Impact of Rosacea on the Quality of Life: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects social and professional life, with a prevalence of 1.59%in Saudi Arabia. It has four subtypes and is linked to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Many patients report diminished self-esteem and social challenges. Given the limited research in Saudi Arabia, this study aims to assess rosacea's impact on QoL.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a single secondary institution and via social media outreach to Saudi residents with a confirmed diagnosis of rosacea. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, rosacea severity, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses with a significance level of p<0.05. Power calculations were made to ensure adequate sample sizes, and missing data were imputed.

A total of 176 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 28.8 years. More than half of the participants (52.5%) reported that rosacea had severely impaired their quality of life. Increased disease severity, as indicated by higher Clinician's Erythema Assessment (CEA) scores, the presence of papules, and ocular involvement, was significantly associated with poorer QoL. A longer duration of disease was positively correlated with greater QoL impairment. There was a higher prevalence of topical ivermectin use among individuals reporting severe impairment in quality of life.

This study underscores the substantial impact of rosacea on patients' quality of life in Saudi Arabia, particularly in emotional and social domains. Higher DLQI scores were significantly associated with longer disease duration and greater clinical severity. As a result of these findings, it is imperative to treat rosacea holistically, addressing both its physical manifestations and psychological burden of rosacea.