The subtypes of rosacea: implications for treatment

Abstract

Lack of standardized rosacea nosology was the rationale for the National Rosacea Society to convene a committee of dermatology thought leaders to develop a standard classification system. Standardization of rosacea classification should be followed by standardization of treatment. Many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for rosacea are being used based on clinical observation alone. Many oral and topical pharmacologic agents, however, are validated by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Topical therapies (eg, metronidazole or an alternative agent such as azelaic acid) and oral antibiotics (eg, the tetracycline family) should remain as foundation therapies for subtypes 1 and 2 rosacea, based on the strength of the evidence.