Efficacy of Widely Used Topical Drugs for Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Topical interventions for rosacea are often used to relieve local symptoms. However, currently, there are few articles to systematically analyze the efficacy profile of topical drugs for rosacea. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy profile of widely used topical drugs. To acquire appropriate information from related literature, we looked into 4 databases. Efficacy was appraised with the Investigator Global Assessment, Clinician's Erythema Assessment, Patient's Self-Assessment and Subject Self-Assessment of Rosacea Facial Redness scales. Treatment-emergent adverse events and dermal tolerability were also recorded. According to 21 randomized controlled trials included, a total of 6 topical drugs including minocycline, ivermectin, azelaic acid, metronidazole, brimonidine and oxymetazoline were reported. These drugs are well-tolerated and safe. Ivermectin is more effective than azelaic acid and metronidazole. Azelaic acid has a better efficacy profile than metronidazole according to included studies. Minocycline turned out to be effective improving the symptoms of rosacea. Brimonidine and oxymetazoline both have significant effects on reducing facial redness.