Which factors influence Demodex mite density in standardized superficial skin biopsy in patients with rosacea? A prospective cross-sectional analysis.

Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disease that manifests with facial erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules on the central face. Although the pathogenesis is not well established, rosacea appears to have a close relationship with Demodex mites. The aim of the study was to elucidate the factors influencing Demodex mite density by standardized superficial skin biopsy (SSSB) in patients with rosacea. This prospective, cross-sectional study included 200 patients with rosacea. Clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded and SSSB was used to measure Demodex density (Dd). If Dd was < 5 D/cm2 in the first SSSB, SSSB was repeated 4 more times to avoid false negative results. Of 200 patients, 152 (76%) were females and 48 (24%) males with a mean age of 43.47 ± 11.87 years. Ninety-nine patients (49.5%) had erythematotelangiectatic (ETR) and 101 patients (50.5%) had papulopustular (PPR) subtype of rosacea. Among 200 patients, the ratio of cumulative positive results of the consecutive SSSBs were as follows: 1st SSSB = 125 (62.5%), 2nd SSSB = 155 (77.5%), 3rd SSSB = 170 (85%), 4th SSSB = 173 (86.5%) and 5th SSSB = 174 (87%). The ratio of detecting Demodex infestation in the first SSSB was significantly lower in patients with PPR (55/101, 54.5%) than in patients with ETR (70/99, 70.7%). Median total Demodex mite density and D. folliculorum density were significantly higher in the ETR group than in the PPR group. There was a statistically significant relationship between density of Demodex tails in dermoscopy and positive/negative results of Demodex infestation in SSSB. As a conclusion, Demodex mite density by SSSB was influenced by various factors such as subtypes of rosacea, types of Demodex species, and dermoscopic findings.

The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition displaying symptoms like flushing, erythema, papules, and pustules. Oral antibiotics, despite long-term adverse effects, are often used due to topical treatment limitations, underscoring the need for cost-effective choices like dietary modifications. Our review investigates the role of vitamins and minerals in rosacea, and provides evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and topical treatment of these nutrients for rosacea. An online search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1998 to 2023. Included studies were summarized and assessed for quality and relevance in rosacea management. Varied outcomes emerged concerning the impact of essential vitamins and minerals on rosacea treatment. Vitamin A derivatives, specifically oral isotretinoin, demonstrated significant efficacy, with a 90% reduction in lesions, complete remission in 24% of patients, and marked improvement in 57% of patients. Vitamin B3 derivatives, such as topical 1-methylnicotinamide 0.25% and NADH 1%, improved symptoms in 76.4% (26/34) and 80% of patients, respectively. Outcomes for vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplementation varied across studies. However, zinc sulfate solution 5% significantly reduced acne rosacea severity for patients with 40% and 60% exhibiting a moderate or good response, respectively. Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in alleviating xerophthalmia in 64% of patients with ocular rosacea. Vitamins and minerals hold potential in managing rosacea symptoms, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option. Currently, there are no established recommendations regarding their supplementation for rosacea. Studies assessing serum levels of vitamins and minerals in relation to rosacea are warranted, as this avenue holds potential for future advancements in the field.

Omalizumab in the treatment of Morbihan syndrome in an adolescent girl - case report and literature review.

Morbihan syndrome (MS) is characterized by solid facial edema, usually related to rosacea or acne vulgaris. The facial edema deforms the patient's features, can impair peripheral vision, and affects quality of life. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. The disease usually has a slow and chronic course. MS most commonly affects middle-aged Caucasian men with rosacea and is rare in people below 20 years of age. MS is a diagnosis of exclusion. There is no standard treatment for MS, though systemic isotretinoin and antihistamines are mainly used. We present the case of an adolescent girl with MS nonresponding to 19 months of isotretinoin treatment with add-on antihistamines. Therapy with monthly administration of omalizumab (anti-IgE) for 6 months was an effective therapeutic option, improving the quality of life. Our case is the second description of omalizumab use in Morbihan syndrome, the first in an adolescent.

