Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Rosacea and Their Impact on Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes redness and irritation on the face and is often accompanied by emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with rosacea and examine their impact on quality of life, aiming to provide a basis for comprehensive clinical evaluation of the physical and psychological harm caused by the disease and for targeted treatments. Methods: A total of 209 patients with rosacea who received treatment and the control group comprised 163 patients with isolated plantar warts. Depression, anxiety, and quality of life were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Group differences were made using t -tests and χ 2 -tests, and logistic regression was employed for association analysis. Results: Patients with rosacea had significantly higher mean scores for depression, anxiety, and quality of life impairment than controls (P < 0.05). The proportions of patients with mild to severe depression, anxiety, and significant quality of life impairment were also higher in the rosacea group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Among patients with rosacea, both mild and moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety were associated with an increased risk of severe quality of life impairment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, joint effect analysis showed that patients with both depression and anxiety had a markedly higher risk of severe quality of life impairment compared with those without either condition (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Rosacea is strongly associated with depression and anxiety, whose coexistence confers the greatest risk of quality-of-life impairment. Incorporating psychological screening and care into routine management may improve patient outcomes. Plain Language Summary: Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes redness and irritation on the face. Many people with rosacea also experience emotional challenges, such as feeling anxious or depressed, but few studies have explored how these feelings affect their daily lives. In this study, we compared 209 people with rosacea to 163 people without the condition. All participants completed questionnaires that measured their levels of depression, anxiety, and quality of life. The results showed that people with rosacea were more likely to have depression and anxiety. Even mild symptoms were associated with poorer quality of life, and those with both depression and anxiety had the greatest impairment. These findings highlight that rosacea is not only a skin condition but also has important emotional and social impacts. The results suggest that doctors should pay attention to both the physical and psychological needs of people living with rosacea. Providing psychological support and addressing emotional well-being may help improve patients’ overall quality of life. Keywords: rosacea, depression, anxiety, quality of life