Rosacea

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

• Common chronic disorder of the skin characterised by redness, flushing and other cutaneous findings.

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

• Climate exposures
• Vasculature
• Chemical and ingested agents
• Inflammation

Question 3

Signs & Symptoms

Answer 3

• Signs/symptoms include flushing, erythema, papules, pustules, telangiectases, ocular manifestations, plaque formation and facial distribution.
• Risk factors include fair skin, hot baths/showers, extreme temperatures, sunlight, emotional stress and hot drinks.

Question 4

Pathophysiology

Answer 4

• CAMPs are markedly upregulated in this condition but their exact role is unclear.
• Mast cells are increased in lesional skin and appear to have a significant role in the coplex milieu of inflammatory mediators that drive the process.

Question 5

Investigations

Answer 5

• Clinical diagnosis

Question 6

Treatment

Answer 6

• Topical antibiotics (i.e. metronidazole)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Oral antibiotic (i.e. metronidazole)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Laser treatment and tacrolimus for telangiectases and erythema

Question 7

Prevention & Prognosis

Answer 7

• Secondary prevention
  o Trigger avoidance
• Prognosis
  o Varies considerably – some patients find improvement and some do not