Rosacea: When art illuminates reality

As part of Rosacea Awareness Month, Galderma, a leading pharmaceutical company, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about rosacea, a condition affecting approximately 415 million people worldwide, shedding light on its physical and emotional impact.
 
Portraits of Rosacea: Where Art Meets Humanity
 
The Portraits of Rosacea project brings together five talented Spanish artists—María Hesse, Álex de Marcos, Ana Jarén, Elena Pancorbo, and María Bueno—with the stories of five individuals living with this condition. Through a process of deep listening, the artists have crafted works that go beyond physical appearances, capturing the emotions, struggles, insecurities, and triumphs of the patients with empathy and sensitivity.
 
Beyond the Skin: The Impact of Rosacea
 
Rosacea manifests as redness, bumps, sensitivity, and discomfort such as itching or burning. However, its effects often extend far beyond the skin, leading to social isolation, embarrassment, and a significant toll on self-esteem. This campaign aims to highlight all aspects of the disease—both its medical challenges and its emotional weight.
 
Diagnosis and Support: A Path to Well-Being
 
A key goal of this initiative is to encourage those who suspect they may have rosacea to consult a dermatologist. Too often, due to lack of awareness or stigma, individuals resort to self-treatment or dismiss their symptoms, delaying care that could halt the disease’s progression and enhance their quality of life.
 
Dr. Adrián Alegre, a dermatologist, emphasizes: “Rosacea is not just redness, itching, or bumps—it’s also insecurity, frustration, and sometimes fear. Seeing a dermatologist can be life-changing: it helps identify the condition, understand its triggers, access proper care and treatments, and rebuild confidence. Managing rosacea is about more than skin—it’s about self-esteem and feeling comfortable in your own body.”
 
What Is Rosacea?
 
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the central areas of the face: cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is characterized by persistent redness, telangiectasias (small visible blood vessels, often called spider veins), acne-like inflammatory lesions, and symptoms such as stinging, burning, dryness, or ocular discomfort. Its visibility on the face can profoundly impact the quality of life and mental health of those affected.
 
While the exact causes of rosacea remain under investigation, several triggers are known to exacerbate it, including spicy foods, alcohol, stress, sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, intense exercise, or an elevated presence of the Demodex mite on the skin. Without proper treatment, rosacea tends to worsen over time.
 
A Call to Action
 
Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to seek a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Understanding and managing the condition not only alleviates physical symptoms but also paves the way to restored confidence and emotional well-being.
 

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