Patients With Rosacea Exhibit Lower Minimal Erythema Doses to Both UVA and UVB

BACKGROUND: Rosacea, a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the central facial convexities, is categorized into four clinical subtypes: erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), papulopustular rosacea (PPR), phymatous rosacea (PhR), ocular rosacea (OR). While ultraviolet (UV) radiation is recognized as a risk factor for rosacea, the differential skin sensitivity to UVA and/or UVB between healthy individuals and rosacea patients remains ambiguous. METHODS: This study comprised 70 patients diagnosed with rosacea and 100 healthy controls. The minimal erythema doses (MED-UVA and MED-UVB) were ascertained using an SUV-2000 solar UV simulator. A comparative analysis was conducted on the MED-UVA and MED-UVB results between the rosacea patient group and the healthy control group, as well as among rosacea patients with varying clinical subtypes. Furthermore, the correlation between MED values in rosacea patients and factors such as age, skin type, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and the Clinical Erythema Assessment (CEA) scale was evaluated. RESULTS: In comparison to the healthy control group, the rosacea group demonstrated significantly lower MED-UVA (p < 0.05) and MED-UVB (p ≤ 0.001) values. However, no significant differences were observed in the MED-UVA (p > 0.05) and MED-UVB (p > 0.05) values among patients with varying clinical subtypes of rosacea, specifically between ETR and PPR. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with rosacea demonstrate a decreased minimal erythema dose to both UVA and UVB, suggesting heightened sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Consequently, it is advisable for individuals with rosacea to minimize sun exposure in order to mitigate or prevent exacerbation of the condition.