Rosacea
Pronunciation: roh-ZAY-shuh
A chronic inflammatory facial skin condition characterised by episodes of flushing, persistent erythema, papulopustular lesions, and in some cases rhinophyma.
Full Definition
Rosacea is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the central face, classified into subtypes including erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular rosacea. It is highly relevant in cosmetic dermatology editorial work because many procedures—including laser therapy, IPL, and topical treatments—are used in its management, and because pre-existing rosacea affects candidacy and safety for certain procedures. Editors must note that rosacea is frequently misspelled as 'rosacea' (correct) versus 'rosaecia' or 'rosecia' (incorrect). It must not be confused with acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, or lupus, all of which may present with facial erythema.
Usage
Usage note: The term 'acne rosacea' is outdated and should not be used in current clinical or editorial copy. Correct spelling is 'rosacea', not 'rosaecia'.
In Context
- "Patients with rosacea were excluded from the ablative laser cohort due to the risk of flare-up post-treatment." — Clinical trial exclusion criteria
- "The submitted manuscript used 'acne rosacea' throughout; the editor updated this to the preferred current term 'rosacea'." — Copy-editing note