How is papulopustular rosacea treated?

Metronidazole.

The metronidazole is an antibiotic from the imidazole family available in the form of cream, gel, or even emulsion. It is known in pharmacies under the name of Rozacreme, Rozagel and Rozex. This medication leads to a significant improvement in the number of pustules, papules, and partially erythema, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and antibacterial activities.

Typically formulated at 0.75% or 1%, metronidazole is most often prescribed in twice-daily applications over several weeks depending on the severity and duration of rosacea. Subsequently, it is used as a maintenance treatment to prevent relapses. It is contraindicated in cases of history of allergy to metronidazole or any of the components of the formulation. Finally, it is necessary during a metronidazole treatment to take precautions regarding exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation. This should be avoided for the treated area.

Azelaic Acid.

The azelaic acid is an antibiotic found in a cream form called Finacea. It is typically formulated at 15%. This medication has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity. It can also influence follicular hyperkeratosis by inhibiting the proliferation of keratinocytes through the inhibition of DNA synthesis.

It is often prescribed for twice-daily use, in the morning and evening. It is also necessary to avoid sun exposure as a precaution during the treatment. Azelaic acid is often prescribed as a second-line treatment, as it is less potent than metronidazole. However, it is better tolerated in patients who experience fewer side effects.

Ivermectin.

The ivermectin is an anti-helminthic and anti-parasitic that has recently been used as a new treatment for inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea in adults. Indeed, it exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, it limits the symptoms of skin inflammation. Ivermectin also acts on the parasite Demodex, a pro-inflammatory agent in rosacea. It can be found in pharmacies under the name of Soolantra, a cream formulated with 10 mg of ivermectin. Generally, it is prescribed for application once a day, preferably in the evening, avoiding sensitive areas. It can also be combined with other topical treatments. However, treatment with ivermectin is not reimbursed by health insurance and is more expensive than other existing treatments.

Adapalene.

Adapalene is a retinoid family antibiotic medication that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. It is found in the form of a gel or cream of the same name, formulated at 0.1%, and is prescribed for daily application, preferably in the evening. Adapalene was originally used as an anti-acne treatment, but it also has interesting properties in the case of papulopustular rosacea. However, its prescription is still limited for this condition due to side effects. These can manifest as skin dryness and irritation, burning sensations, or even skin erythema.

Clindamycin Phosphate.

Clindamycin is a antibiotic belonging to the lincosamide class. It possesses anti-bacterial activity that allows it to inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for the development of inflammation in the case of rosacea acne. Clindamycin phosphate also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce various symptoms of skin inflammation. It is relatively well tolerated in sensitive skin. This antibiotic can be used in combination with other treatments for optimal effect. Thus, the management can be best adapted according to the intensity of each patient's rosacea acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is an antioxidant agent. It also acts on hyperkeratinization and seborrheic hypersecretion due to its keratolytic and sebostatic activity. Benzoyl peroxide is often prescribed in combination with another antibiotic, often clindamycin. This combination helps to reduce the number of inflammatory lesions. It also allows a reduction in the risks of bacterial resistance. The combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin is formulated in the form of a 1 to 5% gel found under the name of ClindoxylGel in pharmacies. This gel is effective in reducing the number of papules and pustules associated with rosacea acne.

Tretinoin.

Tretinoin, like adapalene, belongs to the retinoid family. It regulates the growth and maturation of skin cells. Tretinoin acts on the inflammatory phase, leading to a reduction in major symptoms of inflammation such as redness and dilation of blood vessels. It promotes cell regeneration and improves skin texture. Like adapalene, tretinoin is a topical retinoid. It is particularly found in the form of a cream, formulated at a concentration of 0.05% known as Retacnyl.

Doxycycline.

This is a tetracycline family antibiotic that is administered orally in the form of a tablet or capsule, typically dosed at 50 mg or 100 mg, known as Tolexine. Doxycycline has significant anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce papules and pustules. It is a standard treatment that can be prescribed in conjunction with topical metronidazole.

Its prescription is typically daily and it is preferably taken in the evening. Doxycycline is contraindicated in combination with medications from the retinoid family. It should not be used in cases of known allergy to the antibiotic class of tetracyclines. Moreover, similar to metronidazole, the intake of doxycycline has a photosensitizing effect. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid sun exposure during its use.

Low-dose Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin is a medication belonging to the retinoid family. It is the stereo-isomer of tretinoin. It comes in the form of a capsule containing 10 mg of isotretinoin, found in pharmacies under the name Curacne or Roaccutane depending on the dosage. It is indicated when the patient develops a resistance to first-line treatments. This medication is prescribed at dosages of 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg depending on the severity of rosacea. Isotretinoin is relatively effective in treating various forms of papulopustular rosacea. It is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as its intake poses a risk to the fetus. When prescribed, it requires strict dermatological monitoring and regular check-ups.