Introduction

Papulopustular rosacea (PPR) remains a significant clinical and psychosomatic challenge in dermatological practice.

Aim

To examine the clinical utility and interventional impact of red and blue light therapy in conjunction with paroxetine on serum inflammatory markers, anxiety, and depression in PPR patients.

Material and methods

120 PPR patients who were treated at our institution between May 2021 and March 2025 were the subject of a retrospective research. Patients were assigned to an observation group (n = 60) receiving red–blue light therapy with paroxetine, or to a control group (n = 60) receiving red–blue light therapy alone. The clinical efficacy before and after 7 weeks of treatment was compared between the two groups. Depression status (HAMA/HAMD), clinical symptom score (IGA), TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in the serum, and adverse reactions were assessed.

Results

In contrast to the control group, participants in the observation group exhibited markedly attenuated HAMA, HAMD, and IGA scores (p < 0.05). In parallel, levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-8 in the blood underwent substantially greater suppression in the observation group (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse responses/reactions did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Combining paroxetine with red and blue light therapy can more effectively alleviate anxiety and depression, improve skin lesions, and reduce systemic inflammation levels, with a good safety profile. It is a promising treatment regimen.