Treatment of papulopustular rosacea with sodium sulfacetamide 10%/sulfur 5% emollient foam

Abstract

Acne rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder affecting as many as 14 million Americans. Papulopustular rosacea is the classic form of rosacea characterized by papules, pustules, and erythema. The skin barrier deficiency and vascular hyperactivity characteristic of papulopustular rosacea increase skin dryness and irritation, which can be further exacerbated by medications commonly used to treat rosacea. Sodium sulfacetamide 10%/sulfur 5% emollient foam (SSSE foam) is formulated for topical administration and is fragrance free and alcohol free. This nonrandomized, noncontrolled, open-label, prospective case series was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a SSSE foam for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea in 8 patients. Patients experienced clinically significant improvements in the severity of rosacea with a favorable safety profile, and reported of an improved quality of life. The high patient satisfaction ratings for SSSE foam suggest that the product may improve long-term compliance rates, with the potential to yield more favorable clinical outcomes.