Dual-Frequency Ultrasound as a New Treatment Modality for Refractory Rosacea: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Dual-frequency ultrasound (DFU) has emerged as a new treatment modality for improving inflammatory skin disorders. Although there have been few pilot studies, there are a limited number of studies that investigated efficacy of DFU on refractory rosacea. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of DFU on patients with refractory rosacea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed medical records of 42 patients with refractory rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea [ETR], n = 26; papulopustular rosacea [PPR], n = 14, mixed, n = 2). The patients were treated with DFU twice per week for the 1st week, and then once per week thereafter. Efficacy was assessed using erythema index (EI), transepithelial water loss (TEWL), and patient self-assessment (PSA). RESULTS: Treatment with DFU resulted in significant decrease in EI, TEWL, and PSA. No significant difference was noted between ETR and PPR. CONCLUSION: Application of DFU in patients with refractory rosacea resulted in improvement in persistent erythema, barrier dysfunction, and patient-reported symptoms. Dual-frequency ultrasound may be an additional treatment option for rosacea that is resistant to other treatments.