Rosacea and Asian representation: building inclusive awareness of skin health

Dr Chloe Cheung (PgDip 2023, Practical Dermatology 2024-) is a Primary Care Doctor with a special interest in dermatology. Together with a group of multidisciplinary professionals, she has founded the charity Asian Rosacea Society to help misdiagnosed patients like her mother.

As a recent graduate of Cardiff University’s Diploma in Dermatology, I recently established the Asian Rosacea Society, a new member of the British Chamber of Commerce in China. With this platform, I aim to advance education and provide psychological support to Asians with rosacea – a chronic skin condition characterised by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and in some cases, acne-like bumps. I believe that one day, no one will be left in the shadows because of their skin colour.

My work is also dedicated to my mother, who was diagnosed by yours truly. Perhaps from her exquisite taste for red wines and occasional liking for chocolate, she had developed flares of classic rosacea. Initially these were dismissed as ‘eczema’, ‘allergies’, and ‘alcohol intolerance’, but the temporal relationship seemed all too coincidental. So, I dedicate this to my mother, as a labour of love, and in the hopes that those who have the same problem could have a safe community for support.

Traditionally, rosacea has been associated predominantly with Caucasians, leading to a lack of comprehensive research on how this manifests in other ethnic groups, particularly among Asians. This gap in dermatological awareness and education often results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment for Asian patients – my mother being a case in point. 

Our understanding of rosacea in Asians is often limited by underrepresentation in clinical studies. The perceived rarity of the condition in Asian populations may contribute to this oversight, however the reality is that rosacea can and does affect individuals of Asian descent (albeit potentially in different ways). For instance, while redness and flushing are classic symptoms of rosacea, these can be more challenging to detect on darker skin tones. Instead, patients may experience persistent itching and burning of the face, and these symptoms may be mistaken for conditions such as acne vulgaris or eczema.

Education plays a critical role in dismantling these misconceptions – so I recognise the importance of patient education and empowerment in my work. The Asian Rosacea Society seeks to develop materials and workshops that help patients understand their condition, manage symptoms effectively, and seek appropriate care. A further aim is to organise cross-collaborations with local societies and charities, such as Hong Kong St. John Ambulance.

I am so grateful to Cardiff University for equipping me with the knowledge and skills to undertake this important mission. By providing a platform for individuals to share their experiences and connect with others who face similar challenges, we can break the silence surrounding rosacea in Asian communities. And through promoting diverse research and creating a supportive network, we strive to elevate the standards of care.

For more information and collaboration opportunities, you can follow the Asian Rosacea Society here and visit their new website here.

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