Rosacea

LegacyUser

hi ive just been to the doctor and i have been diagnosed with a condition known as rosacea. this is a skin disease which causes red patches on the skin. i have the redness on my nose. i look like rudolf:(

i am very upset as the doctor said that it is permanent and that there is very little treatment for it. i had acne previously and i thought it would go along with the acne when i took medication called roaccutane. the acne has gone but not the rosacea.

i am not looking for medical advice, im just wondering has anyone bought any over the counter creams that have helped the problem?or tried alternative remedies or maybe even laser?

i'd appreciate any help,as right now i feel like the situation is hopeless.

thanks.

Wibbs

OK folks the OP isn't looking for medical advice as they said, so just please keep it to any experiences you personally have had.

Wibbs

Is it possible that you can get a second opinion as far as treatment goes?

frag420

I have it on my face too. as far as i know there aint much that can be done about it. Have had it for years and it led to bullyin in school etc. best thing is to lay of the usual culprits such as caffeine, spices, tobacco etc. Use a moistuiser too as i find this sometimes help. I also found that if i did not let it bother me then it aint much of a problem. Its also a sign of good health and virility(whatever that is)

Good luck with it and remember it aint the end of the world cause when that happens we will all have red faces!!

Lollipops23

my mum's had a severe case since her 20s, feel sorry for you OP it made her miserable:( however, she takes courses of some kind of antibiotic(ask your Doc) which helps a lot.she takes breaks every so often and to keep it at bay she drinks those pro biotic drinks. she's also found that sunlight can aggravate it do if you're away keep your face in the shade!hope i helpes:)

smileysurfer

Wibbs wrote: »

Is it possible that you can get a second opinion as far as treatment goes?

+1

Id definitely get a second opinion!

FibbersON

I have a bout of it myself, as do some of my family, Rosex is the cream that the doctor supplied, seems to do the trick for us. Moisturising has helped me alot too. I bought some Clinique stuff, shaving, moisturiser etc, seems to be doing the job. Can't honestly say I've cut down on anything diet wise.

shindig-jp

All is not lost.... I've had it... and got rid of it ... Do a Wiki on it and learn about all the famous people who have had it ... Next ... calm down and don't worry... as a poster just said ... you will need a moisturiser ... Keep your nose out of the sun ... This skin condition will clime all over your face ... Starts on the nose then to your left or right eye ... up to your forehead then may find itself back at your nose again ... Just keep up the moisturiser until the swelling stops. Nivea Cream is the one ....


Let us know how this pans out in about 6~7 days .......

MeMyself&I

Fade Away skincare range is really good, i have used it before, and i found it helped tone it done.

Also, treat yourself to a good concealer, get one of those mutli pallet ones, that has a beige tone, green tone, and yellow tone. All these three are ver good cover ups.

Spicey food and hot environments can aggravate it, also try to avod using very hot water (both face washing and showering), as this also will not help.

Best of Luck x

tinkerbell

I'm not sure if it's the same condition but there was something on Xpose on TV3 on this a while back and they brought this woman to a clinic who specialised in treating it and getting rid of it.

Ok I just did a search on Google and it was indeed on rosacea and the clinic was in Drogheda. Here's the link to the article:
http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?article_id=10494&locID=1.65.68.267&pagename=xpose

sardineta

I've observed that its less visible (perversely) with the better the skin condition i.e. it's far more obvious on men and just a 'blush' on fresh-faced women.

Slow Motion

OP by creating this thread you have generated at least 4 google ads relating to your condidion, click a couple and get some more info while contributing to boards!

Sinall

My brother was disgnosed with rosacea approx 4 years ago. He went to the local GP and tried some antibiotics, then went to see a specialist in the Blackrock Clinic. He had laser treatment in the Bons Secours in Glasnevin (which was covered by BUPA). He found that there were certain triggers that would make it worse for him - certain types of food/drink etc. He went for some private laser treatment in Waterford (where he lives last year) and that seemed to help a lot. As far as I know it was a different type of laser than the first time. He also went to a homeopath and found that very helpful.

There is an excellent book by Dr. Geoffrey Nase (who also suffered from Rosacea) - I will get the name from my brother and post it later. I understand how stressful and debilitating this condition can be but there is information, help and support groups out there. I think it's important to find a doctor/specialist who has experience in this area.

helpmeplease

Hi OP, I was on Roaccutane too. For acne, not rosacea. Did you know that one of the side effects of Roaccutane is reddened skin? It can take a few months for it to wear off. So that might be contributing to the rosacea, or making it appear worse than it actually is.

Secondly, even though Roaccutane causes facial redness, it is also used as a treatment for rosacea. The difference is that it is taken in a micro-dose (seemingly it causes redness in a high dose - the type of dose used to clear acne, but in low doses it actually prevents redness! Strange!)

Only you can decide if you would be willing to go back on such a controversial drug, but I can tell you that I have been on two courses of Roaccutane. One was high dose, the other was low.
I suffered from almost every possible side effect with the high dose eg liver probs, joint problems etc.
The low dose course was a dream, only side effect was dry lips.
So if you had a negative experience with high dose treatment, I wouldn't automatically rule out low dose on that basis.

