Rosacea Awareness: 16 Million Americans Affected, Stressed

More than 90 percent of more than 1,200 respondents with rosacea said they suffered some form of physical pain from rosacea, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society (NRS). With April designated as Rosacea Awareness Month, the NRS strives to educate the public on the effects of rosacea, now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. Evidence suggests rosacea can cause far more emotional stress and physical pain than previously known. In new NRS surveys, 69 percent of rosacea patients said they experienced a flare-up related to emotional stress at least once a month, and 76 percent said rosacea's effect on their facial appearance had lowered their self-confidence and self esteem. Eighty-eight percent of those with severe symptoms said this disorder had affected their professional interactions, and nearly 51 percent reported they had missed work because of their condition. Thirty-nine percent said it might even have prevented them from being chosen for a new job. Visit the NRS website, call the NRS at 1-888-NO-BLUSH, or e-mail rosaceas@aol.com to obtain information and educational materials.