Solaraze (diclofenac sodium topical gel) being studied

Photographic results of the use of diclofenac sodium 3% topical gel in the treatment of rosacea

Joseph Bikowski, MD, Ohio State University, Sewickley, PA, United States

Rosacea, a common vascular chronic disorder of the central area of the face, is more prevalent among fair-skinned, fair-haired individuals, although it can affect darker skinned people. Papules and pustules erupt on an erythemic background and telangiectases commonly occur with rosacea. If left untreated, severe and disfiguring phytomatous changes, most often rhinophyma, may result. This poster focuses on the physician’s and photographic assessments of a series of patients treated with diclofenac sodium 3% topical gel in rosacea qhs for up to 4 months. A skin care regimen including sunscreen, mild moisturizer, and nonsoap cleanser use was prescribed during therapy.

Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). Sun avoidance is indicated during therapy.

As with other NSAIDs, anaphylactoid reactions may occur in patients without prior exposure to diclofenac. Diclofenac sodium should be given with caution to patients with the aspirin triad. In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions involved the skin, and included contact dermatitis, rash, dry skin and exfoliation. The majority of these reactions were mild to moderate, and resolved upon discontinuation of therapy. SOLARAZE® Gel should not be applied to open skin wounds, infections, or exfoliative dermatitis

Author disclosure: Nothing disclosed at press time. Commercial support: None.

Poster Discussion Session P169, American Academy of Dermatology, 64th Annual Meeting, March 3-7 2006, San Francisco.

Supplement to Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, March 2006, Volume 54, Number 3.

• JAAD Poster Abstracts Online
• Wikipedia: Dicfofenac
• Wikipedia: Actinic Keratosis
• Solaraze Prescribing Information

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