Rosacea: an update on medical therapies

Rosacea is a common, chronic cutaneous condition that affects the face. Two topicals and one oral medication are currently approved for the treatment of rosacea, including azelaic acid, metronidazole, and sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycycline. Identification of subtypes can help guide treatment strategies. It is essential for psychosocial implications of rosacea to be considered and conservative management, such as nonpharmacologic routine skin care, must form an important part of the overall care. Recently, new insights into the pathophysiology of rosacea have led to the emergence of etiologically oriented treatments. Ivermectin, an acaricidal agent that has been shown to be effective against rosacea refractory to other therapies, is currently in Phase 3 trials. Brimonidine, which was US FDA approved last year and recently sanctioned by Health Canada, has filled an essential therapeutic void in the targeted treatment of diffuse facial erythema.