Investigations
1st investigations to order
clinical diagnosis
Test
Usually no tests are necessary.
Result
features of rosacea including flushing, papules and pustules, telangiectases, and ocular manifestations
Investigations to consider
skin biopsy
Test
These findings are highly non-specific, typically demonstrating granulomatous disease.
May be performed to exclude more ominous conditions that mimic rosacea, including sarcoidosis, connective tissue disease, and mastocytosis.
Result
non-specific granulomatous or lymphohistiocytic infiltrate; associated oedema, telangiectases, sebaceous hyperplasia, and demodex mites in the hair follicle (increased in number) may be present
antinuclear antibody titre
Test
Perform if systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other connective tissue disease is suspected.
Positive in many forms of connective tissue disease (e.g., SLE >1:160).
Result
negative
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