Diagnostic Challenges of Ocular Rosacea.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to address the issues surrounding the diagnosis of ocular rosacea and to evaluate the development of the patients' condition after treatment, as well as to distinguish between healthy and diseased patients using a glycomic analysis of tears. METHODOLOGY: A prospective study was conducted to assess a total of 68 eyes in 34 patients over a six-week period. These patients were diagnosed with ocular rosacea based on subjective symptoms and clinical examination. The study monitored the development of objective and subjective values. The difference between patients with the pathology and healthy controls was established by means of analysis of glycans in tears. RESULTS: Skin lesions were diagnosed in 94% of patients with ocular rosacea, with the most commonly observed phenotype being erythematotelangiectatic (68.8%). The mean duration of symptoms was 29.3 months (range 0.5­126 months) with a median of 12 months. Throughout the study, an improvement in all monitored parameters was observed, including Meibomian gland dysfunction, bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, telangiectasia of the eyelid margin, anterior blepharitis, uneven and reddened eyelid margins, and corneal neovascularization. The study also observed improvements in subjective manifestations of the disease, such as foreign body sensation, burning, dryness, lachrymation, itching eyes, photophobia, and morning discomfort. The analysis of glycans in tears partially separated tear samples based on their origin, which allowed for the differentiation of patients with rosacea from healthy controls. In the first sample, the pathology was determined in a total of 63 eyes (98.4%) of 32 patients, with further samples showing a change in the glycomic profile of patients' tears during treatment. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated objective and subjective improvements in all the patients. Tear sampling and analysis could provide a means of timely diagnosis of ocular rosacea.

Idiopathic aseptic facial granuloma: A retrospective study of 43 cases.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic aseptic facial granuloma (IAFG) is an underrecognized pediatric skin disease, currently considered within the spectrum of rosacea. It usually manifests as a solitary, reddish, asymptomatic nodule on the cheek that resolves spontaneously. METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive observational study of 43 pediatric patients with a clinical diagnosis of IAFG, followed between 2004 and 2022, at two general hospitals in Argentina. RESULTS: IAFG predominated in girls (65%) and the average age of onset was about 6 years. A single asymptomatic nodule was seen in 79% of patients. The most common localization was the cheek (58%) followed by lower eyelids (41%). Family history of rosacea was present in 16% of patients. A concomitant diagnosis of rosacea and periorificial dermatitis was made in 14% and 9% of our population, respectively. Past or present history of chalazia was detected in 42% of the children. IAFG diagnosis was mainly clinical (88% of cases). Oral antibiotics were the most common indicated treatment (84%). Complete healing was achieved by the majority, but 18% of those with eyelid compromise healed with scars. CONCLUSIONS: IAFG is a benign pediatric condition that physicians should recognize in order to manage correctly. We herein refer to a particular morphologic aspect of IAFG lesions affecting the lower eyelids, where nodules adopt a linear distribution and have a higher probability of involute leaving a scar. Also, we consider that the concomitant findings of rosacea, periorificial dermatitis and chalazia in our patients, reinforce the consideration of IAFG within the spectrum of rosacea.

Hematological parameters as diagnostic biomarkers for patients with rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Systemic inflammation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Many studies have reported hematological parameters as biomarkers for diseases with inflammatory processes. However, the diagnostic value of hematological parameters in rosacea remains a puzzle. This study involved 462 patients with rosacea, including erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR, n = 179), papulopustular rosacea (PPR, n = 250), and phymatous rosacea (PhR, n = 33), and 924 healthy control subjects. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory information was collected and compared between rosacea subtypes. The hematological parameters of the patients and the healthy controls were compared retrospectively. The platelet volume (MPV) and platelet crit (PCT) were significantly upregulated, and the lower red cell distribution width (RDW) was significantly downregulated in rosacea compared to healthy controls, and they were identified as the diagnostic biomarkers for rosacea with area under the curve values of 0.828, 0.742, and 0.787, respectively. Comparing the hematological parameters among the three rosacea subtypes, we found that platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio values in the ETR group were significantly higher than those in the PPR and PhR groups. The correlation between hematological parameters and clinical scores showed that RDW was negatively correlated with the Clinician Erythema Assessment score. However, there was no significant correlation between the Investigator Global Assessment score and hematological parameters. In conclusion, PCT, MPV, and RDW have diagnostic value for rosacea, and RDW is correlated with the severity of rosacea erythema, implying the potential applications of PCT, MPV, and RDW in the diagnosis and monitoring of rosacea.

