Clinical presentations and classification of rosacea

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Rosacea is a prevalent chronic skin disease affecting facial skin.
• It presents with diverse signs and symptoms in a centrofacial distribution.
• Current diagnostic and classification systems lack consensus and do not address disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of rosacea classification.
• To highlight the limitations of existing diagnostic criteria.
• To emphasize the need for a consensus on rosacea definition and progression.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on rosacea classification.
• Analysis of historical and current classification systems, including the National Rosacea Society (NRS) scheme.
• Examination of diagnostic criteria and grading systems.

Main Results:

• Multiple classification systems exist, including staging and subtype approaches.
• The NRS classification includes four subtypes and one variant but omits disease progression.
• Existing criteria rely on physical findings and symptoms, lacking pathophysiological basis.

Conclusions:

• Current rosacea classifications are controversial due to a lack of consensus on definition and progression.
• Further research into rosacea pathophysiology is needed for a unified classification.
• A universally accepted classification is essential for standardized diagnosis and treatment.