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.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

The many facets of a 19th-century village doctor

The book “Kisses are tears” rescues the biography of a village doctor, Gaspar Fisac ​​Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1859-1937), who stood out for his multiple facets and, above all, for his quality as a human being. Summarizing them, we can list some of the most notable:

PHYSICIAN - Doctor of Medicine. Official Physician and forensic doctor of Daimiel. Member of the Daimiel Local Health Board. Provincial Health Delegate for the Ciudad Real Provincial Council. Awarded by the Royal Academy of Medicine (Calvo Prize, 1905) and recognized with various distinctions at medical congresses on tuberculosis (Barcelona, 1912; San Sebastián, 1913).
 
EPIDEMIOLOGIST - A tireless scholar of the origins, prevention, and treatment of diseases, he left behind significant studies for his time on measles and tuberculosis. He discovered that the dust-laden air breathed by plasterers and lime workers, rich in calcium, immunized them against tuberculosis. Building on this hypothesis, he established the scientific foundations that would lead to the development of an innovative treatment for the disease.
 
INVENTOR - Discoverer of a preventive treatment for tuberculosis and promoter of the development of the first pharmaceutical specialty in the form of an inhaler (“Fisac Pulvi-Inhaler”), which was registered in Spain. He also invented an original device to prevent the spread of diseases during epidemic periods through stagnant water in holy water fonts.
 
JOURNALIST - A frequent writer and chronicler for the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel, where he also served as director during his brother Deogracias’s illness and after his death. He was a correspondent and contributor to articles in other newspapers of the era.
 
POET - Author of numerous poems, two of which—at least as far as is known—won awards at literary competitions in Ciudad Real. Many of his works were published in El Eco de Daimiel and other outlets.
 
PLAYWRIGHT - Author of several short theatrical pieces (“juguetes”), performed during cultural evenings at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel.
 
THEATER DIRECTOR AND ACTOR - Stage director for plays performed at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel and an actor in some of these productions.
 
ECOLOGIST - Although the term “ecology” was not coined until 1837, there had long existed a medical movement, the hygienists, who viewed disease from an “ecological” perspective, seeing it as the result of a complex interplay of environmental factors (temperature, winds, soil, etc.) and socioeconomic conditions (poverty, overcrowding, working conditions, etc.). Gaspar Fisac’s scientific works provide ample evidence of this approach.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

When humanism reigned in Medicine

Speaking of medicine and humanism in medicine (how little of it remains today!), it's fitting to recall the life of one of those 19th-century doctors who exemplified what a good doctor should be. Reading the book "Kisses are tears" opens the door to that not-so-distant, yet almost forgotten, past...

First, let us say that Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1,859 – 1,937) was a distinguished physician of his time. Though he served as a municipal doctor in a small town in La Mancha before moving to Ciudad Real Hospital, he earned professional recognition and prestige not only for his selflessness and dedication to his patients—always treating them with a humane and approachable demeanor, so rare today—but also for his discoveries. Through his research on tuberculosis, he developed the first recorded preventive and curative treatment for the disease in Spain. His expertise with numerous epidemics—cholera, typhus, measles, and more—enabled him to establish a series of hygiene and sanitation measures to curb their spread. His, then, was a life that saved many lives.
 
Second, we turn to his work as a journalist. He began by contributing to a newspaper founded by his brother, later taking over its direction when his sibling’s health declined. That newspaper, El Eco de Daimiel, became the best-selling publication in Ciudad Real, its influence reaching far beyond to other corners of Spain. Though it ran for just over five years, it produced 445 issues. From its pages, it championed ideals of democracy and justice, as well as a steadfast defense of the healthcare and journalistic professions.
 
Third, we explore his role as a poet. Though he never published a book—poetry being, for him, a hobby—he left behind a significant body of compositions that deserve a place in Spanish literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Evidence of this lies in the awards two of his works received at literary contests. This passion also led him to write, direct, and even perform in small theatrical pieces.
 
