Feelings of stigmatization in patients with rosacea.
BACKGROUND
Rosacea is a chronic facial disease that may lead to feelings of stigmatization, which can negatively impact psychological and social well-being.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate different aspects of rosacea that could contribute to feelings of stigmatization.


METHODS
An online survey of a representative sample of the adult population in the UK, France, Germany and US was conducted to identify patients with rosacea based on presence of three or more clinical features.


RESULTS
Among the patients who completed the survey (n = 807), mean age at first sign/symptom of rosacea was 31.3 ± 14.5 years; mean duration of disease was 102 ± 119 months. One-third of patients reported feelings of stigmatization (FS; n = 275). Male patients were more likely to experience FS (49% vs. 37.2% in non-FS population; P = 0.0037). Those with FS were more likely to avoid social situations (54.2% vs. 2.0%, P < 1.00E-10) and had a higher rate of depression (36.7% vs. 21.1%, P < 1.00E-10).


CONCLUSIONS
Stigmatization is important in the daily lives of those with rosacea and should be taken into consideration in the management of these patients.
Institut Alfred Fournier, Paris, France.
B
B
Halioua
Clinique Dermatologique, Université de Strasbourg et Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
B
B
Cribier
Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
M
M
Frey
University of Western Ontario and Windsor Clinical Research Inc, Windsor, ON, Canada.
J
J
Tan
D006801:Humans; D012393:Rosacea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D013240:Stereotyping