More than 14 million Americans suffer from rosacea, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS. This skin disease causes redness, swelling, acne-like skin lesions and dilated skin vessels, most often in adults between 30 and 60 years of age by NIAMS' statistics. Some skin products may cause irritation, which worsens symptoms of rosacea. Consider consulting a dermatologist for advice on which products to choose.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in gel form to fight rosacea. While dermatologists know the method by which azelaic acid controls acne, the reason for its efficacy in treating rosacea is still unknown, according to MedlinePlus. It may be related to azelaic acid's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. One study published in the Archives of Dermatology by Elewski, Fleischer and Pariser found that azelaic acid was superior to metronidazole in reducing lesions and redness of skin in patients with moderate facial rosacea. It can take more than a month for the effects of azelaic acid gel to become apparent. The medication can cause various side effects, including stinging, burning, itching and rash.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication available in lotion, cream or gel form. MedlinePlus warns that although metronidazole controls rosacea by reducing redness and lesions, it does not cure the condition. Metronidazole may be slightly less effective than azelaic acid, but a 2007 study by Colon and colleagues in the journal Cutis concluded that azelaic acid also causes significantly more irritation. Side effects associated with metronidazole include dryness, burning, redness or stinging.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that can be combined with benzoyl peroxide in gel form to treat rosacea. In addition to its use as a topical antibiotic, the gel has antibacteria and keratolytic properties from the benzoyl peroxide. Ozturkcan and colleagues published a 2004 study in The Journal of Dermatology that found benzoyl peroxide-erythromycin gel produced similar results to metronidazole in treating rosacea. Daily Med warns that benzoyl peroxide may promote tumors. In addition, erythromycin has the ability to cause pseudomembraneous colitis, which can be mild or life-threatening.
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