BASINGSTOKE, England, December 14 /PRNewswire/ -- With his flowing white beard, bulbous red nose and rosy redcheeks, Santa Claus is the epitome of the Christmas season. But do hisflushed features mean he is suffering the effects of one too many hot toddiesat the festive fireside - or are they the result of rosacea, made worse bycold Nordic temperatures?
Alison Bowser, Chief Executive of the Acne Support Group(ASG), is an expert in rosacea and says that Santa's prominent reddenedcomplexion are classic symptoms of a condition that affects 6 million womenand men over the age of 40 in the UK. She wants to raise awareness of theeffects of rosacea, and offer advice and help on the cause of this conditionand how to minimise symptoms, which can be made worse by winter weather.
Often mistaken for adult acne, rosacea can cause: flushing,acne-like bumps and pimples and visible veins on the face and neck. In itssevere stages, the nose can become deformed, turning red and bulbous if leftuntreated.
Surveys reveal that those suffering from the condition:
- 7 in 10 people with rosacea suffer from low self-confidenceand self-esteem
- 7 in 10 say that it affects their working life
- 4 in 10 have avoided being seen in public or have cancelledsocial plans
- A further 1 in 3 admit to calling in sick at work because ofrosacea
Despite the numbers affected, few approved therapy optionshave been available. The recent launch of Finacea in the UK now provides analternative to antibiotic creams and gels. Finacea is an alcohol-free gelformulation, ideal for the sensitive skin of those with rosacea. Studies showthat it is effective and well tolerated. It is also not an antibiotic and itdoes not promote antibiotic resistant 'superbugs'.
Knowing that there is a NEW, effective treatment optionavailable can make all the difference. Up to 80% can expect to see realimprovement in their symptoms if they adhere to the treatment regimen thathas been recommended to them by their doctors. Those who continue to usetheir rosacea therapy as directed will be able to keep their rosacea undercontrol.
Mrs Bowser, from the ASG provides information for people whoare facing rosacea and comments: 'Left untreated, rosacea can really wreakhavoc with someone's everyday life. The good news is that there are many waysof tackling the symptoms of rosacea with self management, identifyingtriggers and lifestyle changes, but until now, doctors have only been able tooffer antibiotic treatments for rosacea. This is why the ASG warmly welcomesthe introduction of a new, prescription, non-antibiotic treatment that hasshown excellent results. It is the first major breakthrough in rosaceatreatments in years.'
Notes to editors
The following people are available for interview:
- Alison Bowser, Acne Support Group
The following resources are available:
- ASG Rosacea Skin Diary - this diary is an easy way ofkeeping track of the skin's condition, on a daily, weekly or long-term basis
- It is available from the ASG, by contacting them on 0870-870-2263
Finacea (R) 15% Gel
(azelaic acid)
Prescribing Information
Presentation:
Tubes containing 15% azelaic acid in a gel.
Excipients: Lecithin, triglycerides, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol,carbomer 980, sodium hydroxide, disodium edetate, purified water, benzoicacid (E210).
Indications: Relief of mild to moderate papular-pustular facial acne.Topical treatment of papulopustular rosacea.
Dosage and administration: Cutaneous use. Apply sparingly to affectedareas twice daily. Before applying, clean skin with water and dry. 0.5g = 2.5cm of gel is sufficient for entire facial area. If skin irritation occurs,reduce the amount of gel or apply only once a day until irritation ceases; ifrequired, stop treatment for a few days. Do not use with occlusive dressings.Wash hands after applying gel. Acne: Continuous use over several months. Ifno improvement after 1 month or acne exacerbated, consider stoppingtreatment. Rosacea: Continuous use over several months. Significanttherapeutic effects have been seen after 4 - 8 weeks.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to azelaic acid or to any ingredientof the gel, in particular propylene glycol.
Warnings and precautions: Contains benzoic acid and propylene glycolwhich may cause mild irritant cutaneous or mucocutaneous reactions. Avoidcontact with eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes. If contact occurs,irrigate copiously with water. Use in children under 12 has not beenestablished. Use with caution during pregnancy. Infants must not come intocontact with treated skin/breast.
Side-effects: Majority are mild or moderate with frequency decreasingduring the course of therapy. Acne: Very common - burning/stinging; Common -pruritus, erythema/skin irritation, dry skin, scaling; Uncommon - contactdermatitis, skin discoloration. Rosacea: Very common - burning/stinging,pruritus; Common -dry skin/scaling, rash; Uncommon - contact dermatitis,facial oedema.
Basic NHS Price: 30g tube: GBP7.48
Legal Classification: POM
Product Licence Number: PL 28428/0001
Product Licence Holder: Intendis GmbH, Max-Dohrn-Strasse, D-10589 Berlin,Germany
(R)Finacea is a registered trademark of Intendis GmbH
PI revised: June 2006
Information about adverse reaction reporting in the UK can be found atwww.yellowcard.gov.uk. Alternatively, adverse reactions should be forwardedto the distributor in the UK, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Ltd by email(uksafety@valeant.com) or by fax (+44(0)1256-707-396)
Valeant Pharmaceuticals
For further information, please contact: Berit Sund, Huntsworth Health, Tel:+44-(0)20-8747-4424, Email: BeritSund@hhealth.com. Samantha Mohammed, Product Manager, Dermatology, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Tel: +44-(0)1256-374 636, Email: finacea_uk@valeant.com, Acne Support Group Helpline, Tel: 0870-70-2263
