Zinc Sulfate in the Treatment of Rosacea: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Zinc Sulfate in the Treatment of Rosacea: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Rosacea is a common chronic dermatological condition, characterized by recurrent or
 persistent redness, permanent dilation of small blood vessel causing small red lesions, and
 papules/pustules. The signs of rosacea are usually confined to the face, but may appear on
 the neck, scalp or trunk. Opthalmologic findings are also common. Rosacea is usually
 described as being most common in fair skinned women over 40. The purpose of the study is to
 determine whether oral Zinc Sulfate treatment is an effective treatment for facial rosacea.
Rosacea is a common chronic dermatological condition. The epidemiology of rosacea has not
 been determined extensively, due to part in problems with case definition. Rosacea is usually
 described as being most common in fair skinned women over the age of 40. However it occurs in
 most adult populations, including both men and women of all ages, and in people of many
 complexion types, including African Americans and Asians.

 Although rosacea is encountered frequently in primary care and dermatology practices, its
 precise incidence and prevalence are not known. The etiology and pathogenesis of rosacea are
 unknown. Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to be important. A wide range of
 medical and surgical interventions have been used in the management of rosacea, including
 dietary management, topical and systemic antibiotics, azelaic acid, low dose isotretinoin,
 and laser treatments for telangiectasia and rhinophyma. No single regimen has been found to
 be entirely satisfactory.

 Zinc has been found to be effective in managing several dermatological conditions, especially
 acne. It has also been found to be of benefit in dermatological conditions such as viral
 warts and cutaneous leishmaniasis.

 No studies have been published on the use of Zinc in the treatment of rosacea. This will be a
 prospective, double blind, randomized, controlled trial, comparing the effects of
 supplemental and placebo on the severity of rosacea. Enrolled subjects will be assigned to
 one of two study arms.

 Subjects and investigators will be blinded regarding treatment. After evaluation, meeting the
 study criteria,obtaining informed consent, and initiating study related procedures, the
 subject will take oral study drug or placebo, bid, for 90 days.

 Subjects are followed via phone call at one week and 6 weeks after enrollment into the study.
 At the conclusion of the 90 day study, subjects will be re-examined.

 The primary endpoint of this study will be the severity of rosacea at the end of the 90 day
 intervention period.

 The efficacy of Zinc vs. placebo will be assessed by a comparison of the change in the
 severity of rosacea.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosis of facial rosacea made or confirmed by one of the investigators.

 -  Severity of signs of rosacea "greater than mild" at the time of enrollment.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Treatment for rosacea during the 3 months prior to enrollment.

 -  Use of zinc dietary supplement > 25 mg per day during the 3 months prior to enrollment
 ( Most patients taking multivitamins with Zinc, often 15 mg per day, will not be
 excluded, whereas most patients taking additional Zinc supplements, often 25-50 mg per
 day or more will be excluded.)

 -  Diagnosis of rosacea fulminancy.

 -  Pregnant or breast feeding.