Analysis of dermoscopic images of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and papulopustular rosacea

[Objective] To analyze the dermatoscopic features of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and papulopustular rosacea. [Method] A total of 55 patients with rosacea, treated at the Dermatology Department of Guangdong Medical University Affiliated Hospital between September 2022 and May 2024, were included in the study. Among them, 34 cases had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, and 21 cases were papulopustular rosacea. The primary dermatoscopic characteristics in these patients were systematically analyzed. [Results] Dermoscopic analysis revealed that 37 cases (67.27%) exhibited a purple-red background, 10 cases (18.18%) displayed a red background, 47 cases (85.45%) presented polygonal vessels arranged in a reticular pattern, and 9 cases (16.36%) showed linear vessels. Significant differences in dermoscopic features were observed between erythematotelangiectatic rosacea and papulopustular rosacea. Linear vessels (26.47%) and perifollicular white halos (29.41%) were more prevalent in erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, whereas follicular pustules (100%) and horn plugs (80.95%) were predominantly observed in papulopustular rosacea (both P<0.05). [Conclusions] The observation of a purplish-red background and polygonal vessels through dermoscopy significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of rosacea. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is primarily characterized by the presence of linear vessels (26.47%) and perifollicular white halos (29.41%). In contrast, papulopustular rosacea is predominantly marked by follicular pustules (100%) and horn plugs (80.95%). Dermoscopy can offer an objective and reliable method for differentiating these subtypes.