What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a common vascular condition that is believed to be caused by inflammation. According to the National Rosacea Society,
rosacea affects 16 million Americans. It’s often characterized by chronic and recurring heavy flushing, bumps, and blemishes,
although there are other symptoms you could experience. Continue reading below to get basic information on rosacea causes,
symptoms, triggers, and treatment.
Causes
Some researchers have linked rosacea to environmental and hereditary factors, while
others have suggested that rosacea stems from certain molecules in the skin. However,
the exact root cause remains unknown. The one constant most dermatologists agree
upon is that rosacea is a vascular, inflammatory condition.
Symptoms
Rosacea symptoms vary from person to person, and can often be mistaken for acne, eczema, or an allergy. Some common symptoms are:
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Facial redness/flushing easily |
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Bumps or blemishes (papules or pustules) |
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Burning or stinging (sensitive skin) |
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Dry, tight, or itchy facial skin that may swell or thicken |
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Visible red veins (broken blood vessels) |
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Burning, itching, watery eyes or swollen eyelids |
While these symptoms aren’t dangerous to your overall health, they may worsen if left untreated. For some people, symptoms also
take an emotional toll: one survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that rosacea sufferers had lowered self-confidence
and that symptoms negatively affected professional interactions and social engagements. Learn how once-daily
treatment with METROGEL® (metronidazole) Gel, 1% may help.
Triggers
Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, patients and researchers have identified a variety of environmental factors that can trigger
a rosacea flare-up. These factors (known as triggers) vary from person to person, but the most common include:
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Sun exposure, extreme hot or cold weather |
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Strenuous exercise |
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Stress |
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Hot beverages |
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Alcohol, especially red wine |
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Spicy foods |
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Certain cosmetics or other skincare products |
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for rosacea, including topical gels, creams, and pills.
METROGEL 1% effectively treats the bumps and blemishes of rosacea while also helping to retain your skin’s natural
moisture. Learn more about METROGEL 1%.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication: METROGEL® 1% is indicated
for the topical treatment of the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Adverse Events:
In controlled clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events (>2%)
in patients treated with METROGEL 1% were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract
infection, and headache. Other adverse experiences reported when using topical metronidazole
include skin irritation, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness
of the extremities and nausea. Warnings/Precautions: METROGEL 1%
should not be used by patients who are allergic to metronidazole or any ingredient
in METROGEL 1%. Avoid contact of METROGEL 1% with the eyes as it may cause tearing.
METROGEL 1% should be used with caution in patients with evidence of, or a history
of, blood dyscrasia, and with patients taking blood thinning agents as they may
experience prolonged prothrombin times. METROGEL 1% treatment should be discontinued
if numbness or paresthesia of any extremity should occur.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the
FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.