LONDON, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- A poor complexion and spotty skin is something that many hope to leave behind in their teenage years, but unfortunately not everybody grows out of skin problems. In fact, rosacea (pronounced roh-ZAY-sha), is an extremely distressing skin complaint that can affect 1 in 10 UK adults in their 30s and onwards.

Often their symptoms are mistakenly associated with alcohol consumption, or their spotty skin is confused with acne. This is because in its early stages rosacea is typified by facial flushing, redness and often pimples in the central part of the face. As it progresses people may experience watery and gritty eyes and in severe cases the nose becomes enlarged and bulbous - a characteristic sign frequently seen in men. Former US president, Bill Clinton, and Hollywood actress, Cameron Diaz, are just two people in the public eye known to struggle with rosacea.

"In the UK, several million people are thought to be affected by rosacea and it can be a distressing and embarrassing skin disorder," says Alison Bowser skin care expert and former Chief Executive of the Acne Support Group. "Yet many people with these 'red faced' symptoms know little about the condition and even less about how to treat it or where to get help and advice. Often those affected will suffer in silence instead of going to their GP to get a correct diagnosis and medical treatment," she explains.

Myrosacea.co.uk is a comprehensive information website that has been set up specifically for people in the UK. It aims to increase knowledge of rosacea and encourage people who may be affected to get their symptoms properly diagnosed by their GP in order to receive the appropriate treatment and medical advice.

Alison Bowser recognises the huge impact that rosacea has on those affected and along with Ed Seaton, consultant dermatologist, she helps to answer questions frequently asked by people about their skin. Identifying and avoiding trigger factors, such as certain foods, extremes of temperature and stress, can play an important part in controlling rosacea and the site provides practical and up-to-date advice as well as information on the treatments available.

Myrosacea.co.uk also explains how to prepare for a GP consultation. To help with this a free Rosacea Skin Diary is available to download to keep track of symptoms and triggers and help people affected discuss their skin with their doctor, particularly when going to see the GP for the first time.

Note to Editors

Interview and biography

Alison Bowser is available for interview. Please contact Alice Smallman at Medicom Group on +44(0)20-8481-8143 (alices@medicomgroup.com) to arrange an interview.

Alison has over 15 years experience of running the Acne Support Group, the only patient-focused, independent source of support that existed in the UK for people affected by both acne and rosacea. During this period she has acquired some of the most extensive knowledge of both conditions in the UK, singling her out to be guest presenter, speaker and trainer to audiences all over the world. She specialises in providing practical solutions to everyday problems encountered by people with rosacea. She combines her training as a counsellor and Neuro-Linguistic Programme Practitioner to help focus people to engage in positive action to regain control of their lives with her extensive knowledge of skincare and beauty basics that can make a difference to anyone of any age, race or sex.

Alison now works in an independent capacity as a patient representative and organises rosacea patient events around the UK.

Myrosacea.co.uk is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

Myrosacea.co.uk launch date: 22nd April 2008

If you would like any further background information or images, please contact Alice Smallman at Medicom Group on +44(0)20-8481-8143 (alices@medicomgroup.com).

If you would like any further background information or images, please contact Alice Smallman at Medicom Group on +44(0)20-8481-8143 (alices@medicomgroup.com).