Comparative study of some treatment modalities of rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a disease of complex pathogenesis and variable response to various therapeutic methods. Aim of the work To evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety and side effects of some topical lines of treatment of rosacea.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 24 patients (23 females and 1 male) with rosacea on the face. They were classified into three groups--each including eight patients (16 face sides)--and treated with one of three topical agents (azelaic acid 20% cream, metronidazole 0.75% cream or permethrin 5% cream) on one side of the face and another one on the other side twice daily for 15 weeks.

RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of lesions after 15 weeks of topical treatment with the three agents. Azelaic acid cream was significantly more effective on inflammatory lesions but not erythema than the other two creams. Side effects--mostly transient--were observed with topical creams with no significant difference. They included itching, burning sensation, oedema and scales. Patients who used azelaic acid 20% cream were more satisfied than with other modalities.

CONCLUSION: Azelaic acid 20% cream provides an effective and safe alternative to metronidazole 0.75% cream or permethrin 5% cream with the added benefit of increased patient satisfaction.