An analysis of hospital data in Tunisia found that subtype 2 (papulopustular) rosacea, characterized by redness with bumps and pimples, was the most commonly diagnosed form of rosacea in this Arab North African nation.¹

In the study of 244 rosacea patients reported by Dr. Aida Khaled and colleagues at the Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, 69 percent had subtype 2, while 12 percent were diagnosed with subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic) rosacea, characterized by flushing and persistent redness. Four percent suffered from subtype 3 (phymatous) rosacea, including excess tissue; and 17 percent were identified with the eye irritation of subtype 4 (ocular) rosacea. The most frequent trigger factors were sun exposure, reported by 64 percent of the patients, and heat, reported by 25 percent.

The researchers concluded that rosacea appears to be a common disorder in this country, where most of the population has darker skin tones, and that more studies should be conducted.

Reference

1. Khaled A, Hammami H, Zeglaoui F, et al. Rosacea: 244 Tunisian cases. Tunisie Med 2010;88:597-601.