From my knowledge, I read in one place on the internet that kprf was a type of rosacea. This was a while back, and don't know how trustworthy the source was. But after much research and experimentation, it seems odd how similar the symptoms of kprf are to rosacea. What do you think?

Is KPRF and the other name ACTUAL medical terms or did somebody make them up? I've mentioned this condition to a few dermatologists and they've all told me they never heard of such a condition. It would also appear that my KPRF is actually Rosacea. I have an appointment today to find out for sure. I would like to know if this KPRF is an actual condition though.

Yes, KPRF (Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii), is a condition. How many KPRF sufferers do you notice in public places? I haven't seen many (if at all) down here in Florida. Maybe there is a greater prevalence somewhere else in the States, but my experience is that I feel very alone with this disease. As far as some Derms not ever hearing about the condition... That makes sense. They only have so much time to devote to treating skin conditions, it's only logical that they would focus their time learning how to treat the conditions they are more likely to encounter. As far as Primary Care Physicians... They certainly wouldn't know what the condition is, unless they had personal experience with it.

Finally, a KPRF link to Rosacea??? I think they are related, but it is a causal relationship. In my opinion, and experience, KPRF leads to rosacea, but they are not the same disease.

I think I would have to agree with you Daves. It seems as if the two conditions are related and that Rosacea might come from kprf. But I just wish I could get a derm or somebody to confirm that.

To be honest, I see many people with what appears to be KPRF (Redness, Rough Looking Skin) on the cheeks in Wisconsin. The redness is usually much less noticeable than my own and I have a strange feeling they do not have the flushing or blushing components. I do not believe KPRF means one must have the flushing/blushing component.

I actually saw a dermatologist a few days ago for a V-Beam consultation and he said he has seen KPRF many times. The only problem was that he seemed unaware of the flushing and blushing component that can accompany it. He wanted to treat me with a Topical Steroid (read: Causes more flushing) for at least a month before trying the V-Beam. I refused due to my previous experience with the exact same topical steroid (Hydrocortisone 2.5%). He did not seem to accept the fact that the flushing/blushin was the worst part of the condition and insisted I try the topical steroid for the redness. I left very disappointed. This is coming from a dermatologist with a Medical Degree from Northwestern and a 30-month internship at Mayo Clinic.

I'm from MI, and like Arma, see a lot of people with "ruddy" complexions. I think you're all right that KPRF could lead to rosacea. I used to have KPRF when I was young (who gets rosacea when they're 11?), and it lasted through my late teens. I also went to a dermotologist, who prescibed the topical steroid Elocon cream. The first day, I thought it was a miracle drug. My face was so pale and non-flushed; I was ecstatic! The next day, it was like a hot, burnt tomato! So, I quit the topical steroid and went back to lots of cover-up makeup.

I don't know why or how, but about four years ago (when I was 20), I stopped having frequent outbreaks of flushing, and the KP on my neck and jawline became less. Now, I have virtually no flushing, and the KP on my neck and jawline is all but gone. I'm not sure what the cause is, but do know I lost between 15-20 lbs around that time. Also, I used to always be a "hot" person, which coincided with my outbreaks of flushing. Now, I'm always cold! Possibly it's a hormonal thing?

Well, sorry for the tangent. I didn't know if my experiences would help anyone, since I no longer have the KPRF

There are many differences between KPRF and Rosacea. Rosacea can lead to thickening of the skin and nose causing the nose to look bubbly. This usually happens more in men because they are less likely to see a doctor. Rosacea never goes away and with keratosis, it can go away. Also about 50% of people who have Rosacea have Ocular Rosacea which if left untreated can cause blindness. That is not to say that KPRF is not serious, but Rosacea is much more serious. The bumps that people get with Rosacea, can be puss filled papules and burn and itch. Also, it is effected by what they eat, drink, and do. Flushing is what causes breakouts in people with Rosacea, but Flushing does not cause Rosacea. People with fair skin who flush or blush easily are more likely to have Rosacea, but that is not to say that they will get it. Because flushing causes the breakouts, they need to monitor what they eat (spicy foods, chocolate, dairy etc.) drink (hot liquids and for some caffeine) and their daily activities (taking hot showers, exercising, or outdoor activities). I think that people with fair skin are more suseptible to both these conditions, but am very confident that one does not cause the other.

The only reason why I know all this, is because I was misdiagnosed as having Rosacea before being correctly diagnosed with keratosis.

actually, from what i've read, it doesn't thicken the skin, from what they know now, rosacea is a degredation of the blood vessel walls in the face. The bumps are thought to be caused by your standard bacteria and parasites, just like normal acne. The fact that the temperature on your face is higher in rosacea sufferers makes it less resistant to bacteria, etc., thus, bumps/acne. I still don't quite understand why derms are treating rosacea, it's a vascular condition from what i've researched, and i seriously doubt any creams or potions they whip up are going to effectively treat it. They other triggers, such as spicy food, hot showers, etc, are all things that would cause minor blushing in a normal person. The problem is, blushing for a rosacea sufferer is much, much more intense and usually PAINFUL.

anyway, just my 2cents on rosacea.

for anyone like me that his, I recommend checking out: http://www.drnase.com he wrote a good book on the condition.