A clinical investigation using reflectance confocal microscopy to evaluate the add-on efficacy of the Shumin treatment instrument combined with doxycycline for rosacea.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of two rosacea treatment regimens: oral doxycycline plus the Shumin treatment instrument and oral doxycycline plus red light therapy. Objective assessments, including reflectance confocal microscopy, were used to evaluate both regimens.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with rosacea were randomly divided into two groups, each containing 30 patients. The control group received doxycycline (100 mg/day) orally combined with red light therapy for 12 weeks (twice a week), whereas the experimental group received doxycycline (100 mg/day) orally combined with Shumin treatment instrument therapy for 12 weeks (twice a week).

RESULTS

The efficacy rate was 93.3% in the experimental group and 80.0% in the control group. Following treatment, significant reductions in Dermatology Life Quality Index scores and Demodex counts were achieved in both groups (all p < 0.001). However, the experimental group exhibited superior improvements in Dermatology Life Quality Index scores and affected hair follicle counts compared with the control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the reduction in the total Demodex count between the groups. Similarly, no significant difference was observed in the change in the total hair follicle number between the groups. Furthermore, the relapse rate was notably lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

When used as an adjunctive therapy with oral doxycycline, the Shumin device yields better clinical outcomes than red light therapy for treating rosacea and has a favorable safety profile. These preliminary results establish a basis for the use of adjuvant physical interventions for rosacea.