[Rosacea fulminans: report of two cases]

Abstract

Rosacea fulminans is a rare condition, characterized by a sudden onset of papulopustules, cysts, edema, and draining sinuses usually confined to the facial area. It is often accompanied by low-grade fever, myalgias and leukocytosis. Patients usually have a background of mild rosacea. We report two male patients aged 29 and 54 years, presenting with rosacea fulminans and ocular involvement, triggered by the use of topical steroids. Both responded to systemic treatment with corticosteroids, isotretinoin and metronidazole. Rosacea fulminans should be considered as a variant of rosacea that includes papulopustular, ocular, phymatous and erythematotelangiectatic types.