Papulopustular Rosacea Treated With Ivermectin 1% Cream: Remission of the Demodex Mite Infestation Over Time and Evaluation of Clinical Relapses.

INTRODUCTION

Topical ivermectin is an anti-inflammatory and anti-Demodex drug for papulopustular rosacea. Rosacea is a relapsing disease and the time between recurrences should be considered alongside efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to assess the time of first relapse and relapse rates of Demodex mite infestation and papulopustular rosacea.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of subjects affected by different degrees of papulopustular rosacea. Patients that achieved a complete response after treatment were monitored every 4 weeks and up to 32 additional weeks. For each patient, we evaluated recording the time to first relapse and relapse rate of Demodex mite infestation and rosacea.

RESULTS

The overall success rate on Demodex infestation was 87.5% only 12.5% relapse. Ivermectin leads to complete response in 70% of patients. Median time to relapse was 140 days, the mean time was 152 days. The global success rate was 54.76%.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical ivermectin keeps a remission of Demodex infestation and clinical remission for long time. We proposed a twice weekly ivermectin maintenance therapy to reduce recurrences.