Longevity & AgingEar-Based Vagus Nerve Stimulation Clears Rosacea and Eases Anxiety in Clinical Trial
A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial of 72 patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) tested transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) — a non-invasive ear-clip device delivering 30 Hz pulses for 30 minutes daily. After 3 weeks, taVNS patients showed significantly lower facial erythema scores (1.56 vs 2.47) compared to sham controls. Beyond skin improvement, taVNS also meaningfully reduced anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, migraine, and fatigue. Benefits persisted through a 24-week follow-up. Adverse events were minimal in both groups (5.6% vs 8.3%). This trial, published in JAMA Dermatology, positions taVNS as a novel, well-tolerated therapeutic option that simultaneously addresses the cutaneous and systemic comorbidities common in rosacea patients.
