Although rare in pediatric practice, rosacea does occur in children and is probably underrecognized. Pediatric dermatologists and ophthalmologists in France performed a retrospective review of 20 children with rosacea (age range, 1-15 years - 6 patients had family histories of rosacea; 6 had cutaneous disease, 3 had ocular disease, and 11 had both). The study found that undiagnosed ocular rosacea preceded facial eruptions in 55%.

 

The researchers noted three dermatologic patterns: in descending order of frequency, papulopustular rosacea, facial erythema (with or without flushing), and granulomatous rosacea (perioral dermatitis). The latter was associated with previous use of topical steroids.

 

The ocular rosacea noted in 14 children appeared as chalazions in 10, blepharoconjunctivitis in 9, meibomitis in 6, keratitis in 4, and corneal ulcers in 2 (some children had more than 1 finding). Ocular hyperemia was common.

 

The authors propose diagnostic criteria; two features are required for diagnosis in children compared with only one in adults.

 

Always consider an ophthalmology consultation in childhood rosacea.

Source: Chamaillard M et al.: 'Cutaneous and ocular signs of childhood rosacea.' Arch Dermatol. 2008 Feb; 144:167.

 

Published in Journal Watch Dermatology, May 9, 2008