Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin for rosacea with positive impact on quality of life and self-esteem.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial pathophysiology. It compromises several skin structures, including the proliferation and dilation of dermal blood vessels, primarily in the central areas of the face, accompanied by significant psychosocial impairment, leading to reduced quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem. There are consensus guidelines for its treatment, but few options for the erythema. This study hypothesizes that treating rosacea skin lesions with botulinum toxin (BTX) could improve signs and symptoms, resulting in enhanced QoL and self-esteem. METHODS: This interventional, open, uncontrolled, and prospective study, conducted at a single center, included 33 individuals diagnosed with rosacea, treated with standard therapeutic options according to the rosacea subtype plus superficial injections of BTX, and followed up for 90 days. Botulinum toxin injections were applied on Days 1 and 14. Clinical features and side effects were assessed at each visit; QoL, self-esteem, and medication adherence questionnaires were administered on Days 1 and 90. RESULTS: Treatment with BTX yielded improvement in the clinical signs of rosacea, registered by the investigators, and reported by 94% of the participants. Improved QoL scores (P < 0.05) and a notable increase in self-esteem scores (P < 0.001) were demonstrated. Rare adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of BTX superficial injections in patients with rosacea was safe and effective, improving the clinical appearance of the lesions. Despite some limitations, to our knowledge, this is the first study that showed the positive impact of this treatment modality on both QoL and self-esteem.

Association of Rosacea with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A General Population Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between rosacea and psychiatric comorbidity has been reported previously. However, there is a lack of general population studies about this subject area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to the association between rosacea with depressive and anxiety symptoms at the population level. METHODS: A clinical whole-body examination was performed by dermatologists for 1,932 subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study during the 46-year follow-up survey. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was gathered by using validated Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) included in the self-administered questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between rosacea and psychological symptoms. RESULTS: Rosacea was found in dermatological evaluation in 15.1% of the study subjects (n = 292). In logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for confounding factors, those with rosacea had 1.6-fold (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.02-2.32) risk for psychiatric symptoms according to HSCL-25 when compared with controls. In separate analyses of the HSCL-25 depression subscale, the risk was increased, especially for depressive symptoms (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.10-2.18). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rosacea seem to have increased risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms in general population. Physicians treating patients with rosacea should pay more attention to the psychosocial health of patients.

Associations of serum gamma-linolenic acid levels with erythema severity and anxiety/depression status in patients with rosacea.

BACKGROUND: The development of rosacea is suggested to be closely associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, and anxiety/depression. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a key factor participating in lipid metabolism, which is also confirmed to regulate the inflammatory response. However, the associations of serum GLA levels with rosacea severity and psychological status still remain unclear. OBJECTIVE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to investigate the associations of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a key factor participating in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response, with rosacea severity and psychological status. The present study still had some limitations. First, this study is a cross-sectional study and does not provide longitudinal evidence about the relationship between GLA and rosacea; Second, the cohort in this study is also relatively small, and a larger cohort is needed in further investigation to reveal the potential role of lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of rosacea. METHODS: A total of 62 rosacea patients were consecutively recruited. Patient's Self-Assessment (PSA) scale and Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) as well as 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were conducted to evaluate the degree of erythema severity and anxiety/depression, respectively. Serum GLA levels were determined by gas chromatography mass. RESULTS: Lower levels of serum GLA in rosacea patients were observed (p<0.001), and subgroup analysis revealed that patients with higher-level GLA had lower scores of PSA, CEA, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis uncovered that serum GLA levels were negatively associated with PSA, CEA, GAD-7 as well and PHQ-9 scores, respectively. Linear regression model found that serum GLA levels at baseline were a predictive factor for prognosis of clinical outcomes after 1-month conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that lower levels of serum GLA in rosacea patients are negatively associated with the degree of erythema and anxiety/depression status.

Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation amongst Patients with Facial Dermatoses (Acne, Rosacea, Perioral Dermatitis, and Folliculitis) in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Skin diseases, especially those with visible manifestation, are considered to cause a major influence on global mental health. Therefore, we determined the prevalence and severity of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in a large sample of patients with facial dermatoses, namely acne, rosacea, folliculitis, and perioral dermatitis. METHODS: The mental health of patients with facial dermatoses and respective controls was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and questions concerning suicidal ideation. RESULTS: The study included 543 patients with facial dermatoses and 497 healthy individuals. Anxiety was present in 37.6% of the patients (14.9% of controls), depression in 21.7% (6.8%), and suicidal thoughts in 9.8% (3.2%) (p < 0.001). Acne patients demonstrated the highest anxiety and depression subscale scores (mean ± standard deviation: 7.1 ± 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.58-7.56; controls: 5 ± 0.23, 95% CI: 4.57-5.49). In rosacea 30% of the patients had depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 7.216, 95% CI: 4.122-12.632, p < 0.001), while in folliculitis patients 15.4% (OR: 3.138, 95% CI: 1.241-7.936, p = 0.016) had suicidal thoughts. Patients with anxiety symptoms and suicidal thoughts were on average younger than those without (28.3 ± 0.76 vs. 31.2 ± 0.66 years, p = 0.001 and 25.3 ± 0.98 vs. 30.5 ± 0.55 years, p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: Acne and rosacea are associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in Lithuanian patients. Younger patients are more prone to report such symptoms than older ones.

