H08 The <i>Crimson Chronicles</i> of acne rosacea: a fascinating tale of medicine and culture

Abstract Acne rosacea is a common skin condition that affects people with Fitzpatrick types I–III and characterized by flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, pustules, papules phyma (Jansen T. Clinical presentations classification of rosacea. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2011; 138:3). This has been around for centuries referred to in literature art throughout history. The earliest reference acne can be traced back the third century Bc, where it was mentioned writings Greek poet Theocritus. It also various forms literature, including character Summoner Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales Bardolf Shakespeare’s Henry VI (Cribier B. Histoires de visages rouges. 138:2). In art, famously depicted Italian Renaissance painter Domenico Ghirlandaio’s ‘The Old Man His Grandson’, now housed Louvre. colour red, prominent characteristic rosacea, had significant role symbolizing everything from love passion anger violence. French novelists Balzac Proust used as motif Red Face’ or ‘Le Visage Rouge’ denote violence marker working classes. 14th century, surgeon Guy Chauliac first document clinically condition, referring goutterose ‘pink droplet’. 18th 19th strides were made understanding nature Dr Jean Astruc, known father venereal diseases, ‘erythematous, varicose scaly’. 1812, official term ‘acne rosacea’ appeared medical text English dermatologist Thomas Bateman. Further references found 1817 publication On Cutaneous Diseases dermatology pioneer Robert Willan. 1834, physician Macnish explicitly linked alcohol consumption his book Anatomy Drunkenness. differentiation between vulgaris firmly established following work Austrian Hebra Darier. past, treatments included salves containing mercury, sulfur, bull’s blood, blood-letting leeches. Today, topical oral antibiotics are standard treatments, far cry remedies yesteryear. conclusion, history which so much more than just le visage rouge, captivating journey spans centuries, its contemporary treatment condition.