Treatment of Extrafacial Rosacea with Low-dose Isotretinoin

Rosacea is a common condition that is chronic in the adult population. Symptoms usually begin in the age range 30-40 years, and are characterized by centrofacial erythema and marked telangiectasias (1) with papules, pustules and, occasionally, nodules or cysts on the forehead, cheek and nose (2). Extrafacial rosacea has been very rarely reported in the literature (3-7). It predominantly affects men and is more difficult to diagnose because of its atypical pattern. In men, extrafacial rosacea is usually found in sun-exposed skin. Scalp involvement is predominantly pustular. The aims of this retrospective investigation were to evaluate which areas are affected by extrafacial rosacea, whether a low-dose isotretinoin regimen is effective, and whether the side-effects can be minimized.