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).