Survey results reveal rosacea's often devastating effects

Barrington, Ill. - The National Rosacea Society has published the results of a new survey that reflect how devastating rosacea can be to those who suffer from even a mild form of it.

In the Barrington-based National Rosacea Society's survey of 660 rosacea patients, 86 percent of respondents with severe cases said the condition inhibited their social lives, 67 percent with moderate rosacea said they were affected, and 38 percent of respondents with mild cases reported that their rosacea affected their social life.

Other findings: 74 percent of sufferers of severe rosacea reported they had avoided public contact or canceled a social engagement due to the condition; 65 percent said their rosacea made it hard for them to establish new relationships. In addition, 42 percent of patients with moderate rosacea and 18 percent with mild rosacea reported canceling social engagements because of a flare-up and 44 percent and 19 percent, respectively, found establishing new relationships difficult.

Seventy-three percent of respondents with severe rosacea reported being the subject of stares, misconceptions, rude comments or jokes because of their skin condition, while 63 percent of those with moderate rosacea and 37 percent with mild rosacea reported these reactions from others.

On the positive side, nearly 70 percent of survey respondents said effective therapy had improved their social lives.

About 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea.