It is possible to develop rosacea with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing rosacea. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Common risk factors for rosacea include:

Gender

Women develop rosacea somewhat more frequently than men, although men are more prone to developing severe rosacea.

Age

Rosacea tends to develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years of age. In women, some cases of rosacea occur around the onset of menopause.

Family History

A tendency to develop rosacea may be inherited. It can often be found in several members of the same family.

Fair Skin

Although rosacea can develop in people of any skin color, it tends to occur most often in people with fair skin.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to the sun may cause skin and blood vessel damage, especially on the face. This may increase the risk of developing rosacea.

History of Acne

A history of severe acne, especially with cysts, is associated with an increased risk of rosacea.

Ethnic Background

While the disorder can occur in all ethnic groups, it has been found to be prevalent among people of English, Scottish, Scandinavian, and Northern or Eastern European ancestry.

References:

Rosacea. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/rosacea. Updated June 2014. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Rosacea. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116224/Rosacea . June 8, 2017. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Rosacea: Who gets it? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea#tab-risk. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Sunshine casts a rosacea shadow. National Rosacea Society website. Available at: https://www.rosacea.org/rr/2002/spring/article_2.php. Accessed December 22, 2017.

Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated: 12/28/2015

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.