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 < 1.00 ) and had a higher rate of depression (36.7% vs. 21.1%, P < 1.00 ).

Conclusions: Stigmatization is important in the daily lives of those with rosacea and should be taken into consideration in the management of these patients.