Rosacea sufferers often hide behind cosmetics

DERMATOLOGISTS are seeking to clarify common misconceptions about rosacea and empower those with the disease to feel more confident in their own skin.  The National Rosacea Society (NRS) working with Galderma Laboratories have launched Break Up with Your Makeup, an educational campaign and contest in the United States.

 

Rosacea is a common inflammatory and vascular disorder affecting the face. Redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, and pimples typically appear in the middle of the face (forehead, nose, cheeks) after age 30 in men and women.

 

“As the world’s largest organization for those with rosacea, we often hear from patients who are struggling with resulting emotional challenges, and find that these issues may be alleviated by providing them with a better understanding of what rosacea really is, why it can flare up unexpectedly and what they can do about it,” said Mary Erhard, director of medical communications for the NRS. “We are proud to participate in Galderma’s Break Up with Your Makeup initiative, which educates as well as provides patients with a platform to boost confidence.”

 

According to results of a new national survey, the impacts of rosacea go more than skin deep, with half of sufferers saying they feel unattractive due to the condition. Nearly one quarter of patients (23%) also admit that they turn to cosmetics instead of treatment when symptoms strike, and nearly half (49%) say they mistook their rosacea for acne before they were correctly diagnosed. Since lack of treatment as well as certain makeups can actually worsen rosacea symptoms, there is a clear need for greater education about this complex disease.

 

The survey of over 500 rosacea patients and 300 dermatologists revealed that:

• Patients struggle emotionally and are quick to conceal flare ups – Besides feeling unattractive, patients feel embarrassed (42%) and less confident (30%). One in five believe that having rosacea makes it seem like they don’t spend enough time on their appearance, and 77% of makeup-wearing patients say they wear more makeup now than before their diagnosis.

• Despite this, 54% of patients don’t feel comfortable talking to their physician about these emotional challenges – Although nearly half of doctors say they want to hear about their patients’ feelings, only 12% of patients believe this to be true.

• Patients unaware of key triggers – Many are unaware that rosacea may also be triggered by common factors such as humidity (68%), exercise (62%), certain makeups (56 percent) and the microscopic Demodex mites that live in everyone’s skin (86%).

• Patients aren’t taking action to reduce their chances of flare ups – Nearly 30% say they aren’t doing anything today to treat their rosacea, and six in ten doctors (56%) wish their patients were more proactive in managing their condition.

 

“Many patients with rosacea will initially come to my office thinking that they have acne or another skin condition, which they’ve been incorrectly treating with over-the-counter remedies and attempting to conceal with harsh makeups,” says Dr. Doris Day, nationally recognized dermatologist and campaign spokesperson. “Since rosacea manifests differently for each patient, it’s important for patients to speak with their physician about the treatment that’s right for them, as well as any emotional challenges they may be facing, so that they can feel as confident as possible.”

 

Galderma offers a comprehensive portfolio of rosacea solutions that address a variety of frustrating symptoms for patients with the condition. Galderma currently markets topical Mirvaso® Gel for persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea; systemic Oracea® Capsules, the only oral papulopustular rosacea treatment approved by FDA; and Soolantra® Cream, the latest advancement in rosacea treatment. In late December 2014, the FDA approved Soolantra® Cream, a once-daily, antibiotic-free product indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions, or bumps and pimples, of rosacea.

 

If left untreated, rosacea may worsen. If people suspect that they might have rosacea, they should visit their dermatologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and to discuss what treatment is right for them.