Rosacea or Photodamage?

The redness of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea appears to be caused by inflammation and vasodilation rather than vasodilation alone.

The diagnosis of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) is complicated by its resemblance to photodamage in light-skinned individuals. To better define the clinical, histologic, and molecular differences, investigators conducted a case-controlled observational study of visible facial telangiectasia and erythema in patients with ETR, telangiectatic photoaging (TP), and 11 controls.

Clinically, ETR patients had erythema and telangiectases primarily on the central face and less photodamage overall than TP patients. A chromometer failed to detect a significant difference in erythema between TP and ETR patients but did detect differences from controls. Significantly more inflammation was observed in ETR patients. Gene expression of matrix metallo…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)