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National Rosacea Awareness Month Highlights Health Risks; Need for Treatment

March 2017

While new research has tied rosacea to increased risk of a growing number of potentially serious illnesses—including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, certain types of cancer, and more—only 18% of the estimated 16 million Americans experiencing the chronic inflammatory skin disorder are receiving medical treatment, according to The National Rosacea Society (NRS).1 April is Rosacea Awareness Month and the initiative is designed to alert the public to the early warning signs of the condition and encourage those who think they may have it to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

“While the nature of the associations between rosacea and other diseases is not yet clear and no cause-and-effect relationship has been established, these findings underscore the importance of seeking proper medical care,” said John Wolf, MD, MA, chairman of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine.

“Beyond its many potential physical effects, the impact of rosacea on patients’ emotional, social, and occupational well-being has also been increasingly well documented,” Dr Wolf said. In surveys by the NRS, more than 90% of rosacea patients said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% reported its effect on personal appearance had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, 88% said the disorder adversely affected their professional interactions, and 51% said they had even missed work because of their condition.

During Rosacea Awareness Month and throughout the year, the NRS will conduct public education activities to reach the many millions of people who have rosacea and may not realize they have a medical condition that can be treated, emphasizing the warning signs and urging those who suspect they may have rosacea to see a dermatologist. Bulk quantities of educational materials are available to health professionals for their patients through the NRS website. Those interested in spreading awareness during the month of April are encouraged to visit the official Rosacea Awareness Month landing page (https://www.rosacea.org/ram) for ways in which they can participate.

During April and throughout the year, individuals may call the NRS at 888-NO-BLUSH (888-662-5874) for information. The NRS offers Rosacea Review, a newsletter for rosacea patients; a Rosacea Diary to help patients identify and avoid lifestyle factors that may trigger flare-ups in their individual cases; and other booklets to help patients understand and manage their condition.

For more information, visit the NRS website https://www.rosacea.org, or email rosaceas@aol.com.

Reference
Wehausen B, Hill DE, Feldman SR. Most people with psoriasis or rosacea are not being treated: a large population study. Dermatol Online J. 2016;22(7). pii:13030/qt4nc3p4q2.
 

While new research has tied rosacea to increased risk of a growing number of potentially serious illnesses—including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, certain types of cancer, and more—only 18% of the estimated 16 million Americans experiencing the chronic inflammatory skin disorder are receiving medical treatment, according to The National Rosacea Society (NRS).1 April is Rosacea Awareness Month and the initiative is designed to alert the public to the early warning signs of the condition and encourage those who think they may have it to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

“While the nature of the associations between rosacea and other diseases is not yet clear and no cause-and-effect relationship has been established, these findings underscore the importance of seeking proper medical care,” said John Wolf, MD, MA, chairman of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine.

“Beyond its many potential physical effects, the impact of rosacea on patients’ emotional, social, and occupational well-being has also been increasingly well documented,” Dr Wolf said. In surveys by the NRS, more than 90% of rosacea patients said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% reported its effect on personal appearance had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, 88% said the disorder adversely affected their professional interactions, and 51% said they had even missed work because of their condition.

During Rosacea Awareness Month and throughout the year, the NRS will conduct public education activities to reach the many millions of people who have rosacea and may not realize they have a medical condition that can be treated, emphasizing the warning signs and urging those who suspect they may have rosacea to see a dermatologist. Bulk quantities of educational materials are available to health professionals for their patients through the NRS website. Those interested in spreading awareness during the month of April are encouraged to visit the official Rosacea Awareness Month landing page (https://www.rosacea.org/ram) for ways in which they can participate.

During April and throughout the year, individuals may call the NRS at 888-NO-BLUSH (888-662-5874) for information. The NRS offers Rosacea Review, a newsletter for rosacea patients; a Rosacea Diary to help patients identify and avoid lifestyle factors that may trigger flare-ups in their individual cases; and other booklets to help patients understand and manage their condition.

For more information, visit the NRS website https://www.rosacea.org, or email rosaceas@aol.com.

Reference
Wehausen B, Hill DE, Feldman SR. Most people with psoriasis or rosacea are not being treated: a large population study. Dermatol Online J. 2016;22(7). pii:13030/qt4nc3p4q2.
 

While new research has tied rosacea to increased risk of a growing number of potentially serious illnesses—including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, certain types of cancer, and more—only 18% of the estimated 16 million Americans experiencing the chronic inflammatory skin disorder are receiving medical treatment, according to The National Rosacea Society (NRS).1 April is Rosacea Awareness Month and the initiative is designed to alert the public to the early warning signs of the condition and encourage those who think they may have it to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

“While the nature of the associations between rosacea and other diseases is not yet clear and no cause-and-effect relationship has been established, these findings underscore the importance of seeking proper medical care,” said John Wolf, MD, MA, chairman of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine.

“Beyond its many potential physical effects, the impact of rosacea on patients’ emotional, social, and occupational well-being has also been increasingly well documented,” Dr Wolf said. In surveys by the NRS, more than 90% of rosacea patients said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% reported its effect on personal appearance had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among rosacea patients with severe symptoms, 88% said the disorder adversely affected their professional interactions, and 51% said they had even missed work because of their condition.

During Rosacea Awareness Month and throughout the year, the NRS will conduct public education activities to reach the many millions of people who have rosacea and may not realize they have a medical condition that can be treated, emphasizing the warning signs and urging those who suspect they may have rosacea to see a dermatologist. Bulk quantities of educational materials are available to health professionals for their patients through the NRS website. Those interested in spreading awareness during the month of April are encouraged to visit the official Rosacea Awareness Month landing page (https://www.rosacea.org/ram) for ways in which they can participate.

During April and throughout the year, individuals may call the NRS at 888-NO-BLUSH (888-662-5874) for information. The NRS offers Rosacea Review, a newsletter for rosacea patients; a Rosacea Diary to help patients identify and avoid lifestyle factors that may trigger flare-ups in their individual cases; and other booklets to help patients understand and manage their condition.

For more information, visit the NRS website https://www.rosacea.org, or email rosaceas@aol.com.

Reference
Wehausen B, Hill DE, Feldman SR. Most people with psoriasis or rosacea are not being treated: a large population study. Dermatol Online J. 2016;22(7). pii:13030/qt4nc3p4q2.