Rosacea

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory skin condition of unknown aetiology

Question 2

What are the clinical features?

Answer 2

Typically affects the face- cheek, nose, chin and forehead
Flushing= often first symptom
- often triggered by sun/alcohol/temp changes
Telangiectasia is common
Leads to persistent erythema and papules/pustules
Facial thickening can occur- often affecting nose (rhinophyma)

Question 3

What is the management?

Answer 3

Facial erythema
- topical brimonidine

Papules/Pustules
-mild to moderate= topical ivermectin (or metronidazole)
- Moderate to severe= topical ivermectin PLUS oral tetracycline
– can use erythromycin in pregnancy

If symptoms do not improve then refer to dermatology
Skin thickening- doxycycline