Wrongly diagnosing their condition as acne, sunburn or sensitive skin, many people are struggling with redness, pimples and visible blood vessels on their faces may have rosacea. Doctors say it's a skin condition that can continue to flare or begin to worsen if left untreated.

Rosacea is a chronic and often progressive skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face, afflicting as many as 14-million Americans. It can be exacerbated by exposure to extremes of hot and cold, sunlight, emotional stress, hot beverages, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain skin care products.

Speaking at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist James Q. Del Rosso says, "Rosacea can have devastating effects on self-esteem because it is so noticeable on the face. But, rosacea treatments are more effective than ever, offering a variety of therapies that are having successful results."

He adds, "Since what triggers rosacea in one patient may not trigger it in another, dermatologists often recommend that patients with rosacea keep a diary of flushing episodes and note associated foods, products, activities, medications or other triggering factors."