Topical Irvermectin Modulates the Skin Microbiome & Improves Symptoms of Rosacea, J. Cheng, MD, MHS

Topical Irvermectin Modulates the Skin Microbiome and Improves Symptoms of Rosacea, Joyce Cheng, MD, MHS

Topical ivermectin is recognized as an effective treatment FDA-approved for the management of rosacea. It has been shown to decrease Demodex and reduce inflammation. Given the role of dysbiosis in rosacea, researchers questioned the potential impact of topical ivermectin on the skin microbiome. Joyce Cheng, MD, MHS, of the Department of Dermatology at the University of San Diego, and colleagues explored the effects of topical ivermectin on the microbiome of patients with rosacea. They found that topical application was associated with an increase in S. epidermidis in lesional and non-lesional skin, an increase in C. acnes in lesional skin, and a decrease in Demodex in lesional and non-lesional skin.