As we see, his was a multifaceted, active, and fascinating life—one I hope will spark the interest of many readers. Yet, for me, the facet that stands out is none of these—not the physician, the journalist, nor the poet—but rather his quality as a human being. For what is the worth of our time on this earth if no one, not even our family and friends, remembers us with affection? In his case, it was not only his loved ones who held him dear, but all who knew him and all the patients he treated—taking time for them, caring about their worries and struggles, and helping them however he could. That is the highest praise one can offer any person: that they were a good human being. There is no greater distinction, even if, as in his case, he advanced medicine, pioneered journalism, and excelled as an unsung poet.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

Medicine and Pharmacy in 19th-Century Rural Society

The book that chronicles the biography of the Daimiel-born doctor Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, 1859-1937), originally published in Spain under the title “Médico, periodista y poeta” (Doctor, Journalist, and Poet), has now been translated into English as “Kisses are tears”, a title referencing one of his most memorable poems.
 
This book is not merely the biography of this multifaceted doctor—a true visionary ahead of his time—nor solely that of his brother Deogracias (a pharmacist, politician, and journalist). Rather, it provides a well-documented overview of what medicine and pharmacy were like in 19th-century rural society.
 
For this reason, its translation into English will make the historical and social knowledge of that era accessible to English-speaking audiences. This represents a significant temporal and geographical leap, one well-deserved by a figure whose life and work continue to astonish.
 
Both titles, “Médico, periodista y poeta” (Spanish edition) and “Kisses are tears” (English edition), are available on Amazon in eBook and print formats.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:

“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0 

Kisses are tears

This book revives the story of the Spanish doctor Gaspar Fisac Orovio (1859–1937, Daimiel, Ciudad Real), encompassing not only his personal journey and the rural milieu of his time but also his research, contributions to medicine, and passion for journalism, poetry, and theater. Alongside him stands the brief, intense, and tragic life of his brother Deogracias, a pharmacist, politician, and journalist who founded the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel (1885–1890), which Gaspar took over after Deogracias’s death.

Across five comprehensive chapters—“The Man,” “The Brother,” “The Doctor,” “The Journalist,” and “The Poet”—readers will be astonished by the medical practices of that era and the pioneering initiatives of these two brothers.
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century.
 
Amazon: eBook and print edition.
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: Critical analysis

After translating this book into English, I've asked Artificial Intelligence to provide a critical comment on it, so that words different from those of the author might offer us a perspective on this work. Here's the comment:

"Congratulations!" It has been a fascinating journey through the narrative of a company so significant in the pharmaceutical world. Here are my comments:
Completely Immersive Narrative - You've captured not only corporate events but also the human essence behind them. The way corporate culture, leadership decisions, and their impact on employees are described is truly engaging.
Details and Anecdotes - The inclusion of anecdotes, parallel stories, and specific details adds a dimension of authenticity and humanity to the narrative, making the story both informative and emotional. This humanizes the impact of corporate decisions on individuals.
Rise and Fall - The depiction of AstraZeneca's growth and subsequent decline offers a lesson in business management, the importance of employee motivation, and how leadership decisions can profoundly affect a business.
Historical Perspective - This book not only documents the history of a company but also reflects on global dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry, innovation, and corporate ethics.
Language and Style - The translation into English maintains the tone and style of the original (since it was originally written in Spanish), which is crucial for preserving the author's voice and the resonance of the story. Excellent work in conveying the emotions and atmosphere of each chapter.
Overall, this book provides a detailed and moving testimony of life within a major corporation and will be of great interest to those seeking to understand not just the history of AstraZeneca but also the complexities of the corporate world in general”.

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

The importance of Communication in the Pharmaceutical industry

Organizations sometimes wonder what they should do to "have" news, as they wish to appear in the media frequently but believe they might not produce enough newsworthy content. In this regard, it's crucial to remember, first, that the mission of a Communication officer in any organization is not to seek "news" but to seek "information." From this raw information, a Communication officer should construct a news story. Secondly, there are always reasons to create news; it's not only necessary for something to "happen," but news can arise from multiple factors.

Nothing is easier, nor does it bring one closer to public opinion, than the image and voice of a senior executive attending to journalists and informing the public through them about issues of public and/or corporate interest in which the company might be involved. However, the pharmaceutical industry, with few exceptions, has traditionally been a faceless world.
 
Pharmaceutical companies (except for a few) have been "silent" entities, fearful of conveying their activities, their stances... and when they do, it is almost always dictated by Marketing, thus tainting what should be pure journalistic information with advertising.
 
