The American Acne and Rosacea Society is now accepting applications for AARS Clinical Research Awards ($10K) or an AARS Research Scholar Award ($75K).

In recognition of National Rosacea Awareness Month in April, experts from the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) are working to educate the public about the disease, its impact, and its treatment. Throughout the month, they are sharing #RosaceaRescues—science-backed, medically-based strategies to calm skin redness and inflammation. 

More than 14 million Americans have rosacea,1 and the condition is associated with potentially negative impacts on the quality of life of affected individuals. 

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease marked by facial redness and numerous other symptoms, the degree and appearance of which can vary among affected individuals. “Many patients with rosacea don’t even realize that they have a diagnosable skin condition,” says Hilary Baldwin, MD, a founding member and past president of the American Acne and Rosacea Society, in a news release. “Individuals with rosacea tend to have redness especially in the center of the face and to flush, especially when exposed to triggers, such as spicy foods, alcohol, or ambient heat. They may have papules and pustules that may resemble the lesions typically associated with acne vulgaris.” Some patients experience a gritty sensation in the eyes, and men in particular may experience swelling or enlargement of the nose. 

“For many patients with rosacea, the skin may feel itchy and dry, and they may experience stinging and burning,” Dr. Baldwin adds. Dr. Baldwin is Medical Director of the Acne Treatment & Research Center in Brooklyn, NY. 

Prescription treatments for rosacea are available in oral and topical forms. Some patients require a combination of treatments. Daily use of sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, is essential. Appropriate skin care using gentle cleansers and moisturizers is also recommended. 

“There have been tremendous strides in our understanding of rosacea, and we have many effective treatments,” says James Q. Del Rosso, DO, President Elect of the AARS and Research Director at Del Rosso Clinical Research in Las Vegas, NV. “However, the AARS is dedicated to further advancement. For a decade, we have been honored to support young researchers in rosacea and acne, and we are pleased to do so again in 2023. Through April 17, we are accepting applications for AARS Clinical Research Awards or an AARS Research Scholar Award. This is a great opportunity for young minds in dermatology to shed light on the pathogenesis of rosacea and acne or the patient experience.” 

About the AARS Call for Grant Applications 

The American Acne and Rosacea Society is accepting applications for AARS Clinical Research Awards ($10K) or an AARS Research Scholar Award ($75K). For 10 years, awards have been used to fund research into acne, rosacea, and hidradenitis suppurativa. The deadline is April 17. More information and applications are available online: acneandrosacea.org/grant-opportunities.