determine whether or not I have rosacea. I am sure that at this point, my condition is much too mild to warrant a prescription. However, I can’t help but to wonder what’s in store for the future of my skin. Will my symptoms worsen and how can I control them?

I know that many of you reading this have been diagnosed with rosacea and I am eager to hear about your experiences. Are any of you managing your condition with over-the-counter treatments or do you absolutely need a prescription to control flare-ups? Can anybody provide a clear definition of rosacea and explain how a diagnosis is determined?