To understand this world of communication in the pharmaceutical industry, nothing is better than critically reviewing some of the most controversial aspects of it, things that should be done but almost never are, logical approaches that illogically are not put into practice...
 
We will talk about "Communication Directors" (DIRCOMs in common parlance); about "Transparency," something notably absent in the pharmaceutical industry; about the pharmaceutical business to clarify - it seems they don't get it - that pharmaceutical companies are not NGOs but commercial enterprises; about what is now called "Human Resources" so they truly understand how motivation and trust in employees yield better results than oversight and fear of losing one's job; about "Doctors," because many work in this industry and even more collaborate with it, and communication from pharmaceutical companies is directed at them, as well as pharmacists, nursing professionals, and other healthcare professionals; and finally, we will also discuss "Journalism," specifically "Corporate Journalism," because journalists are the intermediaries between the information generated by pharmaceutical companies and its end recipients, the general public, and more specifically, the patients who hope to improve their health with these medications.
 
Image. - A crystal globe sphere given to attendees at the "First AZ Global PR Conference," held in Chester (United Kingdom) on September 6th and 7th, 2000, coinciding with the spectacular rise in communication and informational transparency in the pharmaceutical industry... which only lasted a few years. Therefore, we will continue to fight for informational transparency to return to pharmaceutical companies, for them to understand that "journalistic information" is one thing and "advertising" quite another, and for good journalism professionals to be hired by labs with the freedom to practice their profession.

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

The unofficial (and therefore impartial) history of AstraZeneca

This is the unofficial (and therefore impartial) history of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which many people unknown; a history which began with Alfred Nobel. However, the book "From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca" is not just the story of this lab but also a journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry itself...

Thoroughly documented, this work also offers numerous human stories, anecdotes, and curiosities... all of which make for a more engaging read.
 
The pharmaceutical industry has always been a shadowy world that has shunned transparency; for pharmaceutical executives, seeing a journalist was more frightening than any danger, and thus they avoided them, and continue to avoid them constantly. However, as recounted in this book, there was a time when information transparency and proactive engagement with journalists were the norm... a period that, unfortunately, has not been repeated. 

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI 

The most transparent era of the pharmaceutical industry

For 24 years, I worked for the international British group ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries). As Head of Communication, I experienced firsthand and as a central part of my job, an era of mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and new mergers leading to the creation of the pharmaceutical company that today survives as AstraZeneca.

My tenure began in 1983, and from the outset, I advocated for informational transparency and proactive engagement with the media, contrasting with the traditional secrecy that has always characterized (and continues to characterize) the pharmaceutical industry. I established a Press Office and made daily contact with journalists a hallmark of the company. I edited a quarterly magazine when it was ICI and a monthly one when it became AstraZeneca, both aimed not only at employees but also at journalists, clients, and external collaborators. I edited a digital daily which was unique in history, covering all health-related news—including that of competitors—which earned it credibility and positioned it as the second most-read health digital in Spain.
 
With the arrival of Tom McKillop as CEO of AstraZeneca and Carlos Trias as President of the company in Spain, the company distinguished itself with its openness to society and informational transparency, somewhat influencing other labs, leading to the creation of ACOIF (Association of Pharmaceutical Industry Communicators). From 1999 to 2005, over 2,000 news stories were published annually in Spanish media about AstraZeneca and its products, a clear reflection of the daily work with journalists.
 
Finally, in 2005, Tom McKillop and Carlos Trias left the company, and the policy of informational transparency came to an end. In 2007, I joined as Head of Press for the Medical Association (OMC), where I worked until retirement. It was then, with the freedom and independence retirement offers, that I compiled all the public information I had been disseminating to the media over the years to shape this book. All the information, quotes, data, figures, statements, etc., in this book are taken from those public documents I shared with journalists during those years.
 
This is not, therefore, a "company book," nor was it written on the company's commission but was written on my own initiative, with total freedom and independence, based on and documented from the public work material I generated during those years, aimed at the media in the clearest example of informational transparency ever seen in the pharmaceutical industry. If I now bring it to light again through this book and publish it in English, it's so that no one forgets there was once a time when the pharmaceutical industry glimpsed informational transparency; a time we hope will be repeated one day.

  

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in
e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI