Recent studies have reported that the incidence of acne combined with rosacea is increasing. However, the clinical feature and inducing factor of this two diseases co-occurrence remain unclear.

A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the classification and severity of female patients combining with acne and rosacea.

This was a cross-sectional study wherein female patients with facial acne combined with rosacea—15-50 years olds—were included from dermatology out-patient department from January-December 2019. The severity of acne was classified according to the Pillsbury grading system. Rosacea was diagnosed and classified according to the Standard issued by National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. Questionnaire was designed to collect the information of rosacea triggers from each patient.

It was noted that 563 vulgaris acne combined with rosacea patients of the mean age 23.2±43, comprised – 70.33% severe acne, 15.81% moderate acne and 13.85% mild acne. While the severe acne group included – 72.47% combined with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR); 22.47% combined with papulopustular rosacea (PPR); and 5.05% combined with phymatous rosacea (PHR). The moderate acne group contained – 53.93% combine with ETR; 43.82% combined with papulopustular rosacea (PPR); and 2.24%combine with PHR. Moreover, all patients in moderate acne subject group was combined with ETR (100%). On the other hand, patients who did not use skin care products presented 12.79 times higher rate to combine with ETR than those who frequently used skin care products.

From the findings, it was inferred that erythema telangiectasia rosacea is the most common rosacea type in female acne patients. There is a need to be vigilant about the combination of severe/moderate acne and papulopustular rosacea. Rational daily use of skin care products can reduce the incidence of rosacea in acne patients. For acne patients without family history of rosacea, dermatologists should must emphasize on healthcare education to avoid potential triggers of rosacea.

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020 Oct 6. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13762. Online ahead of print.