The Use of Isotretinoin in Rosacea

Abstract

Rosacea is a common skin disorder of unknown aetiology. While it has its own distinctive features, rosacea shares a number of features in common with acne. Both disorders predominantly affect the face, involve pilose-baceous units, and respond to treatment with antibiotics particularly of the tetracycline group. There are important differences between them including the older age of onset, the absence of comedones and the presence of persistent erythema in rosacea. It has also been observed that while the sebum excretion rate tends to be elevated in patients with acne, it is normal in rosacea.¹ The dramatically beneficial effect reported by Peck et al.² of isotretinoin treatment of acne prompted us to use the same drug for the treatment of rosacea. We have carried out an open study of the effectiveness of a 6 week course of oral isotretinoin in eight patients with rosacea.