Curriculum · ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology
Acne rosacea
What it is
Acne rosacea is a chronic skin disease of unknown aetiology that involves the central face. It is differentiated from acne by its morphology: the rash is made of flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules, with absence of comedones.
Causes and risk
The aetiology is unknown. The triggers are sunlight, alcohol, hot drinks and emotions, and the facial hot flushing and rash increase with alcohol or stress. Because of this, trigger avoidance is key to long-term management.
How it presents
Flushing is often the first symptom. Dome-shaped papules with or without pustules then appear, and telangiectasia are common. The rash typically affects the nose, cheeks and forehead, and later develops into persistent erythema with papules and pustules. Rhinophyma may follow. Many patients have ocular involvement, which is described as blepharitis.