Beyond the Red Face: A Global Odyssey into Rosacea-Prevalence, Triggers, and Treatment Trends
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Abstract
Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that is defined by recurrent facial erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasia. Even with growing world-wide acceptance, there are still significant knowledge gaps regarding the epidemiologic heterogeneity, risk factors, and best management practice, particularly in underrepresented ethnic groups. Aim and Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to find demographic trends, clinical presentation, rosacea risk factors, and response to treatment in populations globally and by ethnicity and to answer the question: What are the worldwide clinical features, risk factors, and response to treatment in rosacea, and how do these differ in populations? Material and Methods: The databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar were searched for publications between 2017-2025 and finally 10 studies were included in the systematic review of which three were included in the meta analyses. Data that were extracted were study design, geographic region, demographics, rosacea subtypes, comorbidities, treatments, and risk factors associated. Pooled prevalence proportions and effect sizes were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis models where necessary. Heterogeneity was estimated using I² statistics. R Studio was used for data analysis and graphical preparations. Results: The pooled estimate came out to be 2% (95% CI: -0.02 to 0.06). Female predominance varied from 64%–84%, and erythematotelangiectatic rosacea was the most prevalent subtype. Sun exposure (OR=4.2), temperature changes (OR=3.6), and oily skin (OR=6.3, p<0.001) were all risk factors identified consistently. There was a remarkable regional variation in presentation and distribution of subtypes. Treatment responses were biased towards systemic antibiotics and intense pulsed light (IPL) laser in some subgroups. Conclusion: This review emphasized upon considerable worldwide heterogeneity in rosacea epidemiology, presentation, and responsiveness to treatment and underscored the necessity of region-specific recommendations along with increased focus on the individualized approach, particularly in darker-skinned populations.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Archana Suresh, Manveen Kaur, Prathyusha Prabhakar, Jamila hameed
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