Qi-Hao Yao, Ze-Hu Liu

Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Ze-Hu Liu, Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, West Lake Road 38, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-571-87827181, Email zehuliu@yahoo.com

Abstract: Rosacea is a common dermatosis with multiple pathogeneses, among which, rosacea fulminans may serve as a rare but severe subtype. This inflammatory disease usually presents as abrupt multiple erythema, pustules, and nodules localized on the face. Pregnancy and related changes of hormone levels may play a key role in the development and progression of the disease, although the exact mechanisms are unknown. In particular, treatment options, which includes systemic glucocorticosteroids, isotretinoin, and partial oral antibiotics, may be limited in pregnancy. Owing to the limited number of reported cases, standard diagnosis, treatment, and management guidelines remain unclear. Here, we report a case of rosacea fulminans happening in pregnancy treated successfully with oral erythromycin and short-term glucocorticosteroids, and share our review of the characteristics of RF cases during pregnancy.

Keywords: rosacea fulminans, erythromycin, dermatology, pregnancy, ocular involvements