Epidemiological profile of rosacea in dermatology outpatient clinics in Brazil: an observational report from the Brazilian study group on rosacea

BackgroundRosacea prevalence varies worldwide and there is a lack of information in Brazil.ObjectivesTo describe the epidemiological profile of rosacea in subjects who consulted in dermatological outpatient clinics in Brazil.Materials & MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 dermatological outpatient clinics across the country. Patients with rosacea diagnosis were eligible for the study according to the investigator's clinical assessment. Clinical, social and demographic data were collected. The overall and regional rosacea prevalence was calculated, and association with baseline characteristics was analysed.ResultsA total of 3,184 subjects were enrolled, and rosacea prevalence was 12.7%. The southern region of Brazil presented a higher prevalence, followed by the southeast. The subjects in the rosacea group were older than those without rosacea (52.5 +/- 14.9 vs. 47.5 +/- 17.5; p<0.001). Moreover, the rosacea group was associated with Fitzpatrick's phototypes I and II, Caucasian ethnicity, a family history of rosacea, and facial erythema, however, no association with gender was found. The most prevalent clinical sign and clinical subtype in rosacea patients were erythema and erythematotelangiectatic, respectively.ConclusionRosacea is highly prevalent in Brazil, mostly in the southern region, associated with phototypes I and II and a family history.