Efficacy of Oral Ivermectin in Treatment of Rosacea

Abstract Introduction Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis involving certain facial areas such as chin, nose, forehead, and cheeks. Several therapies were reported in the treatment of rosacea but with variable results. Aim of the Study To evaluate the efficacy, safety, adverse effects, relapse rate and patient’s satisfaction of single 250μg/kg dose of oral ivermectin in the treatment of rosacea. Patients and Methods This clinical trial included 45 rosacea patients who were treated with single 250μg/kg dose of oral ivermectin, then patients were followed-up every 4 weeks for 3 months. Assessment of treatment response was performed using 2 digital photographs before receiving ivermectin and 3 months later. Two Standardized skin surface biopsies (SSSB1&2) were done before receiving ivermectin and 3 months later. Results Ivermectin treatment revealed significant effect in included patients as 15 patients showed clear effect of rosacea after treatment. This was consistent with Demodex mites count that showed significant decrease after treatment compared to before treatment. There was a significant relation between patients’ satisfaction and demodex mite count after treatment Conclusion Oral ivermectin showed significant clearing of rosacea in included patients which was reflected on patients’ satisfaction. This effect can be attributed to significant reduction in demodex mite count in treated patients.