Tackling rosacea flare-ups — as well as a time when redness may be helpful — were discussed at the recent American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting in Boston.

Dr. Hilary Baldwin, associate professor of dermatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, presented on the phenomenon of “mask rosacea” during the pandemic. She noted that face masks may aggravate rosacea in several ways, including increasing temperature, humidity and sebum production; disrupting skin barrier function; and causing changes in the skin microbiome.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has awarded five new research grants to advance scientific knowledge of the potential causes and other key aspects of this chronic and potentially devastating disorder that affects an estimated 14 million Americans.

"We are very pleased that a growing number of high-quality research proposals are now being received," said Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the Society's medical advisory board, which reviews each grant application and selects for funding those believed most likely to yield important results.