Prevalence of rosacea in the general population of Germany and Russia – The RISE study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is an unmet need for general population‐based epidemiological data on rosacea based on contemporary diagnostic criteria and validated population survey methodology.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of rosacea in the general population of Germany and Russia.MethodsGeneral population screening was conducted in 9–10 cities per country to ensure adequate geographic representation. In Part I of this two‐phase study, screening of a representative sample of the general population (every fifth person or every fifth door using a fixed‐step procedure on a random route sample) was expedited with use of a questionnaire and algorithm based on current diagnostic criteria for rosacea. Of the subjects that screened positive in the initial phase, a randomly selected sample (every third subject) t`hen underwent diagnostic confirmation by a dermatologist in Part II.ResultsA total of 3052 and 3013 subjects (aged 18–65 years) were screened in Germany and Russia respectively. Rosacea prevalence was 12.3% [95%CI, 10.2–14.4] in Germany and 5.0% [95%CI, 2.8–7.2] in Russia. The profile of subjects with rosacea (75% women; mean age of 40 years; mainly skin phototype II or III, majority of subjects with sensitive facial skin) and subtype distribution were similar. Overall, 18% of subjects diagnosed with rosacea were aged 18–30 years. Over 80% were not previously diagnosed. Within the previous year, 47.5% of subjects had received no rosacea care and 23.7% had received topical and/or systemic drugs. Over one‐third (35% Germany, 43% Russia) of rosacea subjects reported a moderate to severe adverse impact on quality of life.ConclusionRosacea is highly prevalent in Germany (12.3%) and Russia (5.0%). The demographic profile of rosacea subjects was similar between countries and the majority were previously undiagnosed.

Incidence and prevalence of rosacea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In these studies, four reported the prevalence of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea among patients with rosacea to be 72–80% and that of papulopustular rosacea to be 18–28% . Furthermore, one of these studies reported 4% with phymatous rosacea and 6·5–8·0% with ocular rosacea. The last study found the prevalence of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea to be 45%, with papulopustular rosacea 49%, phymatous rosacea 4·8% and ocular rosacea 1%.…”

“…These were three population‐based studies and two studies of dermatological outpatients . In these studies, four reported the prevalence of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea among patients with rosacea to be 72–80% and that of papulopustular rosacea to be 18–28% . Furthermore, one of these studies reported 4% with phymatous rosacea and 6·5–8·0% with ocular rosacea.…”

Epidemiology of rosacea in Colombia

“…9 Rosacea prevalence is highest in Estonia, where prevalence has been estimated at about 22%, 2 and lowest in Tunisia (0.2%) 3 and in Ghana, where the prevalence is 0%. 9 Rosacea prevalence is highest in Estonia, where prevalence has been estimated at about 22%, 2 and lowest in Tunisia (0.2%) 3 and in Ghana, where the prevalence is 0%.…”

Prevalence of skin disease in a population-based sample of adults from five European countries

“…Population‐based data on the prevalence of skin diseases are generally rare. At an international population level, prevalence data are available for only a few selected skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) (The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) and itchy rashes, and a recently published study has reported on the prevalence of rosacea in Germany and Russia …”