Results of a National Rosacea Patient Survey: Common Issues That Concern Rosacea Sufferers

February 2009 | Volume 8 | Issue 2 | Original Article | 120 | Copyright © February 2009


Boni E. Elewski MD

Abstract
A survey of people with rosacea was conducted in 2006 to gain insight into experiences with rosacea therapies and relationships with health care providers. The survey was completed by 2946 participants, of whom 2847 had been diagnosed with rosacea. Par- ticipants ranged in age from 20 to 81 years (mean age 50 years). Among those diagnosed with rosacea, 80% agreed that medication prevented their rosacea from worsening. Most respondents currently using prescription medication (82%) did not plan to discontinue its use. Among current users of medication, 46% had switched from a prior agent, usually due to the lack of improvement. Among respondents who previously switched therapies, 84% reported using some formulation of topical metronidazole. Of those respon- dents who discussed rosacea with their physician, 83% agreed that their physician influences their use of medication; 61% viewed their physician—in most cases a dermatologist—as a partner in managing their rosacea.