From the Guidelines
Rosacea is a chronic relapsing facial skin disease characterized by recurrent flushing, erythema, inflammatory lesions, phymas, and telangiectasias, affecting an estimated 16 million people in the USA, with many more undiagnosed cases, especially in skin of color 1.
Definition and Prevalence
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that presents with various symptoms, including recurrent flushing, erythema, inflammatory lesions, phymas, and telangiectasias, as noted in a 2024 review of the current treatment landscape 1. The condition affects a significant number of people, with estimates suggesting that 16 million individuals in the USA have rosacea, and many more cases remain undiagnosed, particularly in individuals with skin of color 1.
Impact on Quality of Life
The condition can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, as it affects the face and can lead to social and professional stigma, with a global perception survey showing that individuals with central facial redness are judged more negatively than those without 1.
Management and Treatment
Management of rosacea involves long-term avoidance of common triggers, use of gentle skin care, and adherence to pharmacologic treatment, with phenotype-based medical management being a recommended approach, as endorsed by the global Rosacea Consensus (ROSCO) panel in 2020 1. Topical therapy is often the preferred initial treatment, with newer agents such as encapsulated benzoyl peroxide 5% (E-BPO 5%) and minocycline foam offering effective and well-tolerated options for patients with rosacea 1.
From the Research
Definition of Rosacea
- Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with four distinct subtypes: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular 2, 3, 4
- It is characterized by flushing, redness, pimples, pustules, and dilated blood vessels on the face, with possible eye involvement and skin thickening 3, 4
Subtypes of Rosacea
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: characterized by flushing and redness 2, 3
- Papulopustular rosacea: characterized by pimples and pustules 2, 3
- Phymatous rosacea: characterized by skin thickening, especially on the nose 2, 3
- Ocular rosacea: characterized by eye involvement, including redness and irritation 2, 3
Pathogenesis of Rosacea
- The exact pathogenesis of rosacea is unknown, but it is believed to be an inflammatory disorder with different pathogenic factors contributing to each subtype 3
- Triggers such as ultraviolet light, heat, and certain medications can exacerbate symptoms 2, 3