The 1 in 20 Americans who suffer from rosacea have more treatment options than ever before — but most patients don't take advantage of the full range of ever-increasing therapy options, experts say. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to educate the public about this chronic facial skin disorder and encourage those who suspect they may have it to see a dermatologist for diagnosis, effective treatment and guidance on gentle skin care.
"Although it's estimated that more than 16 million Americans have rosacea, only about 3 million are actively managing their condition," said Dr. Julie Harper, president and owner of Dermatology and Skin Care Center of Birmingham.1 "In most cases, they may simply not realize that what they are experiencing is a treatable disease. Others may have tried a therapy years ago and were disappointed with the results. Fortunately, a plethora of new topical and oral medications have been approved over the years that are aimed at a broader range of signs and symptoms and can more effectively be tailored to address an individual's personal case than in the past."
Although the cause of rosacea remains unknown, researchers now have a clearer understanding of how the disease develops and the processes involved in and under the skin, Dr. Harper added. As a result, rosacea is now understood as a single disease with a wide variety of potential signs and symptoms, known as phenotypes.2 The most common individual sign of rosacea is persistent redness (erythema) on the central part of face — the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin — often accompanied by itching, burning or stinging. Sufferers may also experience bumps and pimples (papules and pustules) or develop tiny visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) on their skin. In as many as 50% of patients the eyes may be involved, feeling irritated and appearing watery or bloodshot. In severe cases, the skin may thicken, particularly around the nose, a condition known as rhinophyma.
A growing range of oral and topical prescription therapies is now available to address each of these signs and symptoms, and research and clinical experience have found that medications used in combination may have a synergistic outcome that is more effective than use of a single therapy alone, she said. Accordingly, patients and their doctors can work together to create a unique treatment regimen aimed at their particular features.
"In addition to medications, light-based therapies such as lasers and intense pulsed light may help relieve or eliminate persistent redness or telangiectasia," Dr. Harper said. "Skin care also plays a role through the use of gentle cleansers, moisturizers that help repair the skin barrier, and sunscreens that protect from solar radiation."
The NRS launched a Seal of Acceptance program in 2024 to identify skin care and cosmetic products that may be suitable for people who suffer from rosacea. Over 50 products now carry the NRS Seal of Acceptance. More information and a directory of accepted products may be found online at rosacea.org/seal-of-acceptance.
In addition to medical therapy and gentle skin care, patients can minimize rosacea flare-ups by identifying and avoiding their personal triggers and making diet and lifestyle changes that reduce stress and inflammation. The most common triggers reported by patients include sun exposure and hot weather, emotional stress, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol consumption and spicy foods.
During Rosacea Awareness Month and throughout the year, the NRS will conduct public education activities to reach the many millions of rosacea sufferers who may not realize they have a medical condition that can be treated, emphasizing the warning signs and importance of seeking medical care. Bulk quantities of educational materials are available to health professionals for their patients through the NRS website at rosacea.org or by writing the National Rosacea Society, 4619 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 103, Chicago, IL 60640; calling the NRS toll free at 1-888-NO BLUSH; or via e-mail at info@rosacea.org. Those interested in spreading awareness during the month of April are encouraged to visit the official Rosacea Awareness Month landing page at rosacea.org/ram for ways in which they can participate.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic disorder of the facial skin that is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. According to the updated standard classification of rosacea, the presence of persistent facial redness or, less commonly, phymatous changes where the facial skin thickens is considered diagnostic of the disorder.1 Additional major signs, which often appear with the diagnostic features, include papules (bumps) and pustules (pimples), flushing, telangiectasia (visible blood vessels) and certain ocular manifestations. The presence of two or more major features independent of the diagnostic signs is also considered diagnostic of rosacea, and secondary signs and symptoms include burning or stinging, swelling and dry appearance.
About the National Rosacea Society
The National Rosacea Society is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of the estimated 16 million Americans who suffer from this widespread but poorly understood disorder. Its mission is to raise awareness of rosacea, provide public health information on the disorder and support medical research that may lead to improvements in its management, prevention and potential cure. More information can be found at rosacea.org.
References:
1. Wehausen B, Hill DE, Feldman SR. Most people with psoriasis or rosacea are not being treated: a large population study. Dermatol Online J 2016 Jul 15;22(7):13030/qt4nc3p4q2. PMID: 27617716.
2. Gallo RL, Granstein RD, Kang S, et al. Standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea: The 2017 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018;78(1):148-155. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.037