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Efficacy and Safety of Oxymetazoline 1% Cream for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Facial Rosacea Publisher Pubmed



Sajdeh F1 ; Samadi A1 ; Naeimifar A1 ; Yazdanparast T1 ; Ahmadi M1 ; Amiri F1 ; Kassir M2 ; Firooz A1, 3 ; Nasrollahi SA1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Worldwide Laser Institute, Dallas, TX, United States
  3. 3. Clinical Trial Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Published:2025


Abstract

Introduction: Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects the physical and mental health of the patient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxymetazoline 1% cream, a specific α1A-adrenoceptor agonist, for the treatment of mild to moderate facial rosacea. Methods: In phase II of the before–after study, 15 patients with mild to moderate rosacea were enrolled and treated with oxymetazoline 1% cream twice daily for 4 weeks. The clinician's erythema assessment (CEA) and patient's self-assessment (PSA), as well as the skin biometric parameters (transepidermal water loss, sebum, stratum corneum hydration, temperature, erythema, melanin, and pH), dermal and epidermal thickness and echo-density, and capillaroscopic pattern were assessed and compared before and after treatment. p-Value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: CEA and PSA indexes decreased significantly 2 and 4 weeks after the treatment (p-value: 0.001). The erythema index also decreased significantly in both 2 weeks (p-value: 0.001) and 4 weeks (p-value: 0.001) after the treatment. The capillaroscopic pattern of lesions showed a decrease in telangiectasia and a reddish background of skin. No side effects of treatment were experienced by any of the patients. Conclusion: Oxymetazoline 1% cream was safe and effective in treating mild to moderate facial rosacea. The reduction in the skin's vascularity was also objectively confirmed. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.