Characterizing high-burden rosacea subjects: a multivariate risk factor analysis from a global survey.

Objective: To characterize rosacea features suitable for identification of high-burden (HB) subjects in clinical practice.Design: Global online survey with subjects recruited using an online panel from the United States, Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and France. Subjects self-reported a physician's diagnosis of rosacea.Measurements: HB subjects were defined as those with ≥3/4 domains (quality of life, lifestyle adaptation, time trade-off, willingness to pay) greater than the median. Group characteristics were analyzed and multivariate-logistic modeling used to investigate factors most associated with HB.Results: 710 subjects completed the survey, including 158 HB subjects. HB was observed in all self-declared rosacea severities. HB subjects were more likely to spend more time daily on skin care and experienced approximately double the impact of health problems on work productivity in the past 7 days (p < .01). In the past 12 months, HB subjects were more likely to have at least one visit to the emergency room (41.8% vs 11.2%; p < .01). In the multivariate risk analysis, factors most associated with HB included rosacea severity, impact of health problems on regular daily activities and age at first symptoms.Conclusion: Rosacea has a distinct subset of HB subjects who can be successfully characterized.

Rosacea associated with increased risk of generalized anxiety disorder: a case-control study of prevalence and risk of anxiety in patients with rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea may result in emotional distress and anxiety. However, data on the presence of generalized anxiety disorder in rosacea patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to detect the frequency and level of anxiety and depression in patients with rosacea. METHODS: A total of 194 consecutive rosacea patients and 194 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Severity of rosacea was assessed in patients according to the criteria of the National Rosacea Society Ethics Committee. Both patients and controls were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, and severity was measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Adult. RESULTS: Individuals who were diagnosed with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder were more common in patient group (24.7% vs. 7.2%, p<0,01). Female patients were particularly at risk for having generalized anxiety disorder (OR=2.8; 95% CI 1.15-7.37; p=0.02). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Single center study and limited sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Rosacea patients show greater risk of having anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder. Female patients, those with lower educational levels, those with phymatous subtype, untreated patients, and patients with prior psychiatric morbidity may be at particular risk for anxiety. It is essential to consider the psychological characteristics of patients to improve their well-being.

Quality of life measurement in hidradenitis suppurativa: position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology task forces on Quality of Life and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

This paper is organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on Quality of Life (QoL) and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and the EADV TF on acne, rosacea and hidradenitis suppurativa (ARHS). The purpose of this paper was to present current knowledge about QoL assessment in HS, including data on HS-specific health-related (HR) QoL instruments and HRQoL changes in clinical trials, and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in people with HS. HS results in significant quimp that is higher than in most other chronic skin diseases. HS impact in published studies was assessed predominantly (84% of studies) by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). There is a lack of high-quality clinical trials in HS patients where HRQoL instruments have been used as outcome measures. One double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial on infliximab with low number of participants reported significantly better HRQoL improvement in the treatment group than in the placebo group. Well-designed clinical studies in HS patients to compare different treatment methods, including surgical methods and assessing long-term effects, are needed. Because of lack of sufficient validation, the Task Forces are not at present able to recommend existing HS-specific HRQoL instruments for use in clinical studies. The EADV TFs recommend the dermatology-specific DLQI questionnaire for use in HS patients. The EADV TFs encourage the further development, validation and use of other HS-specific, dermatology-specific and generic instruments but such use should be based on the principles presented in the previous publications of the EADV TF on QoL and Patient-Oriented Outcomes.

The mental health burden in acne vulgaris and rosacea: an analysis of the US National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the mental health (MH) hospitalization among patients with acne and rosacea. AIMS: To determine the MH disorders and cost burden associated with acne and rosacea. METHODS: Data were examined from the 2002-2012 US National Inpatient Sample, comprising a sample of ~20% of all US paediatric and adult hospitalizations (n = 87 053 155 admissions). RESULTS: A diagnosis of ≥ 1 MH disorder was much more common among all inpatients with vs. those without a diagnosis of acne (43.7% vs. 20.0%, respectively) and rosacea (35.1% vs. 20.0%, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression models controlling for sex, age, race/ethnicity and insurance status, acne (adjusted OR = 13.02; 95% CI 11.75-14.42) and rosacea (adjusted OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.56-1.95) were associated with significantly higher odds of a primary admission for an MH disorder (13 and 8, respectively, of 15 MH disorders examined). Both acne and rosacea were associated with higher risk of mood, anxiety, impulse control and personality disorders, and with > $2 million of excess mean annual costs of hospitalization for MH disorders in the USA. CONCLUSION: In this study, inpatients with acne or rosacea had increased odds of comorbid MH disorders. In particular, there was an increased number of hospital admissions secondary to a primary MH disorder with coexistent acne/rosacea. MH comorbidities were associated with considerable excess costs among inpatients with acne or rosacea.

