To increase medical knowledge of rosacea and how to control it, the National Rosacea Society is establishing a research grants program to provide funding for important scientific research on the potential causes and other key aspects of this poorly understood disorder that is wreaking physical and emotional havoc on millions of Americans. The society invites all readers to support this new program by sending a tax-deductible donation along with their Rosacea Review subscription request form.

When dealing with rosacea, experts agree that a strong offense is usually a patient's best defense. According to research, rosacea sufferers who diligently follow long-term medical therapy substantially reduce their chances of a relapse.

Q. Is rosacea contagious?

A. No. Rosacea is not considered an infectious disease, and there is no evidence that it can be spread by contact with the skin or through inhaling airborne bacteria. The effectiveness of antibiotics against rosacea symptoms is believed to be due to their anti-inflammatory effect, rather than their ability to destroy bacteria.

While a National Rosacea Society survey showed that more women experience rosacea symptoms on the cheeks and chin, the enlargement of the nose is usually seen in men. According to a recent article by Drs. Thomas Jansen and Gerd Plewig in the new medical textbook, Clinical Dermatology, this is the ultimate reaction to rosacea in males.¹

To this day, Virginia Cox is not sure how she got her first copy of Rosacea Review. One day, it simply seemed to arrive in her mailbox.

"I was shocked," Cox said. "I asked several of my friends if someone had submitted my name, but they said 'no.' Now I know it was really a miracle."

That's because Cox started reading the newsletter and ultimately recognized in herself the disease it described. In her mid-50s, Cox had developed a redness on her cheeks and nose. Yet despite the similarities to rosacea, she initially ignored her gut feelings.

Most people look forward to hot summer days when they can soak in the sun and enjoy a variety of activities outdoors. But for many rosacea sufferers, summer fun can trigger unsightly flare-ups that inevitably put a chill on the season. Here are some precautions you can take:

• Sun exposure is the most common rosacea tripwire, so wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher every day -- even when it is overcast. If sunscreen irritates your skin, try a pediatric formulation.

In addition to its physical effects, rosacea often casts a dreary spell on one's emotional well-being, according to a survey of rosacea patients by the National Rosacea Society. Fortunately, most patients said they are able to overcome these drawbacks through effective treatment and coping techniques.