Azelaic acid helps rosacea.

Rosacea is a skin condition which begins with occasional flushing or blushing which then leads to a more permanent blush, skin eruptions, and, sometimes, a hard bumpy texture to the skin.

The current issue of the Archives of Dermatology references a recent study examining the effectiveness of three rosacea treatments: 20% azelaic cream, 15% azelaic gel and metronidazole gel in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

Papulopustular rosacea is a moderate to severe form of rosacea, as it refers to the stage of the condition where the skin erupts with papules and pustules. Aside from being uncomfortable, these also look bad and represents a progression of the disease.

Those suffering with rosacea are often treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. This study found that azelaic acid in 20% cream and 15% gel formulations were both effective at treating papulopustular rosacea. They were particularly effective in reducing the number of eruptions on the skin, as well as reducing the amount of redness and flushing associated with the condition. Researchers concluded that azelaic acid appears to be at least equally effective, if not more so, than metronidazole.

If you (or someone you know) has been using metronidazole for treatment of rosacea, be sure to ask your doctor about azelaic acid cream or gel for treatment of papulopustular rosacea.