We hereby present a randomized comparative trial on the efficacy and tolerance of a topic antiinflammatory, seborrhea-regulating and antibacterian local treatment (containing Azelaic acid gel 15%), associated with a topical antibiotic (Metronidazole 0.75%), in mild and moderate forms of rosacea.

Introduction:

Rosacea is a chronic disease characterized by the occurrence of erythematouspapulopustular inflammations and telangiectasias on the convex area of the face that may evolve towards local hyperplasia and hypertrophy (rhinophyma, facial elephantiasis, etc). In most patients it is associated with sebborheic dermatitis, although not with blackhead.

Objective: 

The study has aimed at assessing the efficacy and tolerance of a topical monotherapy with Azelaic acid gel 15 % (antibacterian, antiinflammatory and seborrhea-regulating) as compared to the association between Azelaic acid (gel 15%) and Metronidazole (gel 0.75%).

Methods: 

The study was unicentric, randomized and consisted in the comparative evaluation of two symmetrical areas on 20 patients with mild and moderate rosacea (stage I and II) for a period of 8 weeks. 10 patients have been treated on half face with Azelaic acid gel 15% and on the other half with a neutral cream (placebo); the other 10 patients have been treated on hald face with a topical association of Azelaic acid gel 15% plus Metronidazole gel 0.75%, and on the other half with neutral cream (placebo).

Results: 

The association of the two topical antibiotics (Azelaic acid gel 15% plus Metronidazole gel 0.75%) has yielded the best results – 70 per cent of the patients showed definite improvement after the first 4 weeks, 20 per cent after 8 weeks, and 10 per cent after 12 weeks of treatment, as compared to patients treated solely with Azelaic acid gel

15%, where 20 per cent showed results after the first 4 weeks, 40 per cent after 8 weeks and 40 per cent after more than 8 weeks of treatment.

Conclusions: 

Metronidazole association yields more rapid results in rosacea and the patient becomes more optimistic, more trustful and keener to accomplish the treatment.