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What is couperosis?
The word "couperose" comes from the French and means "copper rose". Couperosis describes the genetically determined dilation of small blood vessels (e.g. capillaries) on the surface of the skin. Typical of couperosis are visible veins and diffuse redness of the skin. The redness usually goes away at first, but if the couperosis is more severe, the redness can be permanent. Most of the time, couperosis can be recognised by red cheeks or redness on the sides of the nose. Affected people often complain of very sensitive or dry skin that hurts or itches. If inflammation also occurs, this is called rosacea.