Research Acne Treatments
Metrogel
Most commonly used to treat rosacea, the active ingredient in Metrogel is a medication called Metronidazole (1%). Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole anti-infective medication used mainly in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.
Metronidazole is a prodrug (pharmacological drug that is administered in an inactive (or significantly less active) form. This form, once administered is metabolized into an active metabolite. The product of this metabolizing process is responsible for disrupting DNA helical structure, thus reducing nucleic acid synthesis.
Metrogel, as previously mentioned, is primarily used for the treatment of Rosacea. Rosacea is a wide-ranged problem affecting approximately 45 million people world-wide (14 million in the United States). Since it is mostly present on white-skinned people of European descent it has been known as the ‘curse of the Celts.’
Rosacea begins with signs of flushing and redness on the central face, cheeks, nose, and forehead. It can develop further and affect the neck and chest as well. Additional symptoms can develop such as semi-permanent dilation of superficial blood vessels on the face, small red bumps, pastules (small collection of pus on the top layer of skin), red eyes, burning, stinging.
Rosacea is not to be confused with a similar appearing condition of acne vulgaris. Rosacea also most commonly affects women (three times more likely), and is most common in the latter adulthood years of 35- 60.
Side Effects of Metrogel -According to the Metrogel website, the following adverse side effects have been reported: Burning, skin irritation, dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities and nausea.
As common with any type of topical treatment or new agent placed on the skin, there are natural reactions (some adverse) which will be experienced.
If you would like to find out what consumers like you have rated as some of the best products for similar cases of rosacea - keep reading below…
