Metrogel for Acne

Rashes and allergic reactions on the skin are pretty common occurrences for a number of individuals.  Whether due to food, dust or climate, there are many explanations for these afflictions, which are easy enough to treat with modern medicine.  For this reason, it’s also easy to dismiss growing redness as just an allergy, even if it is on your face.  If this redness comes out of nowhere, however, and if it persists for several days, a trip to the dermatologist becomes necessary.  You might have what is called rosacea, a stubborn skin condition that is very tricky to cure.  This is why it is important to diagnose it right away.  One of the things your dermatologist might prescribe is a drug called Metrogel.

For awhile, this skin condition was called acne rosacea as pimples and red bumps would accompany the growing redness.  It is not to be confused however, with acne vulgaris and using Metrogel on the latter won’t really do anything.  It is said that rosacea could be caused by a microbe, although there is much disagreement here.  There are other arguments, but in any case there seems to be some merit to the microbe argument as targeting bacteria and protozoa is the purpose of Metrogel.  Metronidazole gel, as it is also called, is broken down to its active form by anaerobic bacteria.  When the remedy is in this state, it sticks to the microorganism’s DNA and that’s what it destroys.

Metrogel 1% has been quite effective in pushing back rosacea in some people, which is why after the drug’s composition was released to the public many generic brands followed.  When combined with an antibiotic called adapalene, the regimen becomes more effective.  Despite all of this, there is a big downside to the drug.  Maybe it’s because of other unknown causes of rosacea, but some people do not respond to treatments.  Some cannot even endure the treatment as it can make their rosacea symptoms worse.  Skin irritation is just a start.  Nausea, a metallic taste in one’s mouth, and numbing of the extremities may also occur.  People wanting to experiment and see if Metrogel will work on their infections and other skin problems should think twice.  Metronidazole has been tagged by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen.  This means that it is being investigated for whether it may cause cancer in the future.  It is highly advised that one consult a doctor regularly when undergoing Metrogel therapy.

Many that have used the drug report their rosacea being treated quite well.  In some cases, subsequent use continues to push back redness, putules and other symptoms of the skin disease.  There is the risk that too much use can cause bacteria to get used to the antibiotic, but there are few other medications that affect rosacea as effectively as Metrogel.  Still, one should be wary of the side effects that are associated with this treatment, as possibly being worse than the affliction it seeks to cure.

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