I have been conducting polls on the subject, 'Is Flushing Rosacea?' which the
results show that the majority of rosaceans believe flushing is rosacea. In one
poll the results are, as of this date:
41 (63%) YES
14 (22%) NO
10 (15%) Don't know
0 (0%) Don't care

Source of the above poll:
http://rosaceans.com/is_flushing_rosacea_poll.php

In another poll the results are:
16 (55%) YES
5 (17%) NO
7 (24%) Don't know
1 (3%) Don't care
Source of the above poll:
Rosacea Diet Users Support Group Poll Yahoo Group

The point of all this is that most rosaceans believe that flushing is rosacea.
However, that is like saying pimples are rosacea. Flushing is only a sign or
symptom of rosacea. Redness due to Inflammation (or erythema) is a sign or
symptom of rosacea. To believe that redness is rosacea is an oversimplification
and not correct. A person could have redness and have all sorts of different
reasons other than rosacea. To have a flush and conclude one has rosacea isn't
the whole picture. To obtain a diagnosis of rosacea requires a physician to
carefully evaluate the patient's history and an actual physical exam. There is
currently no clinical test for rosacea and the judgement of the physician is the
current only and proper way to obtain a diagnosis of rosacea. And such a
diagnosis has later sometimes been found to be wrong. Sometimes the patient
later finds out that it was misdiagnosed and turns out to be SD or something
else. There are a few rosaceans who do not experience flushing and have a
correct diagnosis of rosacea. Dr. Powell in his new book points out that
flushing is not an absolute requirement for a diagnosis of rosacea. There are
other reputable physicians who agree. However, this subject is one of the hotly
debated subjects in the rosacea world. Some physicians, notably Dr. Kligman says
that rosacea is a vascular disorder and flushing is one of the distinguishing
characteristics for a diagnosis. While even Dr. Powell acknowledges that
flushing is probably one of the most distinguishing characteristics in a
diagnosis, he says he has seen patients with rosacea who do not flush any more
than the general population and these patients do not report flushing. However,
the inflammation or erythema associated with rosacea can cause the burning
sensation that most rosaceans complain about. Flushing continues to probably be
the most talked about and most concerned subject rosaceans discuss in all the
rosacea forums and groups and rightly so. It is a major concern. However,
flushing avoidance is simply one way to treat rosacea. There are other
treatments available so focusing only on flushing might prove to be frustrating
since there are other options available and it is difficult to avoid flushing
for many.