TOPICAL BENZIMIDAZOLE FORMULATIONS AND METHODS FOR USE IN TREATING INFLAMMATORY DERMATOSES

Compositions and methods for treating and preventing inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions, particularly rosacea, using one or more topically applied benzimidazole compounds in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for use on skin. A preferred benzimidazole compound comprises mebendazole. A treatment composition preferably comprises 0.05-0.20 weight percent mebendazole, and may comprise up to 20.0% mebendazole, in an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier or vehicle comprising a cream, gel, lotion, liquid, emulsion, microemulsion, aerosol spray, non-aerosol spray, serum, solution, suspension, or ointment and is applied at least once daily over a treatment period of at least two weeks to result in a reduction of cutaneous cytotoxic CD+8 T-cells, papules, pustules, swelling, appearance of redness or inflammation, and/or itchiness in the affected area compared to pre-treatment levels.