Rosacea-specific quality of life questionnaire: translation, cultural adaptation and validation for Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract: Background: Brazil does not have a rosacea-specific quality of life questionnaire. Objectives: translation into Brazilian Portuguese, development of cultural adaptation, and validation of the RosaQoL disease-specific questionnaire for rosacea of any subtype. Methods: the recommended procedures for translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of an instrument were followed, and three interviews were conducted: baseline; seven to fourteen days after baseline; and at four to six months. The questionnaire was analyzed (with 95% confidence interval) for reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha); testretest reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient); responsiveness and validity. Results: terms of the original questionnaire were replaced to guarantee cultural and semantic equivalence. Validity was demonstrated by expressive correlations between the RosaQoL domains and by significance in the Jonckheere-Terpstra test (p≤0.05) between the scores of the RosaQoL domains and the participants' self-perception in relation to the disease. Reliability was acceptable; alpha coefficient ranged from 0.923 to 0.916 in the first and second applications of the RosaQoL, respectively, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.671 to 0.863 in the seven- to fourteen-day period. Responsiveness, measured by grouping participants into three categories based on self-perception of rosacea (better, worse or unchanged), was found for the "better" response group (p≤0.05). Study limitations: small sample; limited variety of screening sources. Conclusions: RosaQoL-BR (Brazil) was demonstrated as a reliable, valid and responsive questionnaire, with limitations, for individuals with any subtype of rosacea.

Rosacea-specific quality of life questionnaire: translation, cultural adaptation and validation for Brazilian Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: Brazil does not have a rosacea-specific quality of life questionnaire. OBJECTIVES: translation into Brazilian Portuguese, development of cultural adaptation, and validation of the RosaQoL disease-specific questionnaire for rosacea of any subtype. METHODS: the recommended procedures for translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of an instrument were followed, and three interviews were conducted: baseline; seven to fourteen days after baseline; and at four to six months. The questionnaire was analyzed (with 95% confidence interval) for reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha); testretest reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient); responsiveness and validity. RESULTS: terms of the original questionnaire were replaced to guarantee cultural and semantic equivalence. Validity was demonstrated by expressive correlations between the RosaQoL domains and by significance in the Jonckheere-Terpstra test (p≤0.05) between the scores of the RosaQoL domains and the participants' self-perception in relation to the disease. Reliability was acceptable; alpha coefficient ranged from 0.923 to 0.916 in the first and second applications of the RosaQoL, respectively, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.671 to 0.863 in the seven- to fourteen-day period. Responsiveness, measured by grouping participants into three categories based on self-perception of rosacea (better, worse or unchanged), was found for the "better" response group (p≤0.05). STUDY LIMITATIONS: small sample; limited variety of screening sources. CONCLUSIONS: RosaQoL-BR (Brazil) was demonstrated as a reliable, valid and responsive questionnaire, with limitations, for individuals with any subtype of rosacea.

Screening for depression in rosacea patients.

Rosacea patients often are burdened with embarrassment, social anxiety, and psychiatric comorbidities. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) is a validated and reliable self-administered tool for diagnosis of depression and designation of depression severity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between rosacea severity scores and level of depression using a validated rosacea self-assessment tool and the PHQ-9, respectively. Our results indicated that there is a direct relationship between rosacea severity and level of depression, and the PHQ-9 could prove useful in screening for depression in rosacea patients given the high incidence of psychiatric comorbidities in this patient population.

Psychosocial Burden and Other Impacts of Rosacea on Patients' Quality of Life.

Rosacea is a common and chronic skin disorder with substantial impact on a patients' quality of life. Its varying phenotypic features and facial localization can adversely affect the mental health and socialization of those affected. Although there are no curative interventions, certain therapies have greater effect in improving patient quality of life. This article summarizes the associated psychosocial implications of rosacea. Several skin disease and rosacea-specific quality-of-life measures and their application in clinical care and research studies are also summarized. The recognition and management of the psychosocial impact of rosacea is critical to improving patient outcomes.

Coping Mechanisms and Resources for Patients Suffering from Rosacea.

