Assessment of the mental status of patients with rosacea

Abstract

Rosacea is a common chronic skin disease that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Various phenotypic characteristics and the localization on the face can have a negative impact on mental health and socialization, causing anxiety and depression in patients with rosacea. The aim of the study was to determine baseline levels of anxiety and depression in patients with erythematotelangiectatic telangiectatic and papulopustular rosacea and their combination and to compare the effect of combination therapy on patients’ psychoemotional state. We observed 45 patients with a diagnosis of erythematous telangiectatic rosacea and papulo-pustular subtypes of mild and moderate severity and their combination. Patients were divided into three groups according to the choice of combination of treatment methods. In group No. 1: 15 patients received botulinum toxin therapy with topical azelaic acid plus ivermectin. In group No. 2: 15 patients received PDL 595 nm procedure in combination with the topical therapy azelaic acid plus ivermectin. In group No. 3: 15 patients received botulinum toxin therapy with incobotulotoxin in combination with ILC 595 nm and topical azelaic acid therapy in combination with ivermectin. 26.7 % of the patients included in the study showed a deterioration in skin appearance due to emotional strain and stress. All patients showed subclinical manifestations of anxiety and depression according to the Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). In addition, the mental state and anxiety of patients with rosacea can be significantly improved after treatment. Combination therapy with ivermectin, azelaic acid, LC 595 nm and botulinum therapy brings maximum results in normalizing the psychoemotional state. Alleviating the clinical manifestations of rosacea helps to reduce the level of anxiety and depression in patients with rosacea.