The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The province of Saskatchewan has followed QuebecÕs lead in listing MetroGel topical gel on its provincial formulary for the treatment of rosacea Ð a skin condition that affects an estimated two million Canadians. Rosacea affects areas of the face and symptoms appear and disappear at unpredictable intervals. Symptoms include redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and/or forehead, small red bumps, pus-filled pimples and blood vessels that are visible through the skin. The exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, though pre-disposing factors such as heredity exist. Environmental and emotional factors can trigger a rosacea flare-up and cause a more intensive outbreak of redness. Common triggers include weather, stress and certain foods and hot beverages. ÒThe visual nature of rosacea can significantly impact a patientÕs quality of life,Ó says Dr. Roberta McKay, a Saskatchewan-based dermatologist. ÒThis formulary decision will make it easier for patients to gain access to the medication they need to see improvement.Ó
