Azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea.
Rosacea represents a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of uncertain pathophysiology. There are several associated risk factors and the need for long-term treatment is well recognized. This diverse disease is frequently difficult to manage and has a significant impact on quality of life. There are several topical and oral treatments available, of which azelaic acid 15% gel (Finacea) is the first new treatment for rosacea in more than a decade. Azelaic acid per se has multiple modes of action in rosacea, but an anti-inflammatory effect achieved by reducing reactive oxygen species appears to be the main pharmacological action. Clinical studies have shown that azelaic acid 15% gel is an effective and safe first-line topical therapeutic option in patients with mild-to-moderate papulopustular rosacea. Significant continuous improvement in the number of inflammatory lesions and in erythema has been shown over a period of 15 weeks. Adverse effects associated with azelaic acid 15% gel are mostly mild or transient and do not usually necessitate discontinuation of therapy.
Gollnick
Harald
H
Otto von Guericke University, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany. harald.gollnick@med.ovgu.de
Layton
Alison
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012393:Rosacea / Q000188:drug therapy*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids; D005782:Gels; C010038:azelaic acid