Metronidazole can be a great tool for controlling rosacea. Learn how it works, how to use it, and where to purchase.
The treatment options for Rosacea are vast, and that is because the specific presentations of rosacea from person to person can vary from flushed cheeks to acne-like skin blemishes, or even irritated eyes.
However, one of the mainstays for rosacea treatment is topical Metronidazole.
If you are hoping to start on a prescription rosacea treatment that might help you with your particular rosacea symptoms, Metronidazole topical may be an option for you.
Below, we will cover the basics of Metronidazole topical treatments for rosacea, including what the medication is, how it works for those with rosacea, how to use it, and where you can find it.
Read Related: What Are the 4 Types of Rosacea? (Spoiler: You Could Have More Than One)
Topical Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication that is FDA approved in the U.S. for the treatment of rosacea under the brand name Metrogel.
It is also available in tablet or suppository formulations, but these are used to treat different types of infection and conditions other than rosacea.
Using topical Metronidazole for rosacea helps you get treatment for the facial redness, swelling, and blemishes caused by rosacea with less risk of bacterial resistance or the medication getting throughout your whole body as with tablets.
Even though Metronidazole is an antibiotic that works to kill bacteria, it’s main function in rosacea may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
Those who use topical Metronidazole for rosacea tend to find decreases in facial redness, reduced swelling and inflammation, and also fewer numbers of small pimples and pustules from rosacea.
Metronidazole topical creams or gels may also help with rosacea symptoms by reducing the numbers of naturally occurring skin mites called Demodex mites.
Excessive Demodex mites are found on the skin of those with rosacea as compared to people without rosacea, and the irritation caused to the skin from this mite excess may play a role in the development of rosacea symptoms.
Read Related: Medications for Rosacea Type 1 & 2: A Breakdown of Available Treatments
Metronidazole has been found to help clear rosacea flare-ups, but it turns out that the continued use of topical Metronidazole may even help prevent the rate and severity of future flare-ups.
One study looked at 82 participants who were currently clear of their rosacea symptoms and randomized them into two groups; one group applied metronidazole gel daily, while the other group applied a gel base placebo daily.
After six months of treatment, researchers found that the group using metronidazole gel daily had significantly fewer papules and pustules, and less relapses of facial redness as compared to the control group.
This suggests that using a metronidazole topical gel long term may help with disease severity, occurrence rates, and progression.
Start by washing your hands with soap and water, and then washing your face.
Then, apply the prescribed amount of topical Metronidazole gel or cream in a thin layer to the entire affected area.
Do not only apply to only to blemishes but instead cover the whole affected skin area.
Avoid the eyes and mouth when applying the cream, as this medication may cause eye irritation. If you do get some in your eye, wash it out thoroughly with water.
If you are applying cosmetics or makeup products over the topical metronidazole, wait 5 minutes to allow the medication to sink in.
Depending on your particular prescription, your doctor may have you apply topical Metronidazole once or twice a day.
You may start seeing the benefits of topical metronidazole after 3 weeks of treatment, but it may take up to 9 weeks for the full effects to be seen.
If you see no change in rosacea symptoms after 3 weeks of use, consult your doctor.
This medication will work best when used consistently, so use exactly as directed and try to not miss any doses to achieve the best results.
Also Read: How To Use a Rosacea Diary To Identify Your Rosacea Triggers in 5 Steps
Metronidazole is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a doctor in order to use topical metronidazole for rosacea.
You can speak with a doctor in-person to see if a prescription for Metrogel is a good option for you.
Or, you can also have a free online telemedicine consultation with our Strut Health U.S. licensed doctors that consists of a 10-15 minute questionnaire plus submitting a few images of your skin.
If you are a good candidate for prescription rosacea treatments, our doctors can formulate a topical for you that may contain a combination of Metronidazole, Ivermectin, Oxymetazoline, and Azelaic Acid to help you get the most benefit from just one product.
Your prescription rosacea formula can then be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.
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