I used Metrogel for about 7 years back in the mid '90s and have to tell you
there was no visible improvement to my condition...In fact, I'm convinced my
skin was actually in worse shape while using the Metrogel. My cheeks were a
permanent ruddy red the whole time. My feeling on the subject of Rosacea is
that 'less is definately more'..

--- In rosacea-support@yahoogroups.com, "Aurelia.Dawn" <aurelia.dawn@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Janine,
>
> Yes, Doxycycline on its own is definitely still considered to be "treating the
condition". Failing to use a topical won't necessarily cause any deterioration,
although it could be a possibility. Honestly, no one can say for sure.
>
> Sumi's advice is excellent - "I think with rosacea we should all start gently
and applying too much can make the matter worse, at least that's my case." We
can say that using a gentle cleanser and moisturiser will probably be a great
help to you because that is how it is for the great majority of people with skin
conditions including rosacea, so it's a good place to start, don't you think?
>
> > i tried the finacea one time and i swear is was like acid burning my skin. i
only did it on 2 little pimples but it burned... <
>
> Some would suggest persevering in case it helps later, but most of us would
agree with you that if something feels that bad, it isn't for you ... or not at
the moment. If you use gentle topicals and your skin heals, in a few months time
it might be possible for you to tolerate something as strong as Finacea without
any bad reactions. Or you might heal so much, you no long need Finacea. :)
>
> > hope im not dooming myself for more troubles by stopping the metrogel at
least till i see the dr in 2 weeks, can i cause alot of damage in that time? <
>
> I think I'm correct in saying that damage is usually caused by exposing the
skin to harmful things such as sunburn or skin treatments that are far too
strong, for example chemical peels and strong anti-acne products. Just
suspending treatment, whether in full or in part, is imho highly unlikely to
cause 'damage'.
>
> A lot of people who have had severe rosacea have succeeded in knocking it
back, including reversing any damage that had happened over the years, so please
try not to fret about what might happen between now and seeing your
dermatologist.
>
> Kindest regards,
>
> Aurelia
>