Answer: I think it needs clarification. The new thinking about rosacea is that, although alcohol can definitely aggravate rosacea, it doesn't actually cause it.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition named after the Latin word for "rosy." Initially, a rosy redness of the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin develops that looks as if the person is blushing or has sunburn.

When people with rosacea get flush, the small blood vessels of the face get larger - eventually becoming visible as fine, thin, threadlike, permanently dilated red lines of blood vessels.

Cold weather, stress, exercise (especially when overheated), spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks and food, and extreme summer heat are all known potential triggers for already-present rosacea. In later stages, pimples may appear on the face that are sometimes referred to as "adult acne."

If rosacea goes untreated, some folks may develop bulbous "W.C. Fields" swelling of the nose.

A recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology identified family history, a past history of blistering sunburn, and a Northern European ethnic background as the greatest risk factors for developing rosacea.

High blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and past/present alcohol consumption were not linked to the development of rosacea.

The National Rosacea Society (1-888-662-5874 or www.rosacea.org) is a great resource for learning of new treatments and research.