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Summary
Most healthcare professionals with a limited knowledge of dermatology have no difficulty in recognising patients with rosacea. However, nurses need to understand the various subtypes that present to enable appropriate management and treatment. The aim of this article is to raise nurses' confidence in recognising this diagnosis to ensure effective outcomes for the patient.
Keywords
Dermatology, skin, skin disorders, rosacea
rosacea is a common, chronic relapsing disease characterised by transient or persisting facial erythema, prominent blood vessels (termed telangiectasia) and often papules and pustules (morris 2005). The word 'rosacea' is derived from Latin meaning like roses. The terms acne rosacea and adult acne are misleading and obsolete. acne and rosacea are separate processes, even though they may sometimes coexist (Plewig and Kligman 2000).
it is estimated that the prevalence of rosacea is about 2 to 10 per cent of the population, of which 18 per cent of patients are of the papulopustular type (Table 1, page 18) (mauri-sole 2006). rosacea is most common in patients with skin type 1 (celtic, fair-skinned, blue eyed, or red haired) but has also been recognised in people of asian and african american origin. rosacea tends to affect women more than men, however men often develop more aggressive forms of the disease (mauri-sole 2006). eye involvement (ocular rosacea) occurs in 50 per cent of patients - although often mild, more serious cases may need an ophthalmic referral (mauri-sole 2006).
Powell (2008) suggested that rosacea is clearly visible to all, but is largely misunderstood by the general public. This lack of understanding has inadvertently led to curious theories on its aetiology such as heavy alcohol consumption, and, in Victorian england, a tendency to flush excessively was thought to suggest that the person indulged in 'chronic masturbation' (Powell 2008).
rosacea can have a profound effect on a patient's self-esteem. even the mildest form can cause significant embarrassment. as a result, some patients feel insecure and limit social contact. This situation can lead to isolation and, in extreme cases, depression and increase the disease burden.
it is important for nurses to ensure that patients are informed about their diagnosis and understand treatment and management plans if their quality of life (QoL) is to be enhanced. There are several questionnaires available that...