Mark V. Dahl, MD

Two gel formulations reduced the number of inflammatory papules, but vehicle alone was effective too.

Two recent studies have shown that a combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin product successfully treated papulopustular rosacea. To test the efficacy of encapsulated benzoyl peroxide (E-BPO) alone, researchers enrolled 92 subjects with papulopustular rosacea in a multicenter, phase II, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group comparison of E-BPO 5% gel, E-BPO 1% gel, or vehicle.

Most subjects (74%) had moderate disease with at least 12 inflammatory papules at baseline. Patients applied gel once daily for 12 weeks and were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Both E-BPO gels significantly reduced the numbers of inflammatory papules (median reduction, 10 with vehicle, 12.5 with 1% E-BPO [P=0.0123], and 15 with 5% E-BPO P=0.0200]). Significant global improvement (reduction of ≥2 grades) was seen in gel recipients compared with vehicle recipients (P=0.0023 with 5% E-BPO and P=0.0838 with 1% E-BPO). No changes in persistent redness or telangiectases were observed. All three preparations were well tolerated. A few subjects had moderate irritation; none had severe dryness, scaling, or pruritus (data not shown). One of 30 recipients of 5% E-BPO felt severe stinging and burning pain after application.

Citation(s):

Leyden JJ.Randomized, phase 2, dose-ranging study in the treatment of rosacea with encapsulated benzoyl peroxide gel. J Drugs Dermatol 2014 Jun; 13:685.