Medical scientists from around the world reported on their progress in studies funded by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) to uncover potential causes and other key aspects of the disorder during the fifth annual rosacea research workshop, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology. The NRS conducts the workshop to promote interest in studying rosacea and to share new information from ongoing studies.

Five new studies of rosacea have been awarded funding as part of the National Rosacea Society's research grants program to advance scientific and medical understanding of this widespread but poorly understood facial disorder, estimated to affect 14 million Americans.

Researchers reported on continuing progress in the study of potential causes and other key aspects of rosacea during the National Rosacea Society's fourth annual research workshop, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology.

A severe infestation of microscopic skin mites may mimic rosacea but fail to respond to standard therapy, according to a presentation by Dr. Martin Schaller, assistant professor of dermatology at Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The tiny mites, known as Demodex folliculorum, are normal inhabitants of human skin. Studies have found an elevated incidence of Demodex in rosacea patients, but it is uncertain whether this is a contributing factor or a result of the disorder.

Medical scientists reported significant progress in uncovering the potential causes and other key aspects of rosacea during the National Rosacea Society's third annual research workshop, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology. More than 130 researchers heard results of ongoing studies funded by the National Rosacea Society, and discussed the need for further scientific investigation into this highly prevalent disorder.

The National Rosacea Society announced that four new studies of rosacea have been selected for funding as part of its research grants program to encourage and support the advancement of scientific knowledge of this widespread but poorly understood facial disorder.

"We are pleased that the number of grant applications has continued to increase since the awarding of the first grants from this important new program last year," said Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the Society's medical advisory board, which reviewed and selected the grant applications for funding.