Impact of complex treatment regimens using physiotherapy and botulinum toxin type A on the quality of life of patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: results of an open, prospective, randomized study

Rodina A.L., Gusakova E.V., Shatokhina E.A.

Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia

Background: Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, predominantly affecting the central part of the face. Patients experience a significant decrease in quality of life and self-esteem during exacerbations, which underlines the importance of effective treatment and preventive measures for this dermatosis.
Objective: Evaluation of the impact of complex treatment regimens including physiotherapy and botulinum toxin type A on the quality of life of patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR).
Materials and methods: The study was designed as a single-center, open-label, prospective, randomized trial and was conducted from 2022 to 2025. A total of 117 patients with ETR participated in the study. Group 1 (comparison, n=26) received pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy, while Group 2 (n=33) received combination therapy using PDL and local dynamic micromassage (LDM). Patients in Group 3 (n=30) received PDL treatment followed by botulinum therapy. Group 4 (n=28) received PDL, LDM, and botulinum therapy. The impact of restorative treatment regimens on the quality of life of patients with ETR was assessed using the dermatological quality of life index (DQLI). Follow-up examinations were conducted at five points: before treatment, 2 weeks, 2, 4, and 6 months after completion of therapy.
Results: The most pronounced positive effect on the quality of life of patients with ETR was demonstrated by the use of a complex regimen including PDL, LDM, and botulinum toxin type A (p<0.001). The positive effects of combination therapy with PDL and LDM and therapy with PDL and botulinum toxin type A on the quality of life of patients with ETR were comparable in the immediate follow-up period (p=0.708), with the latter showing an advantage 2 months after completion of treatment (p<0.001). The use of PDL monotherapy had the least positive effect on the quality of life of patients with ETR. 
Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrated the most pronounced and persistent positive impact on the quality of life of patients with ETR after combination treatment with PDL, LDM, and botulinum toxin type A.

For citations: Rodina A.L., Gusakova E.V., Shatokhina E.A. Impact of complex treatment regimens using physiotherapy and botulinum toxin type A on the quality of life of patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: results of an open, prospective, randomized study. Pharmateca. 2025;32(10):80-86. (In Russ.). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2025.10.80-86

Authors’ contribution: A.L. Rodina – study concept and design, clinical study implementation (laser therapy, botulinum therapy), data collection and analysis, statistical processing, writing the initial version of the manuscript, and correspondence. E.V. Gusakova – participated in data collection and interpretation, manuscript editing, and monitoring compliance with the study protocol. E.A. Shatokhina – conducted follow-up examinations and assessed changes in the quality of life index, critically analyzed and revised the manuscript.
Conflicts of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The study was conducted without any sponsorship.
Ethical Approval: The clinical trial protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the Central State Medical Academy (minutes of the meeting of the Local Ethics Committee No. 4/2022 dated August 30, 2022).
Patient Consent for Publication: All patients provided informed consent for the publication of their data.
Authors’ Data Sharing Statement: The data supporting the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author after approval from the principal investigator.

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About the Authors

Aleksandra L. Rodina, Postgraduate Student, Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; al.rodina@bk.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3429-6693 (corresponding author)
E.V. Gusakova, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9711-6178
E.A. Shatokhina, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0238-6563

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