A Clinical Study of 112 Patients with Rosacea

Lee, Sun Young; Choi, Jee Ho; Sung, Kyung Jeh; Moon, Kee Chan; Koh, Jai Kyoung

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a very common affection but so far there are no reliable figures for its true prevalence. Symptoms are usually progressive, but early diagnosis and appropriate management can alleviate patient discomfort and psychological distress as well as prevent serious long term complications.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinical observations of rosacea. METHOD: During 1-year-period from feb. 1999 to feb. 2000, 112 patients were evaluated with regard to age, sex, location of skin lesions, clinical type, duration, aggravating and relieving factors, family history, and smoking history.
RESULTS
1. Of the 112 cases were diagnosed with rosacea, 60 were male patients and 52 females. The incidence was peaked in the fifth decades of life. 2. The most common type of rosacea was erythematotelangiectatic rosacea(81.3%) and the average initial severity score of rosacea was 5.55. 3. The average duration of rosacea was 7.9 years. 4. The predilection sites of the rosacea were: nose(48.2%), cheek(27.7%), entire face(24.1%). 5. Associated diseases with rosacea were: seborrheic dermatitis(59.8%), acne(42%), migraine(28.6%), chloasma(22.3%). 6. Associated symptoms with rosacea were: eye symptoms(58.0%), irritating symptoms(60.7%). 7. The aggravating factors of rosacea were: hot bath(58.9%), sun exposure(53.6%), alcohol(48.2%), spicy food(40.2%), emotional stress(36.6%), hot beverages or food(36.6%), coffee and tea(10.7%), summer season(33.0%), and winter season(28.6%). However in summer and on sun exposure 9.8% and 4.5% of the patients were relieved respectively. 8. The relieving factors of rosacea were: rest and relax(55.4%), cooling(34.8%), winter season(15.2%). 9. The family history of rosacea was detected in 20.5% and the smoking history 38.4%.