Epidemiological profile of rosacea in dermatology outpatient clinics in Brazil: an observational report from the Brazilian study group on rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea prevalence varies worldwide and there is a lack of information in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological profile of rosacea in subjects who consulted in dermatological outpatient clinics in Brazil. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 dermatological outpatient clinics across the country. Patients with rosacea diagnosis were eligible for the study according to the investigator's clinical assessment. Clinical, social and demographic data were collected. The overall and regional rosacea prevalence was calculated, and association with baseline characteristics was analysed. RESULTS: A total of 3,184 subjects were enrolled, and rosacea prevalence was 12.7%. The southern region of Brazil presented a higher prevalence, followed by the southeast. The subjects in the rosacea group were older than those without rosacea (52.5 ±14.9 vs. 47.5 ±17.5; p<0.001). Moreover, the rosacea group was associated with Fitzpatrick's phototypes I and II, Caucasian ethnicity, a family history of rosacea, and facial erythema, however, no association with gender was found. The most prevalent clinical sign and clinical subtype in rosacea patients were erythema and erythematotelangiectatic, respectively. CONCLUSION: Rosacea is highly prevalent in Brazil, mostly in the southern region, associated with phototypes I and II and a family history.

Periungual Bowen's disease successfully treated with photodynamic therapy.

Bowen's disease or squamous cell carcinoma in situ is a malignancy of the skin confined to the epidermis that unusually involves the nail apparatus. The ideal treatment should complete clear the tumor, with preservation of the cosmetics and the function of the finger, which can be very difficult to achieve depending on tumor's location and the extension. The high cure rates for Bowen's disease and the principles of photodynamic therapy, suggest that this technique may be a great option in the management of this kind of lesion. Therefore, this is a case report of a 47-years-old man with diabetes and HIV+ serology who presented a patch of Bowen's disease at the distal phalange of the finger treated with photodynamic therapy in order to avoid surgical complications, a more aggressive treatment or even mutilation. An excellent response was reached, preserving all the structures of the nail, with clinical and histopathological cure and complete remission after two years of follow up.