HaiTang Heji Formula for Moderate Rosacea Refractory to Conventional Therapies: A Case Report Demonstrating Holistic Improvement in Physical and Psychological Symptoms.

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Current treatments have limitations. We report a case of moderate papulopustular rosacea effectively treated with the Chinese herbal formula HaiTang Heji. A 34-year-old Asian woman with a 3-year history of recurrent facial erythema, papules, pustules, and flushing, refractory to conventional therapies, showed significant improvement after 16 weeks of HaiTang Heji 20mL tid. Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) decreased from 3 to 1, Global Flushing Severity Scale (GFSS) from 3 to 1, anxiety scores decreased from moderate to mild levels, and depression scores decreased from mild to minimal levels. The patient tolerated the treatment well with no reported adverse effects, highlighting the potential safety of this herbal formula. Response was largely maintained at 21-week follow-up. HaiTang Heji's therapeutic mechanisms may involve anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and gut-brain-skin axis modulation. Further research is warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety as an alternative rosacea treatment.