Rosacea, a predominant inflammatory disease of facial skin, is associated with impaired skin barrier function. Although it is considered a Caucasian persons disease, it is probably underdiagnosed in people of color, including Asians, causing missed and delayed diagnoses and increased morbidity. The present review highlights the literature on rosacea in Asian people and the role of non-prescription skincare in managing rosacea.

A panel of four dermatologists completed pre-meeting surveys and participated in a web meeting to discuss the role of skin care in treating rosacea in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. After discussing the literature and based on the advisors expert opinions and experiences, numerous recommendations were made.

The panel crafted five consensus statements regarding skin cares role in treating rosacea in the APAC region. Advisors regarded erythematous and papulopustular as the most common forms of rosacea. Among the panel, doxycycline remained the most popular treatment for papulopustular rosacea. The panel prioritized gentleness when choosing skincare products for patients with rosacea.

Thus, in Asian patients with rosacea, adjunctive skincare remains an important part of treatment, maintenance, and prescription treatment. The highly sensitive skin of certain Asian patients with rosacea directs avoiding potentially irritating substances. 

Kulthanan K, Andriessen A, Jiang X. A Review of the Challenges and Nuances in Treating Rosacea in Asian Skin Types Using Cleansers and Moisturizers as Adjuncts. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(1):45-53. doi:10.36849/JDD.7021.