Rosacea Review - Newsletter of the National Rosacea SocietyRosacea Review - Newsletter of the National Rosacea Society

Published by the National Rosacea Society.
Editor: Dr. Julie Harper, president and owner, Dermatology and Skin Care Center of Birmingham
Managing Editor: Andrew Huff

Rosacea Review is a newsletter published by the National Rosacea Society for people with rosacea. The newsletter covers information pertaining to the disease and its control, including news on research, results of patient surveys, success stories, lifestyle and environmental factors, and tips on managing its signs and symptoms. To receive Rosacea Review by mail, please join the NRS. You can also sign up to receive the newsletter by email.

Spring 2010

Awareness Month Highlights Incidence

Although the number of people with rosacea continues to rise with the growth and aging of the U.S. population, most fail to recognize the warning signs of this increasingly widespread disorder now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public to the signs and symptoms of this chronic and conspicuous facial condition and to emphasize the importance of seeking medical help.

Q&A: Sun Exposure & Vitamin D

Q. My flare-ups seem to be triggered primarily by sun exposure. Will a good sunscreen be enough to prevent flare-ups or must I always wear a hat when outside?

A. Because sun exposure is a leading flare-up trigger for so many, using sunscreen with an SPF (sun-protection factor) of 15 or higher is recommended for most rosacea patients all year-round -- but it is also important to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

Tips for a Great Summer Vacation

Advance planning makes any vacation more successful, so when you make your travel reservations, don't forget to plan strategies to keep your rosacea under control. The following suggestions can lead to a more enjoyable getaway.

 

  • Play it safe with prescriptions. You don't want to get stuck in a faraway place without your rosacea medication, so pack it in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

 

Delayed Diagnosis Failed to Spoil Her Outcome

The signs and symptoms of rosacea can vary greatly from one patient to another, and sometimes the symptoms can be so unexpected that diagnosis is delayed. Such was the case for Terri Flynn, a 63-year-old part-time receptionist from Texas. Lacking the telltale facial signs of rosacea, Terri suffered through years of red, watery eyes before she finally learned she had rosacea.

"About 10 years ago, I started getting styes. I wore contacts, and my physician blamed it on that," Terri said. However, her doctor said he didn't normally treat styes.

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