If you are like many men and women across America, you take care to maintain and improve your appearance. But of the 14 million Americans with rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease often characterized by facial redness, bumps and pimple-like blemishes, many would make considerable sacrifices if it would mean getting rid of their condition. According to a new survey of approximately 500 rosacea sufferers and approximately 500 non-sufferers released today by the National Rosacea Society (NRS), 58 percent of respondents with rosacea said that they would be willing to modify their lifestyle by giving up shopping or eating out at restaurants for six months or longer, if it were possible to get rid of their rosacea forever.

The survey findings revealed that the impact of rosacea goes far deeper than physical effects: it impacts the emotional health of sufferers. Forty-two percent of respondents with rosacea felt sad or depressed about the appearance of their skin, and more than half (55 percent) said rosacea was one of their top three physical concerns as they age, second only to weight gain (in a list that included wrinkles, high cholesterol and thinning hair). Rosacea patients also take steps to hide their condition. Nearly one in six respondents made excuses and stayed home from work/social events to hide their rosacea.

"These survey results underscore the need for rosacea sufferers to get the treatment and care they need so that they can regain self-confidence and get back to enjoying life," said Samuel Huff, executive director of the NRS. "April is Rosacea Awareness Month, so our goal is to raise awareness of the condition and encourage those who may have rosacea to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate therapy."

In addition to exposing the emotional and social impacts of rosacea, the survey results underscored the need for education among people with and without the condition. Nearly half of the respondents with rosacea reported they experienced symptoms for a year or more prior to receiving a diagnosis by a healthcare provider. In the general population without rosacea, more than a quarter of respondents did not know what rosacea was, despite its prevalence, and only 14 percent were familiar or very familiar with its symptoms.

In response to these survey results, the NRS, in partnership with Galderma, has teamed up with beauty expert and The New York Times bestselling author of "How Not To Look Old" Charla Krupp and leading dermatologist, Dr. Hilary Baldwin, to offer a new resource for rosacea sufferers called the "Rosacea Relief Squad," which aims to empower people to recognize their rosacea "triggers," establish a customized treatment plan with a dermatologist and find ways to better manage and cope with their condition.

"We are excited to help launch the 'Rosacea Relief Squad' because it encourages those with rosacea to think about their condition in a fresh way and realize they don't have to let rosacea rule their life!" said Charla Krupp. "We hope the online resources will help rosacea sufferers learn new ways to look radiant, feel confident and put their best face forward, despite their condition."

In addition to lifestyle changes, there are oral and topical medications available for people with rosacea. One oral therapy treatment option is Oracea(R) (doxycycline, USP), which is unique because it doesn't cause bacterial resistance like antibiotics used to treat rosacea. Oracea(R) can reduce red bumps and pimples associated with rosacea.

"I often recommend my patients take Oracea(R) to help treat the signs and symptoms of rosacea," said Hilary Baldwin, MD, associate professor and vice chair, department of dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center. "But most importantly, I encourage those with rosacea and anyone who suspects they may have the condition to see a dermatologist to establish a treatment plan that works for them."

About Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, medical therapy is available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

About the National Rosacea Society

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of the estimated 14 million Americans who suffer from this widespread but poorly understood disorder. Through education and advocacy, our mission is threefold: to raise awareness of rosacea, to provide public health information on the disorder, and to encourage and support medical research that may lead to improvements in its management, prevention and potential cure. Since 1992, the NRS has made a difference in the way rosacea patients are treated and the way this widespread disorder is perceived and understood.

About Galderma

Galderma, created in 1981 as a joint venture between Nestle and L'Oreal, is a fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to the field of dermatology. The Company is committed to improving the health of skin with an extensive line of products across the world that treat a range of dermatological conditions. With a research and development center in Sophia Antipolis, France, Galderma has one of the largest R&D facilities dedicated exclusively to dermatology. Leading worldwide dermatology brands include Differin(R), MetroGel(R) 1%/Rozex(R), Clobex(R), Tri-Luma(R), Loceryl(R), Vectical(TM) Ointment, Epiduo(TM) Gel and Cetaphil(R).

About Oracea

Oracea(R) is indicated for the treatment of only inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of rosacea in adult patients. You may experience intestinal upsets, sore throat or sinus infections/sinusitis when taking Oracea(R). Do not take Oracea(R) if you are allergic to tetracyclines, and it may cause harm to a developing fetus; so do not take Oracea(R) if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When taking Oracea(R), stay out of direct or artificial sunlight, and make sure you tell your doctor if you have stomach or GI problems, kidney disease, have a yeast or fungal infection, take blood thinners, take oral contraceptives, or take medicine to treat acne, psoriasis or seizures. Oracea(R) does not treat bacterial infections. Use Oracea(R) only as prescribed by your doctor. For more information about Oracea(R), see Full Prescribing Information.

About the National Rosacea Survey

Impulse Research Corporation conducted the survey in February 2009. Two populations were asked to participate in the survey: men and women aged 30+ diagnosed with rosacea by a physician and men and women aged 30+ who had not been diagnosed with rosacea. All of the potential respondents were members of the survey vendor's proprietary online panel. The survey panel is carefully selected to closely match U.S. population demographics aged 30+. The sample size for rosacea sufferers was 508 and for the general population, 504. The overall sampling error for this survey is +/-4% at the 95% level of confidence.

Source: National Rosacea Society