Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is illustrated as flushing, nontransient erythema, papules/pustules, telangiectasia and phymatous transformations. They can also include secondary manifestations, like itching, burning or stinging. 

A phenotype-based approach for diagnosing and classifying this disease was recommended in 2017, which attracted the attention of dermatologists regarding the treatment options for patients with rosacea, which include skin care and cosmetic therapies, topical treatments, oral treatments, laser- and light-based treatments, injection treatments, therapies for specific types of rosacea, therapies for systemic comorbidities and combination therapies.

Refractory or recalcitrant cases are challenging to manage. The newly emerged modalities may be applied to and be potentially useful in treating these cases. Further, rosacea may be associated with many psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Dermatologists must give prime importance to the patient experience and education, and should do regular follow-ups if necessary.

Individualized treatment must be given to every patient with rosacea. Exploring more rosacea treatment options, with a major focus on large-scale clinical research based on the phenotype approach is needed.

Source: Zhang H, Tang K, Wang Y, et al. Rosacea treatment: review and update. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(1):13-24.