While acknowledging that rosacea is more widespread among fair-skinned individuals, researchers found that rosacea is "not uncommon" in Korea, according to information presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Rosacea was diagnosed in about 1 percent of nearly 6,000 patients who visited the clinic of Drs. B. J. Kim, J. M. Park, J. N. Park and W. S. Koh of the Department of Dermatology, Inje University College of Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital in Seoul, South Korea.
They noted that flushing and redness (erythema) occurred at high rates when compared with a similar study in England. On the other hand, they reported that papules (bumps), pustules (pimples) and rhinophyma (enlarged nose) were less common in the Korean patients than in the English study.
The researchers said papules, pustules and rhinophyma may be rarer in Korea due to less sun-induced degeneration of connective tissue because of more pigmentation in Koreans than in Caucasians.
About two-thirds of the Korean rosacea sufferers were women. Interestingly, the Korean researchers reported no cases of ocular rosacea (eye irritation), which has been found at significant rates in Western studies.
Sibenge S, Gawkrodger DJ: Rosacea: A Study of Clinical Patterns, Blood Flow and the Role of Demodex folliculorum. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1992;26:590-3.
The National Rosacea Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with rosacea by raising awareness, providing public health information and supporting medical research on this widespread but little-known disorder. The information the Society provides should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace
consultation with a qualified physician. The Society does not evaluate, endorse or recommend any particular medications, products, equipment or treatments. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case. For more information, visit About Us.