Skin condition leaves Prince William literally red in the face

Since their nuptials on April 29, Catherine has been the perfect image of the blushing bride.

But what leaves William with a flush in his cheeks as well?

Prince William has a condition called rosacea, which is characterized by a distinct redness in the cheeks. Early photos of the prince show he's had the condition for years. It often appears as if the person is blushing or is sunburned, which is why it wouldn't have been as noticeable on his trips abroad skiing and spending time outside.

Rosacea is long-term inflammation of the skin and causes red skin around the cheeks, nose and forehead areas. Other symptoms can range widely between sufferers, from watery eyes to pimples in the affected areas.

Mild rosacea, like William's, is generally only apparent when there are certain triggers like exercising, alcohol, heat, spicy food or irritating skin products and stress. In more advance cases, the cheeks and nose tend to stay red even without any outside factors.

The cause is still largely a mystery for doctors. It does, however, seem to be genetic, as his the case with William: Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Prince Harry have all shown signs of having rosacea as well. People of northern European descent seem to be particularly at risk for the condition.

While there's no cure for rosacea, there are ways to control the redness. Many sufferers opt for antibiotics and drugs to reduce their symptoms, while people with more severe cases can seek out laser treatments, light therapy or dermabrasion.

The best way prevent the condition from getting worse while it's still in its early stages is to avoid triggers and be very cautious what ingredients are in products you use on your face.

Even if Prince William decides not to treat his rosacea, there are plenty of people who understand what it's like to have the condition. An estimated 45 million people all over the world suffer from rosacea. That group includes some very famous red faces, too. W.C. Fields, Ricky Gervais, Sarah Michell Gellar and former U.S. president Bill Clinton are all rosacea sufferers.

(Getty Images)