A new survey conducted by the NRS found that most rosacea patients have experienced some social repercussions due to rosacea’s impact on their facial appearance. 

“Rosacea can have a profound effect on the emotional and social lives of those who suffer from this very visible yet poorly understood condition,” said Samuel Huff, executive director of the NRS. 

More than 74 percent of the 712 rosacea patients who took part in the survey have received questions or comments about the appearance of their face, and 87 percent felt people had misconceptions about their appearance. Around 76 percent of respondents said they sometimes attract stares, and 44 percent felt that people purposely avoided looking at their face. 

When asked where people felt their facial appearance got the most attention or the most purposeful inattention, more than 40 percent pointed to social occasions, while 26 percent said the workplace and 16 percent said public events. This suggests that rosacea patients may believe their appearance gets the most attention when they are feeling self-conscious or stressed. 

More than 85 percent of patients surveyed said they felt making the public more aware and educated about rosacea would reduce the unwanted questions and comments they receive. 

“Unfortunately there is still a stigma attached to many of the signs and symptoms of rosacea, especially because they affect personal appearance,” Huff said. “The more we can educate the public about this common medical condition, the easier it will be for everyone.”