Rozex

Rozex is a treatment for rosacea that’s available as a cream or gel. It can help to reduce inflammation and redness when it’s used twice a day. Clinicians will also recommend lifestyle changes to complement medication, and achieve the best results.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, blushing, inflammation and irritated skin.^[1] It usually affects people with pale skin. It’s more common in women, but symptoms can be worse for men that are affected. Rosacea normally develops after the age of 30. It appears on your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, and can include other symptoms such as dry skin, sore eyelids, swelling and yellow-orange patches.

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but symptoms can worsen as a result of certain daily triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, cheese and even some aerobic exercises such as running. Currently, there isn’t a cure, but there are treatments to relieve the symptoms caused by rosacea.

Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, it’s thought to occur because of certain factors including an overactive immune system, environmental factors, hereditary factors, and abnormalities in blood vessels. Rosacea isn’t caused by poor hygiene, and it isn’t contagious.

It’s more likely to occur if you have skin that burns easily, smoke and if you’re over 30. It affects around 1% to 20% of the population, but there are a lot of people that are misdiagnosed so this could be higher.

There are four main types of rosacea. One is identified by causing flushing and clusters of blood vessels (Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea), another causes redness, swelling and bumps (Papulopustular rosacea), one causes burning and itching of the eyes (ocular rosacea) and the fourth type is identified by thickened skin and an enlarged nose (Phymatous rosacea). Many people have symptoms of more than one type.

Rozex can be applied as a cream or a gel and works to relieve symptoms of rosacea. It’s able to work quickly because of its active ingredient, metronidazole, which is a powerful antibiotic. It kills bacteria by damaging their DNA so that they can’t multiply. This controls the infections and reduces the inflammation.

What doses of Rozex are there?

Rozex should be applied twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. This is the maximum dose available. If you find that this isn’t working for you, then consult a health professional about alternative treatments.

• Make sure to first wash the affected area, using a mild soap and warm water;
• After washing, massage a thin layer of Rozex lightly into the affected area;
• Apply Rozex once in the morning and once in the evening;
• Be careful to avoid the eye area, and rinse thoroughly if you get it in your eyes;
• You might experience some side effects, the most common of which are dry skin, itching or a burning sensation. Less common side effects include nausea. A full list of side effects is included in the patient leaflet, but send our clinician a message if you’re concerned;
• You can use cosmetic products after applying Rozex;
• Make sure that the treated area is not exposed to strong sunlight or ultraviolet light. This can reduce the effect of the active ingredient;
• Rozex is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, or children;
• There have been some cases where side effects have been noted if you consume alcohol after using the treatment, but this is unlikely;
• If you’re taking certain medications such as blood thinners, consult our clinician before using Rozex;
• It is not suitable if you’re allergic to metronidazole or other types of antibiotics.

It’s recommended that you use Rozex for three to four months. Our clinician might tell you to extend the use of Rozex for another three or four months, depending on how you are responding to the treatment. But you shouldn’t take it for more than three to four months without speaking to our clinician first.

If you don’t see any results with Rozex after this initial period, our clinician will review your treatment with you and advise you on alternatives.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Rozex?

If you forget to use Rozex, then apply the treatment as soon as you remember. However, if it’s near the time of your next application, then skip the missed dose and continue as normal. You shouldn’t use more Rozex to make up for missing an application. If you accidentally ingest the cream or gel or get it in your eye and it causes irritation, you should seek medical help. Make sure that you always follow the information leaflet and professional medical advice.