I would recommend that you ask your dermatologist (I presume you have one if you took Roaccutane) about roaccutane as a treatment for rosacea.

Google roaccutane rosacea for more info. If necessary, bring those medical articles to the doc if you think he/she won't be keen on another Roaccutane course.

I know how difficult it can be to have a skin condition, its quite upsetting sometimes. Although most of the time, most people dont even notice you have a skin problem!

There is also some good info on acne.org forums, one dedicated to rosacea. PM me if you need more info about anything.

Kimia

Hi I don't know much about Rosacea but I heard that if there's a little green pigment in cream or makeup it takes the redness away? I don't know what product but I'm sure if you google it you might find stuff. Makeup will help I'm sure.

gurramok

Zinc and some sodium chemical is good for it.

Anyways, you need to stop flushing and manage embarassing situations as that triggers the redness. If you feel boiling up outside for example, take off that jacket and let your body cool down.
If your inside and feel very hot, splash some cold water on your face.

Always drink plenty of water to get it under control also as you need to keep cool and wash that skin regularly(not too harsh) and a non-alcoholic moisteuriser helps.

Getting laser treament only gets rid of the red marks but this is pointless unless you stop the flushing as the red marks reform.

There is a specialist cream called Rozex and that will help you. But it will only work if you control the flushes first and take care of the skin.

And it does not get worse as you get older as a generalisation. It only gets worse when untreated. If treated to your normal daily routine, you will be grand.

greenteaicedtea

I got Metrogel for my face. It reduces the redness, and best of all, the itchiness that I get. I also use a clay mask to get rid of some of the oil on my face, I find that helps a bit

gurramok

greenteaicedtea wrote: »

I got Metrogel for my face. It reduces the redness, and best of all, the itchiness that I get. I also use a clay mask to get rid of some of the oil on my face, I find that helps a bit

Didn't they stop Metrogel and now call it Rozex? (i might be mixed up on these )

Blogger50

Hi op,

I was also diagnosed with this condition almost two months ago. I was prescribed Rozex and have so far found it works wonders. I had redness on both cheeks and chin. I am not sure if this is aggravated by blushing as some have said as this was never mentioned by my GP.

Another symptom can be itching eyes. I have found that the redness and itching on both cheeks and chin have greatly improved. I am almost afraid to stop using the cream!
Not sure if you are male or female but I also use an anti redness primer under make up and am about to go for a trial on a make up designed for covering scars/marks etc.

If I were you I would get a second opinion as I beleive this condition can be controlled (from my experience anyway)

Good Luck!

LegacyUser

Hey op i know how you feel it can be really hard at the best of times, i've had the same problem for the last 4-5 years, after numerous types of meds and 2 years of roaccutane i was giving up hope of getting rid of it but since september i've being getting laser treatment (impulse light treatment) in st.vincents hospital for it and it is nearly all gone and have not felt better about my skin and myself in years, i go once every 8 weeks and your in and out in a hour.

I highly recommend it and getting a referrral from your GP to see a dermatologist if you don't have one or asking your dermatologist about it.

Good luck OP hope it works out for you.

LegacyUser

hi everyone thanks a mil for all your replies:) its great to know that there is treatment out there for my condition.
i am a 23 year old female college student so as you can imagine its pretty embarrassing. i never leave the house without makeup on and i know that this is not good for my skin.it is a vicious cycle but i need to lead some kind of life!i dont know what id do without clinique repairwear makeup...

im just wondering is rosex available to buy in chemists?or has anyone tried any of the leading skincare brands such as vichy or la roche posay?also is the laser treatment expensive and does it take many sessions to clear rosacea?

i do not have a problem with blushing. i have a constant red nose appearance.

thanks again.

Sinall

I have asked my brother for the name of the book and he is going to send it on. He found it really helpful. Linda Sy does a range of cosmetics/cleaners specifically for skin with rosacea and there is a tinted moisturiser which is very good seemingly, it has zinc in it as well. I think you can buy it online.

Re: the laser treatment, I know when my brother went privately in Waterford it cost approx €250 a session. When he had it done in the Bons Secours it was covered by BUPA - he went to his GP first who referred him to a specialist in Blackrock Clinic.

LegacyUser

Hi, I've just been diagnosed with Rosacea (this morning) its not too bad. I popped a Tetralysal 300mg tablet about 2 hours ago and now my vision is quiet blurred. I have been studying pretty hard all week before I saw the Doc today so my eyes were tired to begin with. The leaflet that came with the prescription said that side effects can include "visual problems", so I'm just wondering if anyone on this medication has ever experienced this?

Sinall

Denis the 7th wrote: »

Hi, I've just been diagnosed with Rosacea (this morning) its not too bad. I popped a Tetralysal 300mg tablet about 2 hours ago and now my vision is quiet blurred. I have been studying pretty hard all week before I saw the Doc today so my eyes were tired to begin with. The leaflet that came with the prescription said that side effects can include "visual problems", so I'm just wondering if anyone on this medication has ever experienced this?

