Heat often brings on the signs and symptoms of rosacea, and this can be a problem even in the frosty winter months, according to a recent National Rosacea Society survey of 424 rosacea patients.

Researchers have now identified the molecular pathway for flushing caused by niacin -- also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, and found in many foods -- according to a study recently completed by Dr. Robert Walters and colleagues at Duke University and funded by the National Rosacea Society (NRS). The new findings may lead to future improvements in the treatment or prevention of rosacea, which is commonly associated with flushing.

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The Fall Rosacea Review is now online. This issue announces the publication of new standard patient care options developed by a consensus committee of 26 rosacea experts as well as results of ongoing research that is increasing medical understanding of the disorder.

The best offense against a common skin problem such as rosacea is a strong defense, according to Charla Krupp, noted beauty expert and best-selling author, in offering some "makeup makeover" tips and other advice to help rosacea sufferers look their best.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has published new standard patient care options for rosacea, developed by a consensus committee and review panel of 26 rosacea experts, and articles on the various options for controlling the many potential aspects of this widespread disorder will appear in future issues of Rosacea Review.¹

Results of research funded by donations from members of the National Rosacea Society (NRS) are not only increasing medical understanding of the disorder, but are now revealing potential causes that may lead scientists toward important new advances in therapy.

The Summer Rosacea Review is now online. This issue highlights the National Rosacea Society’s efforts to increase awareness of the condition, as well as new study results on the potential link between emotional stress and rosacea. Also covered are results of a recent survey showing the need for greater education, plus expert beauty advice for looking your best at all times.

The same biochemical process that causes people to flush when alarmed or embarrassed may be linked to the development of rosacea, according to findings presented by Dr. Richard Granstein, chairman of dermatology at Cornell University, during the recent Society for Investigative Dermatology annual meeting.

While the sunny days of summer may be associated with outdoor fun, new survey results show that it is also the time when people with rosacea must take the most precautions to prevent flare-ups of this unsightly, red-faced disorder now estimated to affect well over 14 million Americans. For many, the survey also found that even the cold days of winter can present special challenges.

The Spring 2009 Rosacea Review is now online. This issue announces the awarding of four new research grants by the National Rosacea Society, plus an article on essential steps to successfully manage rosacea. Also featured are results of the patient survey on seasonal changes as well as study results that linked sunburn and family history to rosacea.

As if today's economy were not stressful enough, growing millions of Americans now face the embarrassment of a mysterious red-faced disorder that can wreak havoc on their emotional, social and professional lives. April has been designated as Rosacea Awareness Month by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) to alert the public to the warning signs of this chronic but treatable facial disorder now estimated to affect well over 14 million Americans.

A new section on Skin Care & Cosmetics, a topic of interest to many rosacea patients, is now featured on rosacea.org. There you will find information and tips on facial cleansing, skin care and makeup for rosacea, key components of personal care that can make a visible difference in managing rosacea and improving appearance.

Both a blistering sunburn and a family history of rosacea were associated with the presence of rosacea, according to study results presented by Dr. Alexa Boer Kimball, associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

In the study, 65 individuals with rosacea and 65 healthy control subjects underwent a facial skin exam, completed a questionnaire, and were measured for height, weight and blood pressure. In general, Dr. Kimball said, the cases of rosacea were moderate to severe.

A new section on Seborrheic Dermatitis, the most common concurrent condition with rosacea, is now featured on rosacea.org. Here readers will find information on the signs and symptoms, potential causes and treatment of this other common disorder.

The new section was edited by Drs. Mark Dahl, chairman of dermatology at the Mayo Clinic Arizona, and Richard Odom, professor of dermatology at the University of California-San Francisco. To view the new information on seborrheic dermatitis, click here.

In addition to complying with medical therapy, an important part of managing rosacea for many patients is to identify and avoid environmental and lifestyle factors that may trigger or aggravate their individual conditions.

"In essence, rosacea patients can often benefit by playing the role of detective, examining suspects and evidence carefully to determine the culprits that are responsible for a rosacea flare-up," said Dr. John Wolf, chairman of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine.

While the various potential signs and symptoms of rosacea may mimic a variety of other disorders from acne to lupus erythematosus, an accurate diagnosis may be especially important to rule out the possibility of carcinoid syndrome, a rare cancer caused by a tumor that is often curable if detected early but may be fatal if left untreated.

Rosacea, a chronic and often embarrassing disorder of the facial skin that affects an estimated 14 million Americans, may be linked to genetics, according to a new survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and published in Rosacea Review.

The NRS survey of 600 rosacea patients found that nearly 52 percent of the respondents had a relative who also suffered from the condition and that people of some nationalities are more likely than others to develop the disorder.

The skin of individuals with rosacea has a greater sensitivity to heat, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Patients with rosacea "often complain of increased skin sensitivity and frequently describe a burning sensation," said Dr. Daniela Guzman-Sanchez and colleagues of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. They noted that although this heightened sensitivity is well recognized in practice, there had been no formal research on the phenomenon.

Results of two recent studies provide new understanding of how and when angiogenesis -- the formation of new blood vessels -- may contribute both to the initial development of rosacea and its persistent presence.

In a study of skin samples with and without rosacea, Dr. Amal Gomaa and colleagues at Boston University found evidence of angiogenesis in both the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems in skin with rosacea lesions. ^[1]

Although rosacea rarely appears in children, its potential occurrence should be considered during medical examinations because of the possible severity of ocular (eye) involvement, according to a report in the February 2008 issue of the Archives of Dermatology. Researchers Dr. Mélanie Chamaillard and colleagues at the National Reference Center for Rare Skin Disorders, Bordeaux, France, suggested that an ophthalmologic (eye) examination be carried out for all children with skin signs of rosacea.

As rosacea becomes more familiar to the public, the "frequently asked questions" about the condition have evolved. So, the National Rosacea Society has updated the FAQ page on rosacea.org with new questions, including:

Visit the FAQ to learn the answers to these questions and many more.

The Winter 2008 Rosacea Review is now online at rosacea.org.

Although surveys have found rosacea can inflict significant damage to quality of life and emotional well-being as it becomes increasingly severe, medical help is available to control or prevent its potentially devastating effects on facial appearance. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public to the warning signs of this chronic and conspicuous disorder of the facial skin, now estimated to affect more than 14 million Americans.

Rosacea can be a trying condition under the best of circumstances, but it can be particularly vexing to women during menopause and even their monthly cycle.

Many women report more flushing episodes and increased numbers of bumps and pimples during these times, according to Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, head of the clinical research section of the dermatology department at Cleveland Clinic and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.