Rosacea in skin of color: A comprehensive review

Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory dermatosis in persons with fair skin. It is uncommonly reported in people with skin of color (darker skin tone; Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V or VI). Apart from reduced incidence, underreporting due to decreased awareness might also be a probable explanation. Rosacea commonly presents with telangiectasias and persistent facial erythema on the sun-exposed parts, which can be distressing to the patient and affect the quality of life. The diagnosis is made clinically, in the absence of any confirmatory investigation. Several treatment modalities have been employed to date with varying results. Light-based therapies should be used cautiously in the colored skin to avoid distressing pigmentation. This article focuses on the pathogenesis, clinical features, treatment recommendations and other aspects of this uncommon disorder along with a review of the literature.