Association Between Rosacea and Frequent Changes in Moisturizing Products: A Multicenter Retrospective Case–control Survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the detailed relationship between frequent replacement of moisturizing product brands and the development of rosacea, with the overall goal of establishing guidelines for patients with rosacea. Methods: A multicenter retrospective case–control survey of 849 patients with rosacea and 980 controls with healthy skin was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire mainly included demographic data, the behavior of frequently changing moisturizing product brands, history of skin allergy or sensitivity symptoms within 2 years before rosacea onset for the patient group and within the most recent 2 years for the control group, current symptoms and signs, and self-reported symptoms. A comparative analysis was performed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The behavior of frequently replacing moisturizing product brands was positively correlated with rosacea (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 1.522, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.148-2.018), and this correlation was more apparent in individuals with non-sensitive skin (P = 0.008, OR = 1.634, 95% CI = 1.135-2.352). With respect to different subtypes of rosacea, frequent replacement of moisturizing product brands was more likely to be associated with papulopustular rosacea (P = 0.003, OR = 1.804, 95% CI = 1.219-2.672) than with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (P = 0.031, OR = 1.432, 95% CI = 1.033-1.984) compared with people who did not frequently replace their moisturizing product brands; however, these effects were not observed for phymatous rosacea (P > 0.05). We further investigated the clinical features of patients who frequently replaced their moisturizing products. Among invisible symptoms, these patients most often reported a stinging sensation (P = 0.007, OR = 1.497, 95% CI = 1.119-2.003), and among visible symptoms, telangiectasia was most common (P = 0.027, OR = 1.411, 95% CI = 1.041-1.913). Conclusion: Frequent replacement of moisturizing product brands was closely associated with the occurrence of rosacea. Our study provides useful information regarding skin care habits to the public and will help to promote the prevention and management of rosacea.