Rosacea has significant quality of life impact. The authors review the literature and Internet sources pertaining to rosacea to identify coping mechanisms and resources available to rosacea patients. MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify pertinent articles. The term "rosacea" was searched in combination with "patient resources," "coping," "dealing with," "blog," "forum," "support," "nonpharmacologic," and "psychological." There are several social and educational coping resources available to rosacea patients. These may optimize quality of life and psychosocial outcomes in patients with rosacea.

Cross-Sectional Survey of the Burden of Illness of Rosacea by Erythema Severity.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by persistent central facial erythema. To explore the burden of illness of rosacea in US adults, a cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted. Participants answered questions on sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, bothersome symptoms, coping and avoidance behaviors, self-perceptions, and health care resource utilization, and completed 2 quality of life instruments, the 21-item rosacea-specific quality of life questionnaire (RosaQoL) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). This paper reports the data from the 409 respondents with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), analyzed by erythema severity. Mean age was 53.1 years; mild, moderate, or severe erythema was reported by 63.6%, 32.0%, and 4.4% of participants, respectively. Blushing/flushing and bumps/pustules were the most bothersome symptoms across severity subgroups. Participants in all subgroups coped with rosacea by applying make-up and managing their stress and anxiety, and tried to prevent rosacea flares by avoiding sun exposure, specific skin care products, and other triggers. Self-perceptions differed by severity subgroup: satisfaction with facial appearance significantly decreased, and worrying about how people will react and feelings of unattractiveness to others significantly increased, with greater erythema severity (all P less than 0.01). Treatment or assessment of rosacea was sought by 20% of participants in the past 3 months, most commonly from a dermatologist. Metronidazole was the most frequently prescribed topical product across severity subgroups, whereas doxycycline and other oral antibiotics were prescribed most frequently in the severe erythema subgroup. RosaQoL emotional domain scores increased with erythema severity (P equals 0.0035), but none of the SF-36 domain scores differed significantly by erythema severity. These results demonstrate that rosacea is associated with a substantial burden of illness that spans all levels of erythema severity in patients with ETR. Feelings of unattractiveness and the adverse impact of rosacea on emotional quality of life increased with erythema severity. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(2):150-158.

The dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the hospital anxiety and depression (HADS) in Chinese rosacea patients.

The study aims to investigate the quality of life (QOL) and the psychological situation in Chinese patients with rosacea. A total of 196 healthy controls and 201 rosacea patients were involved in the final analysis. The general information, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were collected. Significantly higher DLQI, anxiety and depression score were observed in the rosacea group compared to the control group (p < .01). Total DLQI score of patients was positively related with anxiety (r = .526, p < .001) and depression scores (r = .399, p < .001) in HADS. Rosacea had significant psychological impact on Chinese patients and had substantial influence on their QOL. Physicians should address the psychosocial needs of rosacea patients as much as its physical symptoms.

Standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea: The 2017 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee.

In 2002, the National Rosacea Society assembled an expert committee to develop the first standard classification of rosacea. This original classification was intended to be updated as scientific knowledge and clinical experience increased. Over the last 15 years, significant new insights into rosacea's pathogenesis and pathophysiology have emerged, and the disorder is now widely addressed in clinical practice. Growing knowledge of rosacea's pathophysiology has established that a consistent multivariate disease process underlies the various clinical manifestations of this disorder, and the clinical significance of each of these elements is increasing as more is understood. This review proposes an updated standard classification of rosacea that is based on phenotypes linked to our increased understanding of disease pathophysiology. This updated classification is intended to provide clearer parameters to conduct investigations, guide diagnosis, and improve treatment.

Experiences of rosacea and its treatment: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

BACKGROUND: While rosacea is a chronic skin condition, it can often have a large psychosocial impact on the individual. There is therefore a need to understand the experience of living with rosacea from the patient perspective. OBJECTIVES: To examine the experience of living with rosacea and the experience of seeking and receiving treatment. METHODS: Nine participants took part in semistructured interviews, which were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Three superordinate themes were identified within the data: 'self-consciousness', which focused on the fear of others assigning blame to participants for having caused symptoms; 'avoidance, concealment and hiding emotions', referring to the coping strategies participants employed in response to rosacea; and 'inconsistencies in general practitioner treatment and guidance', which focused on the need for medical professionals to assess the psychosocial well-being of patients with rosacea. CONCLUSIONS: Rosacea can have a negative impact on the daily life of people with the condition, contributing to lowered self-esteem, embarrassment and feelings of shame. Engaging in emotion-focused and behavioural/avoidant-focused coping strategies increased participants' confidence and reduced their avoidance of social situations. However, such strategies might still serve to maintain underlying unhelpful cognitive processes. Consequently, it is important for medical professionals to assess for the presence of cognitive factors that might contribute to maintaining distress in patients with rosacea, and where unhelpful thoughts or beliefs are reported, patients may need to be referred for psychological support.