Even though an estimated 16 million Americans are now affected by rosacea, many people are still unaware of the disease – and those who suffer from the disorder may often hear the same comments over and over again. Here are some suggestions for turning these occasions into opportunities to increase awareness and understanding.
1. “So it’s just blushing, right?”
How to respond? “No, blushing or flushing is just one sign of rosacea. Without care, there are many more potential symptoms of rosacea, including persistent redness, pimples, bumps, visible blood vessels, stinging, eye irritation, swelling and skin thickening.”
2. “Have you tried drinking less?”
How to respond? “It’s actually a myth that rosacea is caused by heavy drinking. While alcohol can aggravate the disorder, the signs and symptoms can be just as severe in a teetotaler.”
3. “Can’t you just cover it up with makeup?”
How to respond? “While makeup can help conceal some of the visible signs of rosacea, medical therapy is needed to control the underlying medical disorder.”
4. “Have you tried making lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise or sleep?”
How to respond? “Yes, I pay close attention to identify and avoid whatever seems to trigger my rosacea flare-ups because every case is individual. Some people are affected by red wine, for example, while others might be more affected by stress, or temperature.”
5. “Have you tried washing more often or moisturizing more?”
How to respond? “Yes, moisturizing can often be a part of a rosacea patient’s skin-care routine. However, rosacea isn’t related to hygiene, and I have to be careful about which cleansing products I use or I might risk irritating my face.”
6. “Did you know my friend, cousin, or uncle has rosacea too!”
How to respond? “Have they seen a dermatologist for a medical diagnosis and proper treatment yet? Only a fraction of the estimated 16 million Americans who have rosacea are receiving medical help for the disorder, and without treatment the signs and symptoms tend to grow increasingly severe.”