Rosacea: Classification and Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder affecting the facial convexities, characterized by frequent flushing, persistent erythema, and telangiectases. During episodes of inflammation additional features are swelling, papules and pustules. The disease was originally called acne rosacea, a misleading term that unfortunately persists1. Rosacea is a common disease, especially in fair-skinned people of Celtic and northern European heritage; it has been called the curse of the Celts. It is rare in American and African blacks2. Women are more often affected than men, but they seldom suffer the gross tissue and sebaceous gland hyperplasia of rhinophyma. Onset is usually between ages 30 and 50. In a recent epidemiological study the prevalence was 10%, most of the patients having only a red face3. In young patients especially, there may be a history of acne and the conditions may coexist.