National Rosacea Society designates April as Rosacea Awareness Month

The National Rosacea Society has designated April as Rosacea Awareness month to educate the public to the chronic facial disorder estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans, according to a news release.

“Recently there have been a growing number of reports associating rosacea with a variety of potential serious diseases,” Richard Odom, MD, professor of clinical dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, stated in the release.

“Although it’s important to note that causal relationships between rosacea and these other diseases have not been demonstrated, this provides further reasons for people who suspect they may have rosacea to seek diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” Odom stated.

New studies have shown that the disorder may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, certain types of cancers and other systemic illnesses, the release reported.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) will conduct public education activities during April and throughout the year to reach people with rosacea who many not realize that their medical condition can be treated. The campaign will emphasize warning signs of the disease and urging people who suspect they have rosacea to see a dermatologist, according to the release.

People who want more information on rosacea are encouraged to contact the NRS toll-free telephone number, 1-888-NO-BLUSH, or visiting the NRS website.

Reference: www.rosacea.org