Mechanism-based selection of pharmacologic agents for rosacea.

All effective agents used to treat rosacea have a common mechanism of action: anti-inflammatory effects. Concomitant with this, many of these agents also show antioxidant effects. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may address the proposed underlying pathophysiology of rosacea. Future topical formulations may involve the combination of active pharmacologic agents and sunscreens or sun blocks to address the proposed etiologic role played by UV radiation in the pathophysiology of rosacea.