Hazel Oon, Chee Leok Goh
Although rosacea is often thought of as a common disorder, the prevalence in Asia is under-reported as the clinical presentation of erythema in skin phototypes IV-VI are more difficult to discern. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of rosacea in Asia, the transition from subtype to phenotype classification, issues with grading of erythema, differential diagnoses and treatment specific to Asian skin. The approach to rosacea in darker skin types requires combination therapy to target the multiple specific features of each patient for expedient, effective treatment and to maximise patient satisfaction. There is a higher potential risk of skin irritation from topicals and also post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from laser therapy.