Rosacea

(Figure 3.4A–C)
  • Chronic inflammatory condition of facial pilosebaceous units with increased vascular hyperreactivity; common in fair-skinned patients with peak in the third to fifth decade
  • Presents with easy flushing and gradual reddening of complexion; exacerbating factors may include particular foods (especially spicy), alcoholic beverages, UV exposure, hot weather, warm beverages, and exercise

  •    
     
     Type Clinical Findings
     
    Erythematotelangiectatic
    (Type 1)
    Prolonged flushing (>10 min), persistent central facial erythema, ± telangiectasias, ± burning/stinging sensation, easy irritation
     
    Papulopustular
    (Type 2)
    Persistent central facial erythema with acneiform pustules and papules (no comedones)
     
    Phymatous
    (Type 3)
    Indurated erythematous to yellow-brown papules/nodules with persistent edema; almost exclusively in men; rhinophyma (subtype) over distal half of nose; less common sites include forehead, chin, philtrum, ears and eyelids
     
    Ocular
    (Type 4)
    Xerophthalmia, tearing, pain, blurry vision, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, recurrent chalazion, keratitis, iritis, scleritis
     
       

       
     
    Treatment of choice for ocular rosacea: oral antibiotic
     
       

  • Steroid rosacea : use of oral/topical corticosteroid results in exacerbation of disease after initial improvement
  • Granulomatous rosacea : red-brown papules/nodules with underlying granulomatous inflammation
  • Histology: early lesions with dilated blood and lymphatic vessels; later lesions show lymphectasia, perivascular and perifollicular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, ± poorly organized granulomas, dermal fibrosis, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, ± Demodex folliculorum mites within infundibula
  • Treatment:
    • Sun protection and avoidance of triggers, green-tinted makeup (conceals redness)
    • Topical therapy: metronidazole or azelaic acid best for inflammatory lesions, sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur
    • Oral therapy: tetracyclines, macrolides, isotretinoin
    • Other: pulsed-dye laser or intense pulsed light
Figure 3.4 A: Rosacea, papulopustular (Courtesy of Dr. Paul Getz) B: Rosacea, granulomatous (Courtesy of Dr. Iris K. Aronson) C: Rhinophyma
Figure 3.4
A: Rosacea, papulopustular
(Courtesy of Dr. Paul Getz)
B: Rosacea, granulomatous
(Courtesy of Dr. Iris K. Aronson)
C: Rhinophyma