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New Clues Can Save Millions from Life-Disruptive Threat

CHICAGO (March 4, 2002) -- Today's expanding knowledge of the signs and symptoms of rosacea can help unmask this widespread but little-known facial disorder now affecting an estimated 14 million Americans. March has been designated Rosacea Awareness Month to encourage those who may suffer from this often embarrassing and potentially serious condition to seek diagnosis and treatment before it increasingly disrupts their daily lives.

"It's been called 'the great pretender' because, especially in its early stages, people frequently confuse rosacea with other conditions such as a sunburn or acne, and fail to seek medical help," said Dr. Larry Millikan, chairman of dermatology at Tulane University. "The key is to educate the public on the signs and symptoms, and the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment before it becomes progressively more severe and intrusive."

The incidence of rosacea is now rapidly growing as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages -- between 30 and 60. Yet a Gallup survey found that 78 percent of the public has no knowledge of this chronic but treatable disorder, including how to recognize it and what to do about it.

Among the most famous rosacea sufferers is former President Bill Clinton, whose doctors disclosed that he has this condition in The New York Times. Others reported to have suffered from the disorder include comedian W.C. Fields, Princess Diana, financier J.P. Morgan and the Dutch painter Rembrandt.

Rosacea typically begins at any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time, the redness becomes ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop and, in advanced cases, the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue, a condition known as rhinophyma.

In many rosacea sufferers, the eyes are also affected, appearing watery or bloodshot. Without treatment, this condition, known as ocular rosacea, can lead to irritation and, in severe cases, even loss of vision.

A new survey of 1,618 rosacea patients by the National Rosacea Society has now documented additional signs and symptoms of rosacea that may aid in its diagnosis and treatment. Sixty-five percent of the respondents said they suffered from facial discomfort, with 48 percent reporting burning or stinging, and 46 percent experiencing facial itching.

Nearly 38 percent said their skin had a dry appearance, while 29 percent reported raised red patches, known as plaque, and 19 percent had experienced facial swelling. Moreover, while rosacea is usually considered a facial disorder, 24 percent said their signs and symptoms had occurred beyond the face, including 15 percent on the neck, 6 percent on the chest, 5 percent on the scalp and 4 percent on the ears.

"The manifestations of rosacea can vary substantially, especially as it increases in severity, and medical therapy must therefore be tailored for each individual," Dr. Millikan said. "With greater knowledge of its potential signs and symptoms, physicians should be able to achieve significant improvements in the diagnosis and management of this chronic and often life-disruptive disorder."

Perhaps even more devastating than its physical effects, rosacea often inflicts significant emotional and social damage on the lives of its victims. In recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said this unsightly disorder had lowered their self?confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among those with severe symptoms, nearly 30 percent said they had even missed work because of their condition.

Adding to the embarrassment is a common myth that rosacea sufferers, who often have a red face and nose, are alcoholics. In fact, while alcohol may aggravate rosacea, the symptoms can be just as severe in a teetotaler. Another common misconception is that rosacea is caused by poor hygiene, while in reality the disorder is unrelated to personal cleanliness.

"The good news is that, while rosacea cannot be cured, it can be effectively controlled with medical therapy and lifestyle changes," Dr. Millikan said. "It is essential for anyone with signs of rosacea to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before their condition reaches more serious stages."

Laying the groundwork for important medical advances, the National Rosacea Society recently conducted a consensus conference of leading scientific and medical authorities to establish a standard classification system for rosacea. The new system outlines the primary and secondary features of rosacea, and organizes common patterns of signs and symptoms into standard subtypes.

The new classification system will be announced upon its publication in a leading medical journal, and was developed to provide standard criteria that are essential to perform research, analyze results and compare data from different sources. In addition, it may serve as an important aid for more effective diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.

Because the underlying causes and other key aspects of this widespread condition are unknown, the National Rosacea Society has established a research grants program to encourage and support greater scientific knowledge of this poorly understood disorder. The society is now funding a growing number of new studies on rosacea that may lead to improvements in its treatment, management and potential cure or prevention.

During March and throughout the year, individuals who suspect they have rosacea can call the society's toll-free number at 1-888-NO-BLUSH to receive free information on rosacea and Rosacea Review, a newsletter for rosacea patients. The society also offers a patient diary checklist to help rosacea sufferers avoid lifestyle and environmental factors that may aggravate the condition or trigger flare-ups in individual cases, as well as a booklet on coping with the disorder.

Further information on rosacea is available by writing the National Rosacea Society, 800 S. Northwest Highway, Suite 200, Barrington, Illinois 60010, or via e-mail at rosaceas@aol.com. Information and materials are also available on the society's Web site at www.rosacea.org.