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The toxic edge—A novel treatment for refractory erythema and flushing of rosacea
Author(s) -
Friedman Or,
Koren Amir,
Niv Roni,
Mehrabi Joseph N.,
Artzi Ofir
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.23023
Subject(s) - rosacea , medicine , erythema , dermatology , botulinum toxin , dermatology life quality index , forehead , stratum corneum , patient satisfaction , surgery , psoriasis , acne , pathology
Purpose Rosacea is a common, chronic facial skin disease that affects the quality of life. Treatment of facial erythema with intradermal botulinum toxin injection has previously been reported. The primary objective of the study was the safety and efficacy of thermal decomposition of the stratum corneum using a novel non‐laser thermomechanical system (Tixel, Novoxel, Israel) to increase skin permeability for Botulinum toxin in the treatment of facial flushing of rosacea. Methods A retrospective review of16 patients aged 23–45 years with Fitzpatrick Skin Types II to IV and facial erythematotelangiectatic rosacea treated by Tixel followed by topical application of 100 U of abobotulinumtoxin. A standardized high‐definition digital camera photographed the patients at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Objective and subjective assessments of the patients were done via Mexameter, the Clinicians Erythema Assessment (CEA), and Patients self‐assessment (PSA) scores and the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) validated instrument. Results The average Maxameter, CEA, and PSA scores at 1, 3, and 6 months were significantly improved compared with baseline (all had a P ‐value <0.001). DLQI scores significantly improved with an average score of 18.6 at baseline at 6 months after treatment ( P < 0.001). Self‐rated patient satisfaction was high. There were no motor function side‐effects or drooping. Conclusion Thermal breakage of the stratum corneum using the device to increase skin permeability for botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of facial flushing of rosacea seems both effective and safe. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.