The appearance of facial foundation cosmetics applied after metronidazole gel 1%.

The purpose of this study was to assess the cosmetic appearance of commonly marketed facial cosmetics when used after the application of metronidazole gel 1%. An observational. open-label, single-site study was conducted with women (N=30) aged 20 to 75 years and diagnosed with moderate papulopustular rosacea (investigator global severity score of 3). After cleansing the face with a gentle skin cleanser, participants applied metronidazole gel 1% once daily before applying their usual facial foundation. Two surveys were conducted: (1) investigator assessment of cosmetic appearance; and (2) participant assessment of cosmetic appearance. The investigator also evaluated erythema, disease severity, and tolerability at baseline and week 2. Adverse events were collected. The 28 per-protocol (PP) participants had a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 54.0 (10.3) years and a mean duration (SD) of rosacea of 15.4 (13.2) years. The median response score for both the investigator and participant assessments of cosmetic appearance was 10 (best) for each survey question. Signs and symptoms of rosacea did not increase with use of metronidazole gel 1% and the participants' selected cosmetic regimen. At baseline all 28 participants were classified as having moderate erythema. At week 2, 18 (64%) participants were classified as having moderate erythema and 10 (36%) mild. At baseline all 28 (100%) participants were classified as having moderate rosacea according to the investigator global severity score. At week 2, 10 (36%) participants were classified as mild and 18 (64%) moderate. In addition, few participants reported cutaneous irritation during the study. At week 2, 10 participants had dryness, 2 had itching, 8 had scaling, and 2 had stinging/burning. According to surveys completed by the investigator and the participants themselves, most participants had a good cosmetic appearance with their facial foundation cosmetics that were applied after metronidazole gel 1%. The use of various cosmetic regimens after application of metronidazole gel 1% did not cause rosacea symptoms to worsen and treatment was well-tolerated.