Denis, I would ring your doctor. Different people are bound to react differently to different medications. It's best to check this out with the professionals!

LegacyUser

rosy.unreg wrote: »

also is the laser treatment expensive and does it take many sessions to clear rosacea?

I don't know much it costs normally but i get my treatment for free with my dermatologist in st.vincents.
I have had 5 sessions so far and will probably have one more (mine was pretty bad), it was after the 3rd session that i really start seeing the results. The amount of sessions really depends on how bad your rosacea is and how well your skin responds to the treatment. It is sore when getting it done, like any elastic band getting snapped against you, but it goes away after a little while.
Its worked wonders for me and would definitely recommend it.

UncleBen

Your doctor seems awfully gloomy! My gp, if anything, was overly optimistic, said it would probably burn out in a couple of years (though that seems unlikely).

In my experience, prescription creams/gels and moisturizers can have negative effect on rosacea, especially for those with greasy skin.

Also, took me a while to realize but I've now found carbohydrates to be a serious trigger. I've since been laying off starchy foods like sandwiches, potatoes etc. and the flushing has definitely become less frequent. From what I've gathered, a good number of rosacea sufferers seem to think a low-carb diet works wonders.

love2swim

Another sufferer here. I was diagnosed last September. My GP put me on a six month course of Oxytetracycline. It seemed to work for ages and then about a month ago I had an awful flare up - worse than it's ever been be4! :mad:
My doc told me to get an over the counter cream - called Cortopin 1% w/w
I used it for 4 days and it worked!!
I don't think it's a long term solution though as it thins the skin, so its not good to use on the face.
She's given me a prescription for Rosex but I haven't got it yet.

I really hate that I have this for life. I was forever blushing for years, and now that I've got that under control, I have this feckin red faced condition. It really sucks.

LegacyUser

I was diagnosed with mild Rosacea and mild Sebhoerric Dermatitis last thursday!! It's a balls but ya have to try and control it, defeat it and get on with your life!

I started a course of tetralysal tablets so i hope they help and i use a cream called Diprobase every night which is an emolient. If i get a bad flare up i might dab a tiny tiny bit of Dactokort cream just right next to the bridge of my nose and i find it helps ease it. I would never continuously use a steroid cream on my face no matter what any Doctor or GP tells me but i find that the tiniest ammount every now and then is ok. I am not recommending other people use it though because everyone reacts differently!

I find that using Eucerin face moisturiser after a shower is good too for keeping my face from drying up and it is very gentle. Also i try to shower using cold - lukewarm water.

I seem to have mine under control a bit that it doesn't really affect me on a daily basis but at times it really gets me down!!

Chin up OP and i'm sure things will get better, there's a lot of us Rosacea sufferers out there so you're not alone!!

Sinall

The name of the book I mentioned is "Beating Rosacea: Vascular, Ocular and Acne forms" and it's by Dr Geoffrey Nase.

I have seen from my brother how upsetting this condition can be, but after trying a few things, he did manage to get it under control and is so much better now - both physically and mentally. He found that anything with yeast in it caused his skin to flare up and once he was aware of that was able to cut it out.

Giggy

tinkerbell wrote: »

I'm not sure if it's the same condition but there was something on Xpose on TV3 on this a while back and they brought this woman to a clinic who specialised in treating it and getting rid of it.

Ok I just did a search on Google and it was indeed on rosacea and the clinic was in Drogheda. Here's the link to the article:
http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?article_id=10494&locID=1.65.68.267&pagename=xpose

I saw that show too, it looked really good. It was for rosacea and there was a woman on it and she had before and after pictures and there was a brilliant improvement.

Frank OJ

I suffer from Rosacea.
It first appeared when I was 17. It was awful. Had a bulbous nose, loads of spots on my forehead and chin, and general redness. It destroyed my life.

I found a doctor in the UK, Dr Peter Crouch. He practices laser surgery. What he has done for me you would not believe. I can honestly say I now have near perfect skin.

I used to go for treatment every 3 months for about 3 years, and now go every 6 months.

My triggers were sunlight, steam, and dairy products.

I can now go out in sun, and ony last week got sunburnt for the first time in 7 years! I am still careful when it comes to the sun, and generally avoid dairy products. But if I slip and eat a pizza, I generally dont see any side effects.

The treatment is quite painful, but it only lasts about 15minutes. I used get 60 laser shots as such, but now I only require about 40.

As a result of the treatment I suffered dry skin for a period, but now once my initial laser surgery is over, straight away the doctor uses another laser method, which feels like the trickling of hot water over your skin, for about 2 minutes. This has, for the most part, cleared my dry skin (if I shower too long or use disposable blades I will suffer dry skin)

If you would like more information please just ask. There is help out there.

greenteaicedtea

gurramok wrote: »

Didn't they stop Metrogel and now call it Rozex? (i might be mixed up on these )

I live in Canada, it's still Metrogel here