- Rosacea Help: A free talk presented by the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, featuring dermatologist Dr. Marcie Ulmer, Tuesday, May 12, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at West Vancouver Memorial Library. rosaceahelp.ca
A new national organization based in North Vancouver is dedicated to offering awareness, hope and help to people suffering from rosacea, a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition presenting as redness on the face, affecting an estimated two million Canadian adults.
North Vancouver resident Sue Sherlock is the chairwoman and executive director of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, launched in January 2014 by a group of dermatologists, communicators and educators from across the country who were interested in making it easier for community members to find reputable, current information on acne and rosacea. "Our big concern and a major driver in setting up the society is that acne and rosacea affect the face in most cases - the first thing people see - and can have significant emotional effects from low self-esteem to embarrassment, social anxiety and even depression in some," says Sherlock.
Efforts undertaken by those involved with the society are focused on raising awareness of the condition, allowing more patients to be properly diagnosed and in turn explore effective treatment options.
Deep Cove married, mother of two, Cathy Grehan, 48, is pleased to be serving as the society's national patient spokeswoman.
"I had the experience of it and just knowing how hard it is, hopefully I can help (others)," says Grehan, who works as a nurse.
While she recalls suffering from facial redness and acne since her teenage years, Grehan wasn't diagnosed with rosacea (with an acne component) until recently when it was at its worst, causing her to seek help from a dermatologist. "I've had some treatment around that and basically my acne has cleared up, my redness has cleared up. It's life-changing really," she says.
The society is presenting Rosacea Help, a free, one-hour talk by Pacific Dermaesthetics dermatologist Dr. Marcie Ulmer, Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. North Shore residents are invited to learn about rosacea, the various signs and symptoms, who is at higher risk, environmental and lifestyle triggers, and skin care and treatment options.
"Although we don't have a cure for rosacea there are many safe and effective medical treatments to minimize the signs and symptoms," says Ulmer, a member of the society's medical committee. She's also a clinical instructor in the University of British Columbia's Department of Dermatology and Skin Science. "It's so nice when you see a patient in followup who comes in standing a little taller, or with no makeup, or with their hair pulled back instead of it covering their face. It's always wonderful to hear that someone is feeling more confident and positive about their skin," she says.
The society is also presenting a session for health care professionals who work with youth, ages 12-26, entitled Acne and Youth, a talk by dermatologist and global acne researcher Dr. Jerry Tan, June 8 in Vancouver. acneaction.ca