Clinical characteristics of the well-defined upper eyelid vascular network pattern in patients with rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and physical signs, which still lacks objective laboratory tests or imaging tests. OBJECTIVES: To propose and evaluate the upper eyelid network pattern in rosacea. METHODS: Participants included patients diagnosed with rosacea, other facial erythematous skin diseases, and normal controls, all of whom underwent full-face imaging utilizing the VISIA® system software. According to these images, researchers evaluated the condition of the upper eyelid vascular network, developed the grading scale and then compared the difference of distribution in the three groups. RESULTS: The occurrence rate of upper eyelid vascular network in rosacea was significantly higher than that in other facial erythematous skin diseases (84.3 vs. 32.0%, P < 0.001) and normal controls (84.3 vs. 28.0%, P < 0.001). The upper eyelid vascular network pattern was proposed (none [no clearly reticular vessels], mild [10-50% area of reticular vessels], moderate-to-severe [>50% area of reticular vessels]). Moderate-to-severe grade was defined as well-defined upper eyelid vascular network pattern, which was specific to patients with rosacea (rosacea vs. other facial erythematous skin diseases, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.814, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.899-8.670) (rosacea vs. heathy controls, aOR = 12.628, 95% CI: 8.334-19.112). The severity of the well-defined pattern had no significant association with age, duration, and phenotypes of rosacea (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The well-defined upper eyelid vascular network pattern specifically appeared in patients with rosacea, which could be a possible clue to the diagnosis of rosacea.

Treatment of ocular rosacea: a systematic review.

Rosacea is a common chronic skin disease distributed primarily around the central face. Ocular manifestations of rosacea are poorly studied, and estimates of prevalence vary widely, ranging from 6% to 72% in the rosacea population. Treatment options for ocular rosacea include lid hygiene, topical and oral antibiotics, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, oral vitamin A derivatives, and intense pulsed light; however, a direct comparison of treatment methods for ocular rosacea is lacking. This review aims to compare treatment efficacy and adverse events for different treatment modalities in ocular rosacea. We performed a systematic review by searching Cochrane, MEDLINE and Embase. Title, abstract, full text screening, and data extraction were done in duplicate. Sixty-six articles met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 1,275 patients. The most effective treatment modalities were topical antimicrobials and oral antibiotics, which achieved complete or partial response in 91% (n = 82/90) and 89% (n = 525/580) of patients respectively, followed by intense pulsed light (89%, n = 97/109 partial response), cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (87% n = 40/46), and lid hygiene (65%, n = 67/105). Combination treatments achieved a complete or partial response in 90% (n = 69/77). Results suggest that topical antimicrobials, oral antibiotics, intense pulsed light. and cyclosporine were the most efficacious single modality treatments.

Topical ivermectin 1.0% cream in the treatment of ocular demodicosis.

