Efficacy and tolerability of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid sodium salt 0.2% cream in rosacea.

OBJECTIVE: Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder characterized by flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, edema, papules, and pustules. The cause of this inflammatory disorder is unknown, but is thought to be multifaceted. Primary treatments for rosacea are typically oral antibiotics and topical therapies. Hyaluronic acid sodium salt cream 0.2% is a topical device containing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) that is effective in normalizing the cutaneous inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid sodium salt cream 0.2%. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, observational, non-blinded efficacy and tolerability study in an outpatient setting. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals 18 to 75 years of age with mild to moderate facial rosacea. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures included papules, pustules, erythema, edema, telangiectasia, burning or stinging, dryness and provider global assessment (PGA), which were all measured on a five-point scale. Subjects were assessed at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8. RESULTS: Final data for 14 of 15 subjects are presented. Through visual grading assessments, hyaluronic acid sodium salt cream 0.2% was shown to improve the provider global assessment by 47.5 percent from baseline to week 4. Reductions in papules, erythema, burning or stinging, and dryness were 47, 51.7, 65, and 78.8 percent, respectively at week 4. At week 8, the provider global assessment was improved from baseline in 78.5 percent of subjects. CONCLUSION: Improvement was noted in measured clinical parameters with use of topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is another option that may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. Compliance and tolerance were excellent. Consideration should be given to use for individuals with rosacea characterized by an erythematous and/or papular component.