Rosacea. What cream can I use on top of Metronidazole to reduce redness for few hours? During my office hours? (Photo)

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. For rosacea, I like a combination approach, using lasers (ProYellow, Pulsed Dye/Vbeam, Excel V), peels and botox to the cheeks. This makes dramatic changes in color and symptoms. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

For more info visit rosacea dot org. This website will empower you with the knowledge as to how to manage this condition. In your case the use of anti-inflammatory abs combined with vascular laser is Gold Standard. You can try topicals such as Solantra etc.. but more than likely they will give you more irritation. Rosacea is very complex and a tailored treatment program give the best results. This is because there are many types of rosacea (telengtctatic or capillaries, flushing and redness, acne like rosacea, ocular rosacea and even rhinophyma rosacea.)

To add to the complexity, everyone has different flare factors- Sunlight, stress, foods, chemical irritants, creams, changes in temperature, alcohol. The list goes on. 

A detailed history, together with a treatment tailored according to YOUR type of rosacea will give the best results. As a guide, I use a combination of -

1. Lasers ( to treat redness, broken capillaries, rhinophyma, flushing)- best laser is the V BEAM. IPL can be used, but usually not as effective. Laser toning using the long pulse Nd Yag at 1064 can help with background redness. 

2. Creams - anti inflammatory

3. Tablets -anti - inflammatory and sometimes low dose Vitamin A. 

4. For females- Mineral make up is recommend, over make up that contains parabens. 

For the best results, consult a dermatologist for both medical and laser treatment options. 

Kind regards.

Dr Davin S. Lim.

Laser Dermatologist.

Brisbane, Australia.