Global study on rosacea: 5% of the population affected, according to Pierre Fabre Laboratories.
29 March 2024
Spotlight on rosacea, which affects 5% of the world population according to the first global epidemiological study of this dermatosis carried out by Pierre Fabre Laboratories.
Castres, France – March 28, 2024. Pierre Fabre Laboratories has unveiled the first global study on the epidemiology of rosacea, published in February 2024 in the prestigious Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology1 (JAAD). Conducted as part of the ALL2 project, this study provides an unprecedented perspective on the prevalence of rosacea globally, highlighting significant variations by age, gender, geographic region and impacts on quality of life and stigmatization.
Also known as couperosis, this non-contagious and progressive skin disease, initially benign in appearance, manifests itself by initially temporary and symmetrical redness (flushing), then becoming chronic in the nose, cheeks, and sometimes also on the chin and forehead. These signs are accompanied by sensations of tingling, discomfort and tightness, which are sometimes very debilitating for those affected. It is a relatively common, chronic and severe dermatological disease. It can have significant psycho-affective consequences with a major impact on the quality of life of patients. It is a disease where a significant amount of diagnostic delay is observed.
5% of the world's population is affected by rosacea worldwide
The global prevalence of rosacea is 5%. It is the highest in the group of adults aged 25 to 39, at 3.7%, but also remains high in the group of adolescents/young adults (16/24 years), at 3.2%.
Women more affected than men
Women are more affected by rosacea than men, at 5.9% versus 4.4%, respectively.
Latin America and East Asian countries top the list of the most affected regions
Significant disparities were observed between geographic areas. The highest prevalence of rosacea was observed in East Asia3 (4%) and Latin America (3.5%),
while the lowest prevalence was observed in Africa (1%) and North America (2.8%).
Major impact on quality of life…
54% of people suffering from rosacea experience fatigue and 50% of them have difficulty sleeping. Due to their skin condition, they are also more inclined to be careful with their spending (47%) and have often had to give up the activities they love (32%) or change their plans (33%).
Concerning sleeping difficulties, a communication, presented to the EADV in October 2023, highlighted that itching was one of the main symptoms cited by people suffering from rosacea (behind burning or tingling sensations, and skin pain).
… and greater stigmatization
People suffering from rosacea reported feeling excluded or rejected by others (33%), and having the feeling that people avoid touching them (27%) or coming close to them (28%).
A study entitled “Patients' testimonies, feelings, complaints and emotional experiences with dermatoses on open social media: The French infodemiologic patient's free speech study,” published in JEADV in January 2024, confirms significant stigmatization by presenting the difficulties expressed by patients with visible dermatoses on social networks. Social anxiety due to unexpected redness forces patients to adapt certain activities in order to avoid embarrassing situations. Discussions frequently focus on diagnostic delay.
About the ALL project, the largest international dermatology database
The ALL study, launched at the end of 2022, in collaboration with the company EMMA, aims to collect data on all skin types (ALL Skins), all skin diseases (ALL Dermatoses) and all phototypes (ALL Colors) in order to build the largest international private database. In total, 50,552 people, from the adult populations of 20 countries (representing more than 50% of the world population) spread across 5 continents, answered the 65 questions of the study.
More than one in three people suffer from a skin disease, and yet health and prevention policies do not consider dermatology a public health priority. The ALL study aims to provide a global overview of the prevalence of the main skin diseases and their consequences in order to generate awareness among all stakeholders. Patients with dermatological diseases must receive more support and it is essential to convince the public authorities to give greater importance to dermatoses in prevention programs. The main themes discussed are related to the prevalence and the impact of medical conditions, but also the behaviors, care pathways and needs of patients affected by one or more dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and vitiligo.
The ALL database was built with a planned analysis of results from 2023-2027. The 3.3 million data items thus compiled will identify the information essential to a better understanding of patient experiences. This data is shared with Dermatology
experts and also with patient associations to help them bolster their advocacy for better recognition of skin diseases.
About Pierre Fabre Laboratories
Pierre Fabre Laboratories is the 2nd largest global dermo-cosmetics player and the 2nd largest private pharmaceutical group in France. Its portfolio includes several medical franchises and international brands, including Pierre Fabre Oncology, Pierre Fabre Dermatology, Eau Thermale Avène, Ducray, A-Derma, Klorane, René Furterer, Même Cosmetics, Naturactive , Elgydium, Inava and Arthrodont.
In 2023, Pierre Fabre Laboratories recorded 2.83 billion euros in revenues, 70% of which was generated internationally in 120 countries. It invested €190M in R&D, half of which in the field of targeted therapies in oncology.
Historically based in the Occitanie region, it manufactures more than 90% of its products in France and employs nearly 10,000 people worldwide.
86% of Pierre Fabre Laboratories is held by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, and by its employees via an employee stock ownership plan. Its CSR approach has been assessed by the independent organization AFNOR Certification as being “Exemplary” in its “Committed to CSR” certification (ISO 26000 standard on sustainable development).
For more information, please visit: www.pierre-fabre.com, @PierreFabre.
References:
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)00002-1/pdf
- The ALL study collected the testimonials of more than 50,000 people, representative of the adult population of 20 countries, spread across five continents, or in other words, representing more than 50% of the world population.
- East Asia: China, South Korea, Japan.
Press contact
Anne Kerveillant
anne.kerveillant@pierre-fabre.com
+33 (6) 20 88 54 57