What Is The Best Cream For Rosacea?

Topical creams are commonly used to treat mild to moderate cases of rosacea. Two that stand out in particular are metronidazole cream and finacea gel. An antibiotic, metronidazole is designed for treating bacterial infections and decrease inflammation. It’s available in several forms: as a gel, cream, and lotion. It was introduced as a rosacea treatment over two decades ago, and to this day is used more than any other treatment. It’s often prescribed as rozex, metrosa, anabact, metrogel, acea, zyoment, and rosiced.

While metronidazole cream is effective when used to treat papulopustular lesions, it’s doesn’t quite work as well at reducing facial redness. Very few rosacea patients who use this topical cream report experiencing any side effects at all, though there is the possibility of experiencing some itching, dryness, stinging, and burning. Moreover, metronidazole is also better at preventing future flare-ups when compared to tetracycline and other oral antibiotics.

While metronidazole is still very popular, another rosacea treatment cream burst on the scene in the form of finacea gel. Azelaic acid is an ingredient in this gel, which is contained in barley, rye, and wheat. Studies have been conducted that compare the two creams to find out which one was more effective. The conclusions are that finacea was far more successful at decreasing facial redness, pustules, papules, and overall improved the condition more so than metronidazole. Though, finacea did cause more irritation.

Why finacea works on rosacea is still not yet really understood. It does contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which is why is has worked reduce redness and pustules. Many rosacea patients have found that it has greatly improved their condition, more so than most other topical medications. This will not cure rosacea right away, as it may take a few weeks before significant progress has been made.

When it comes down to it, both rosacea treatments have their advantages and disadvantages. While finacea gel has shown to get better results for treatment facial redness, it also is more likely to cause side effects such as irritation. On the other hand, metronidazole isn’t as effective, but also is less likely to cause side effects.

To get either cream as a treatment, your dermatologist or doctor can prescribe it to you. You can get their opinion on which one they think is best for you. Some people respond to treatment differently than others, so it may take some trial and error before you find one that really works.

Source by Alexa McFadden