【Solution】A composition and method 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 the
skin. Preferred
benzimidazole compounds include
mebendazole. The therapeutic composition preferably contains 0.05 to 0.20% by weight of
mebendazole in an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier or vehicle including creams, gels, lotions, liquids, emulsions, microemulsions,
aerosol sprays, non-
aerosol sprays, serums, solutions, suspensions, or ointments, may contain up to 20.0% of
mebendazole, and is applied at least once a day over a
treatment period of at least two weeks, resulting in a reduction in the appearance of
skin cytotoxic CD+8 T cells, papules, pustules, swelling, redness or
inflammation, and / or
itching at the
affected site compared to pre-treatment levels.