PURPOSE: Ocular demodicosis can cause debilitating ocular surface disease. As ivermectin is effective at reducing Demodex proliferation in rosacea, this study investigated the efficacy of topical ivermectin 1.0% cream in treating ocular demodicosis. METHODS: This retrospective single-centre clinical practice chart analysis involved the off-label treatment of patients who had ocular demodicosis with topical ivermectin 1.0 % cream (Soolantra, Galderma Ltd, UK) applied nightly to the lid margins of both eyes for 3 months. Ocular surface health was assessed at baseline when the treatment was prescribed and followed up at 3 and 12 months after baseline. Slit lamp biomicroscopy was used to take digital images of the upper eyelid lashes. Manual image analysis with ImageJ was conducted by a masked assessor to quantify signs of ocular demodicosis including the number of lashes with collarettes, with visible Demodex tails and with follicle pouting. RESULTS: Data from a total of 75 patients with ocular demodicosis were analysed for this study (mean age 66.6 ± 13.9 years, 44 female). The numbers of lashes with collarettes (Median [Interquartile range]: 8 [4-13] at baseline to 0 [0-2] at the final visit, p < 0.001) and lashes with follicle pouting (3 [1-5] at baseline to 0 [0-1.8] at the final visit, p < 0.001) decreased with treatment. Any sign of lashes with visible tails was eliminated by the final visit (p < 0.007). Fluorescein staining severity score also improved, particularly from baseline (1 [0-2]) to the second visit (0 [0-1], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show evidence for the efficacy of a 3-month course of topical ivermectin 1.0% cream in treating ocular demodicosis as indicated by reduction in collarettes, follicle pouting and visible Demodex tails. More research is warranted to improve the diagnosis, management and monitoring of this condition which is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Long-term maintenance treatment of rosacea: experts' opinion.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by remissions and flares. Although the rosacea active treatment phase is well established, the long-term maintenance phase is still challenging. OBJECTIVE: To discuss and make recommendations on how to treat patients during the long-term maintenance phase for the main rosacea phenotypes. METHODS: A panel of six board-certified Brazilian dermatologists and one American dermatologist gathered to compose a consensus based upon an initial statement on how to treat rosacea during the long-term maintenance phase based on the methodology Nominal Group Technique. The experts discussed each factor based upon an initial statement on how to treat rosacea patients in the long-term maintenance phase. A sequence of comprehensive narrative reviews was performed; a questionnaire preparation about the definition of the maintenance phase and its management was presented; an interpersonal discussion and ranking of the ideas were conducted. Recommendations were made if the specialists had 75% agreement. RESULTS: The maintenance treatment phase, which starts by achieving IGA 0 or 1 grades at the active phase, should be considered at least during the 9-month period after remission. The recommendations of all treatments target this period. Daily skincare regimen and sunscreen are crucial. Active treatment phase should be recommended if signs or symptoms reappear or worsen. CONCLUSION: Maintenance phase success depends on patient's adherence to daily skin care, appropriate treatments, continued follow-up with dermatologist, and self-assessment to identify new signs and symptoms indicating disease relapse.

Risk Factors for Chalazion Diagnosis and Subsequent Surgical Excision.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with chalazion diagnosis and surgical excision. METHODS: Patients with an incident chalazion diagnosis from 2002 to 2019 were compared 1:5 with matched controls. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with diagnosis and surgical excision. RESULTS: Chalazion patients (n = 134,959) and controls (678,160) were analyzed. Risk factors for diagnosis included female sex, non-white race, northeast location, conditions affecting periocular skin and tear film (blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea, pterygium), non-ocular inflammatory conditions (gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis, seborrheic dermatitis, Graves' disease), and smoking (p < .001 for all comparisons). Thirteen percent of patients with chalazion underwent subsequent surgical excision. Diabetes and systemic sclerosis diagnoses decreased odds of diagnosis (p < .001). Male sex, rosacea diagnosis, Black and Hispanic race, antibiotic use, and doxycycline use increased odds of surgery (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Female sex, non-white race, conditions affecting periocular skin and the tear film, several non-ocular inflammatory conditions, and smoking were risk factors for chalazion diagnosis. Male sex, rosacea diagnosis, Black and Hispanic race, antibiotic use, and doxycycline use were risk factors for surgical intervention for chalazion. Our results prompt further study of these variables and their relationship to chalazion diagnosis to understand physiology and improve clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest early recognition and treatment of concomitant rosacea may serve an important role in the management of chalazion and in the prevention of surgical intervention.

Diagnosis and Management of Common Inflammatory Skin Diseases in Older Adults.

Inflammatory skin conditions affect people of all ages, genders, and races. These common conditions are frequent causes of visits to the dermatologist. The geriatric population is often afflicted by these conditions because many are chronic and relapsing diseases. These inflammatory conditions include but are not limited to psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and Grover disease. Chronic inflammatory skin conditions place a large burden on the health care system in the United States and have many associated comorbidities. This article discusses these inflammatory dermatoses that affect the geriatric population and common therapeutic options.