Nailfold capillaroscopy as a diagnostic and prognostic method in rosacea.

BACKGROUND There is no appropriate and reliable method of evaluating and monitoring severity in rosacea. OBJECTIVE To determine the importance of nailfold capillaroscopy as a diagnostic and prognostic method for patients with rosacea. METHODS A cross-sectional study where eight patients with rosacea and 8 control subjects were submitted to nailfold capillaroscopy from May to July 2009. We collected clinical data related to gender, age, skin phototype, and rosacea stage according to Plewig and Kligman classification and the classification of the National Rosacea Society. Additionally, we evaluated the progression of the disease and treatment therapies previously used. RESULTS The majority of the patients evaluated (6 out of 8 patients) had rosacea subtype I (vascular) or erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The mean duration of the disorder was 5.96 years, and 87.5% of the patients were under treatment with topical metronidazole. Nailfold cappilaroscopy showed that evidence of devascularization was absent in both groups. CONCLUSION Nailfold capillaroscopy presents a nonspecific pattern and does not seem to help in the diagnosis or prognosis of rosacea.