Survey: People with rosacea judged more negatively

People with rosacea are more likely to be judged negatively upon first impression compared with those with clear skin, according to recent survey results.

Two digital perception surveys, which contrasted images of women and men with facial redness of rosacea and images of adults with clear skin, were conducted online between Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. The first survey was given to 518 American adults between the ages of 30 to 50 years with diagnosed rosacea, and the second survey to 1,015 Americans aged 18 years and older without rosacea (general population).

The surveys were developed by the National Rosacea Society and Galderma Laboratories, according to a press release.

Twenty-two percent of people with rosacea were likely to be perceived as shy or quiet and 18%, nervous, as compared with those without rosacea (17% and 11%, respectively), the release stated. A greater percentage of the general population respondents answered that people with rosacea were less likely to be outgoing and less likely to be in a relationship. Perceptions of being relaxed or charismatic were more often given to those with clear skin compared to people with rosacea (77% vs. 64% and 75% vs. 63%, respectively).

Eighty-three percent of respondents with rosacea reported that facial redness was one of the hardest things about having the disorder. Being perceived as overheated (50%), embarrassed (48%) or sunburnt (43%) were other concerns reported by the rosacea cohort, with 58% reporting concerns about their face turning red when having to speak in front of a group.

“The persistent facial redness of rosacea often causes embarrassment and anxiety for sufferers, and the survey results provide proof that those affected actually avoid going to social events or miss out on special occasions,”Richard Fried, MD,PhD, a dermatologist and psychologist in Yardley, Pa., said in the release. “Without proper treatment, rosacea can worsen over time and potentially lead to depression.”

Finding the right treatment was a concern for two in five of the respondents with rosacea. Fifty-four percent of rosacea respondents reported using makeup instead of seeking treatment, with 45% satisfied with over-the-counter treatments.