March 31, 2016 – With 2 million Canadians affected by rosacea, a skin condition causing a red face, experts with the not for profit Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada would like to help by sharing 5 Things you may not know about rosacea.
“A recent survey showed that awareness about rosacea is quite low among Canadians,” says Dr. Jason Rivers, Vancouver dermatologist and president of the society. “Since rosacea is visible on the face, there can be significant emotional and social effects for sufferers including embarrassment, anxiety and depression.”
April 2016 has been declared Rosacea Awareness Month in Canada and is featured in Health Canada’s Calendar of Health Promotion Days.
5 Things you may not know about rosacea:
1. Rosacea often affects the eyes. Although mainly known as a skin condition, up to half of rosacea sufferers also experience eye involvement known as ocular rosacea. Ocular rosacea can cause red, irritated, watery eyes, red eyelids, frequent styes and an irritated, dry or gritty sensation. Conjunctivitis or more serious eye conditions can develop in some cases.
2. Rosacea can be successfully controlled. While there is no cure, there are many new and existing medical options available that can bring significant improvement to rosacea symptoms such as facial redness, skin sensitivity, pimples, pustules, visible blood vessels and flushing. In the past 3 years, Health Canada has approved 3 new rosacea treatments that add to therapy choices.
3. Rosacea is often mistaken for adult acne. There is a type of rosacea with acne-like pimples and pustules. Problems may occur when harsh, over-the-counter acne treatments are used as these will likely worsen rosacea symptoms. A correct diagnosis is needed. Consider seeking the expert care of a dermatologist.
4. Rosacea sufferers have a 5 times higher risk for depression. Rosacea is more than skin deep. It can cause significant emotional effects such as anxiety and depression. A feeling of being stigmatized, branded or shamed by others for having a red face makes this situation worse. Some 75% of rosacea patients report low self-esteem.
5. Self-care measures can play a vital role in keeping rosacea under control. Watching your diet, avoiding everyday rosacea triggers and gentle skin care can limit outbreaks and play an important role in keeping rosacea under control.
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About the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada:
The society, a national, not for profit organization led by Canadian dermatologists, offers hope and help to sufferers by providing independent, reputable and current information on rosacea and raising awareness. For more, visit www.RosaceaHelp.ca. To join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter, use #5thingsaboutrosacea hashtag.
About Rosacea Awareness Month
Rosacea Awareness Month / Mois de la sensibilisation de la rosacée, April 2016, was designated by the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada / La Société canadienne de l’acné et de la rosacée (www.RosaceaHelp.ca) to raise awareness about rosacea, a common skin condition affecting 2 million Canadians that can cause significant physical and emotional effects.
A 2015 survey by the society showed Canadians’ awareness about rosacea is quite low. Our efforts are centred on getting educational information out in order to improve the lives of those with rosacea.
For more information or to organize interviews:
Sue Sherlock, Communications, Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, 604-985-9184 sherlockcom@telus.net