While the various potential signs and symptoms of rosacea may mimic a variety of other disorders from acne to lupus erythematosus, an accurate diagnosis may be especially important to rule out the possibility of carcinoid syndrome, a rare cancer caused by a tumor that is often curable if detected early but may be fatal if left untreated.

Rosacea, a chronic and often embarrassing disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Americans, may be linked to genetics, according to a new survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and published in Rosacea Review.

The NRS survey of 600 rosacea patients found that nearly 52 percent of the respondents had a relative who also suffered from the condition and that people of some nationalities are more likely than others to develop the disorder.

The skin of individuals with rosacea has a greater sensitivity to heat, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Patients with rosacea "often complain of increased skin sensitivity and frequently describe a burning sensation," said Dr. Daniela Guzman-Sanchez and colleagues of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. They noted that although this heightened sensitivity is well recognized in practice, there had been no formal research on the phenomenon.

Results of two recent studies provide new understanding of how and when angiogenesis -- the formation of new blood vessels -- may contribute both to the initial development of rosacea and its persistent presence.

In a study of skin samples with and without rosacea, Dr. Amal Gomaa and colleagues at Boston University found evidence of angiogenesis in both the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems in skin with rosacea lesions. ^[1]

Although rosacea rarely appears in children, its potential occurrence should be considered during medical examinations because of the possible severity of ocular (eye) involvement, according to a report in the February 2008 issue of the Archives of Dermatology. Researchers Dr. Mélanie Chamaillard and colleagues at the National Reference Center for Rare Skin Disorders, Bordeaux, France, suggested that an ophthalmologic (eye) examination be carried out for all children with skin signs of rosacea.

As rosacea becomes more familiar to the public, the "frequently asked questions" about the condition have evolved. So, the National Rosacea Society has updated the FAQ page on rosacea.org with new questions, including:

Visit the FAQ to learn the answers to these questions and many more.

The Winter 2008 Rosacea Review is now online at rosacea.org.

Although surveys have found rosacea can inflict significant damage to quality of life and emotional well-being as it becomes increasingly severe, medical help is available to control or prevent its potentially devastating effects on facial appearance. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public to the warning signs of this chronic and conspicuous disorder of the facial skin, now estimated to affect more than 14 million Americans.

Rosacea can be a trying condition under the best of circumstances, but it can be particularly vexing to women during menopause and even their monthly cycle.

Many women report more flushing episodes and increased numbers of bumps and pimples during these times, according to Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, head of the clinical research section of the dermatology department at Cleveland Clinic and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) announced that four new studies have been awarded funding as part of its research grants program to advance scientific knowledge of the potential causes and other key aspects of this chronic and potentially life-disruptive disorder that affects an estimated 14 million Americans.

The Fall 2007 Rosacea Review is now online at rosacea.org. This issue includes an article on potential new treatment advances presented at the NRS's research workshop during the Society for Investigative Dermatology annual meeting, publication of a breakthrough study, survey results on cosmetics and rosacea, and news about a new scoring system for ocular rosacea.

The angst and embarrassment of adolescence often come roaring back in adulthood with the red-faced symptoms of rosacea, a widespread but poorly understood facial disorder now estimated to affect 14 million Americans.

As the National Rosacea Society (NRS) marks its 15th anniversary in 2007, we are pleased to report the immense progress that has been made in achieving our mission of improving the lives of people with rosacea through awareness, education and support of medical research on this widespread but poorly understood disorder.

The Winter 2007 issue of Rosacea Review is now available on rosacea.org.

Rosacea Awareness Month to Highlight Wide Prevalence of Chronic Condition

 More than 14 million Americans are estimated to suffer from rosacea, yet most of them fail to recognize it. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public to the warning signs of this embarrassing and potentially life-disruptive facial disorder, and to emphasize the importance of seeking medical help.

New Study Uncovers the Dark Side of ATP

Researchers have found that one of the most common and hard-working substances in the body may have a Jekyll and Hyde quality in rosacea patients, assuming a darker role when activated by flare-up triggers.

The following announcement was issued by CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals:

FIRST ORAL DRUG FOR ROSACEA
COLLAGENEX PHARMACEUTICALS
INTRODUCES ORACEA™
(doxycycline, USP) capsules 40 mg*
* 30 mg immediate release and 10 mg delayed release beads

The following announcement was issued by the National Women's Health Resource Center:

Do You Live in a Dry Eye Hot Spot?

BARRINGTON, Illinois (June 14, 2006) -- A trail of tears may lead to the first diagnostic test for ocular rosacea, a common and potentially serious condition that may result in reduction of vision if left untreated. In a study of human tears funded by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and published in Rosacea Review, medical scientists have discovered new clues to identify the eye effects of rosacea, a red-faced, acne-like disorder now estimated to affect 14 million Americans.

The summer 2006 issue of Rosacea Review is now available on rosacea.org.

While the often-devastating impact of rosacea on facial appearance is well recognized, a new survey shows that physical discomfort is also experienced by the majority of people with this red-faced, acne-like disorder now estimated to affect more than 14 million Americans.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) announced that five new studies have been awarded funding as part of its research grants program to advance scientific knowledge of the potential causes and other key aspects of this chronic and potentially devastating disorder that affects an estimated 14 million Americans.