Re: -- Metrogel

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi ,

>

> I need to decide whether to renew my prescription for Metrogel for

the rosecea on my face.

>

> I am currently taking Therazyme HCL per your instructions. I had

read online that many people with low HCL also have rosacea and that

the HCL can help clear it up, but it hasn't yet.

>

> I'm also on Therazyme liver, and Hy-C. I am hoping that will help.

>

> So my question is: Is the Metrogel harmful? Is it important to get

off it even if it means I go around with red bumps on my face?

>

> Should I schedule a consult to work on this issue? Or just keep

hoping the HCL and liver herbs help eventually?

>

> I know from a homeopathic perspective, the skin would be the last

to clear up, and it might get worse as the internal organs detox. Am

I hurting myself by suppressing this?

>

> BTW I've had the rosacea since my early twenties. I'm 44 now. I

also have red bumps on my upper arms and calves.>>

Dear ,

Have you ever used an herbal formula called Azelaic Acid? It is a

dietary constituent (whole grain cereals and animal products), and

can be formed endogenously from longer-chain dicarboxylic acids,

metabolism of oleic acid and(w-oxidation of monocarboxylic acids.

It's been found to be at least equal to what you use but with rare

serious adverse effects (rare reports of worsening of asthma) and

only one minor side effect -- occasional burning when applying it.

Here is one of many positive studies:

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):961-5

A comparison of topical azelaic acid 20% cream and topical

metronidazole 0.75% cream in the treatment of patients with

papulopustular rosacea.

Maddin S.

Division of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver,

Canada.

BACKGROUND: Although it is important for physicians to have

sufficient clinical data on which to base treatment decisions, little

comparative data exist regarding newer treatment modalities for

rosacea.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to compare the efficacy and

safety of topical azelaic acid 20% cream and topical metronidazole

0.75% cream in the treatment of patients with papulopustular rosacea.

Parameters of patient satisfaction to treatment were also assessed.

METHODS: Forty patients with the clinical manifestation of symmetric

facial rosacea were investigated in this single-center, double-blind,

randomized, contralateral split-face comparison clinical trial.

RESULTS: After 15 weeks of treatment, both azelaic acid and

metronidazole induced significant, albeit equal reductions in the

number of inflammatory lesions (pustules and papules). A

significantly higher physician rating of global improvement was

achieved with azelaic acid. Changes in the rosacea signs and symptoms

of dryness, burning, telangiectasia, and itching were equal between

treatments. A reduction in erythema tended toward significance with

azelaic acid at week 15. A trace amount of stinging on application

was noted with azelaic acid; however, such discomfort did not appear

to concern patients because their overall impression of azelaic acid

was superior to that of metronidazole.

CONCLUSION: Azelaic acid 20% cream provides an effective and safe

alternative to metronidazole 0.75% cream with the added benefit of

increased patient satisfaction.

** You can get a prescription for it or buy it here:

http://www.bayho.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?

Screen=PROD & Product_Code=846106

BTW, since it occurs endogenously from oleic acid, and extra

virgin olive oil (olives)is very high in oleic acid, it may well be

worth experiementing by adding this fatty acid to your diet in larger

amounts than most people might use. I would also add squalene,

another constituent of olive oil. Squalene is present in all human

tissue, but interestingly, most present in the skin. Shark liver oil

is a good source of squalene.

I'm willing to bet rosacea is a disorder of fatty acid

metabolism.

BTW, how is your cholesterol (I'm asking because both oleic acid

and squalene reduce cholesterol)?

Regards,

[Guest guest]

, thank you very much for this information. You are so knowlegeable.

I will increase my extra virgin olive oil. That will be a pleasure. I already eat a lot of it. I might also try the shark oil, but there is a wide gap in prices. From $5 to $40 on iherb.com. I know it is important to get good quality b/c of mercury and toxins.

And I will try the azalaic acid as soon as I can.

And I won't get another refill of the Metrogel. That will be a relief to get one more pharma product out of my life.

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