Rhofade, a Topical Treatment to Target Rosacea, Has Just Been Approved by the FDA

Rhofade, a topical treatment created by Allergan, the powerhouse pharmaceutical company that brought you perkier breast implants and Botox, was approved today by the FDA for the explicit purpose of quelling redness.
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Rhofade, also known as oxymetazoline hydrochloride cream (1 percent strength), is a topical cream made to treat persistent facial erythema (redness), as opposed to the other symptoms of rosacea, like easy flushing, red bumps and pus pimples, skin burning, and sensitivity, explains Joshua Zeichner, a New York City dermatologist.

How does Rhofade work? Rosacea sufferers experience an overactivity of blood vessels in the face, which is why those with rosacea flush easier than others. Over time, the persistent flushing can lead to what Zeichner likens to fixed background redness. "Rhofade directly addresses this redness by constricting the blood vessels," he explains.
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The approval of Rhofade comes after two clinical trials found that adults using the cream once a day had visibly reduced redness in a 12-hour period. On day 29 of the trials, patients showed even more improvement in the redness, meaning the cream continued to diminish the appearance of redness over time. Bottom line: This is a major turning point for those who battle redness caused by rosacea. While there are other prescription topical treatments approved by the FDA for treatment of the condition—like the azelaic acid–based Finacea, Rhofade represents a new frontier. "Most of the prescription drugs that we have to treat rosacea address bumps and pus pimples," says Zeichner. "As Rhofade comes to the market, it will help treat one aspect of rosacea that, up until this point, has remained a challenge."



By Sarah Kinonen
Courtesy Allure