Rosacea, once thought of as a rare and mysterious malady, is now the fifth most common diagnosis made by dermatologists. A cure has yet to be found and its cause is still unknown.

Often called "adult acne" but potentially far more serious, rosacea is a condition that primarily affects the skin of the face and typically first appears between the ages of 30 and 60 as a transient flushing or blushing on the nose, cheeks, chin or forehead, and is usually discovered at its early and mildest stages. Because the early symptoms often masquerade as a sunburn, rash or allergy, many rosacea sufferers fail to realize they have a condition that can be treated.

If left untreated, the disease may eventually progress to inflammatory rosacea, with its papules and pustules. These are small, red, pus-filled bumps that resemble pimples.

In some cases, the eyes may also be affected in varying degrees, resulting in discomfort and a bloodshot appearance — sometimes including swollen blood vessels and small, hard bumps on the eyelids. This condition is known as ocular rosacea and could eventually lead to impaired vision if left untreated.

In severe cases, the nose may become red and swollen from excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma, which gave the late comedian W.C. Fields his trademark red, bulbous nose.

Knowing the symptoms and seeking medical treatment are the best defenses against the social and psychological trauma of rosacea. Your dermatologist can help determine if MetroGel^® 1% is right for you. If you do not have a dermatologist, the DermFinder^® directory can locate one near you.

To keep up on the latest rosacea information and valuable offers that can help you save on rosacea products, sign up for the Best Face Forward^® newsletter.

The following adverse experiences have been reported with the topical treatment of metronidazole: burning, skin irritation, dryness, transient redness, metallic taste, tingling or numbness of extremities and nausea.