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Rosacea: New and Emerging Treatments

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Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. We sought to review important aspects of the pathogenesis of rosacea and the role of new treatment options in its management. New, emerging treatments show promise; however, quality randomized controlled trials for many of these drugs are lacking. Brimonidine tartrate is an effective newly approved treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Topical oxymetazoline has potential for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, with efficacy described in case reports and randomized controlled trials currently underway. Both oral and topical ivermectin have been studied for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea, both showing benefit; however, only topical ivermectin 1 % cream has been studied in randomized controlled trials. As our understanding of the etiology of rosacea continues to evolve, so will our options for therapeutic interventions. Further studies need to be performed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of these treatments.

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Acknowledgments

The Center for Dermatology Research is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Dr. Feldman is a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Connetics, Abbott Labs, Warner Chilcott, Centocor, Amgen, Photomedex, Genentech, BiogenIdec, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Feldman has received grants from Galderma, Connetics, Astellas, Abbott Labs, Warner Chilcott, Centocor, Amgen, Photomedex, Genentech, BiogenIdec, Coria, Pharmaderm, Ortho Pharmaceuticals, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Roche Dermatology, 3M, Bristol Myers Squibb, Stiefel, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novartis and has received stock options from Photomedex. Farah Moustafa and Dr. Sandoval have no conflicts to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1071, USA

    Farah A. Moustafa, Laura F. Sandoval & Steven R. Feldman

  2. Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Steven R. Feldman

  3. Department of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Steven R. Feldman

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  1. Farah A. Moustafa
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  2. Laura F. Sandoval
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  3. Steven R. Feldman
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Correspondence to Steven R. Feldman.

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Moustafa, F.A., Sandoval, L.F. & Feldman, S.R. Rosacea: New and Emerging Treatments. Drugs 74, 1457–1465 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-014-0281-x

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