Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the skin, usually localized on the face. The disease predominantly affects inhabitants of Northern and Western Europe and North America and is rarely found among other ethnic groups. The disease usually starts at the age of 20-30, with visible progression in the next decade of life and full clinical presentation at the age of 40-50. The pathogenesis of rosacea is heterogenic and not fully elucidated. The disease is associated with many different factors. The pathomechanism of the disease is complex and depends on: natural immunity, vascular disturbances, action of reactive oxygen species and proteolytic enzymes, UV radiation and infectious factors. The influence of environmental factors on natural, innate immunity can be responsible for different symptoms of the disease and can determine a type of treatment. At present rosacea is divided into 4 subtypes based on a type of clinical manifestations: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular rosacea. The course of the disease is characterized by remissions and progressions. In most cases it is sufficient to use a topical, but sometimes even a systemic treatment. Every relapse to the disease is connected with progression of skin damage and aggravation of symptoms. Different topical and systemic ways of treatment are used but some of them are not accepted by FDA as a standard therapy of the disease. Except of the treatment also a proper care and life style are also important to control the disease. In the review the contemporary opinions on pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategies were presented.