rosacea & acne vulgaris readers emails

 

Hello,
I came across this site after a search on Yahoo, and I must say it is
really a great web site. It is so nice to hear that others know the pain
and frustration acne vulgaris can cause. All through high school I had perfect,
clear skin. Everyone would tell me they were jealous of my complexion.
Then, when I was a freshman in college I began having regular breakouts and
my skin has never been the same since. I have tried so many things...
changing pillow cases frequently, wearing my hair back, not touching my
face, using noncomedogenic makeup and lotion, etc. I also have made
several trips to the doctor and dermatologist. They have given my several
treatments to try but none have worked: retin A, benzoyl peroxide, and
CleocinT were all too drying, and the tetracycline pills were ineffective.
Now I am just starting to use Sulfacet and I am hoping that this will be
the one that works!!! But, the worst part of having acne vulgaris is the emotional
pain it causes. I hate to go out in public when I know my face is broken
out, I put off washing my face until right before bed because I can't stand
the way I look with out make up, and I cry at night sometimes because I
feel so ugly. My boyfriend says he doesn't even notice the acne vulgaris and that I
am overreacting. Quite an insult, coming from someone with perfect skin.
Well, I will end this novel now. I just needed to vent. Thanks for a
great site!
Danielle
P.S. I would like to hear from people who have used sodium sulfacetamide
topical treatments (i.e. novacet, sulfacet)

Hiya Danielle thank you for your kind comments, stay in touch. kcn.

I have acne vulgaris scarring, i have been told that it is mild but i think it is worse than that. I have tried the lotions and tablets at the doctor but none have helped. Can you please suggest any products that will help? Sarah

Hi Sarah we’ll see what our readers say. kcn.

I would like to know if anyone had a bad reaction after using NORITATE. I have been using METROCREAM for 2 years and my doctor changed it to Noritate. After a week, my face is more red and burns. I also have irruptions that I did not have before.

Thank you

Christiane

Hello again, it will be interesting to find out. kcn.

I have had enough of rosacea, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Eczema.
Actually, I have no idea what condition I have. I have been diagnosed at one
time or another with all the above skin irritations. I have been prescribed
everything from tetracycline and the Desowen steroid cream to the Metro brand
line of products. What a joke! Nothing has helped me in the least bit.
Correction, the one thing that has helped my problem(s) is changing my diet.
Actually, this has been a temporary aid. My facial skin seems to have a mind
of its own and is returning to its old ugly self. The hardest thing for me
is wondering what the #%’! is being done to CURE rosacea. Does anybody have a
ny success with rosacea products? All I see are people with on-going skin
conditions and no cures. I wonder if cures are held back because more money
is made by letting people suffer physically and mentally from these #$%!
skin problems. I am at my wits end with having a red, itchy, blotchy face
that I once did not have. I am now thirty years old and seem to be getting
worse. Another thing I don't understand is why the skin on the rest of my
body is ok, all the while my face is usually warm, oily, red, itchy, etc.
Any thoughts?
BB

Hi, your quite right not enough is done, I think an idea might be for us all to write to our elected representatives and let them know how important skin problems are to us, lobbying can be an effective means of change. Perhaps you do have a number of different skin diseases, it is common, you will have to be careful one treatment doesn’t exasperate other conditions. kcn.

July 28, 2000
I am a 33 year old white female with fair skin and red hair. Last year I was
"finally" diagnosed with having rosacea on my chest. I guess since most
sufferers tend to get it on their faces, my rosacea went undiagnosed for over
6 years. I had dermatologists perplexed by what was happening with my chest
and was treated with hydro-cortisone cream, and other over the counter
medicines.

I was in my teens when my chest started flushing and turning red like I had
been sunburnt. When I was in my twenties I would get rashes on my chest,
pimple-like bumps, and tried various over the counter treatments. When I was
30 I moved to Hawaii and it became much worse. I hated it, here I was
surrounded by beautiful beaches and could not wear a bathing suit.

Consequently, I was on a quest for answers and found a site about rosacea, I
had all the symptoms, only it was on my chest not my face. I saw a
dermatologist in Hawaii, but he dismissed the idea and claimed my outbreaks
and redness was from the sun. I couldn't convince him I stayed indoors and my
chest never saw the light of day.

I moved to North Carolina and saw a dermatologist who immediately put me on
metrocream. I am not totally free from redness or bumps, but with the help
of the cream and a diet free from alcohol, red sauces, chocolate, and wine, I
can say that the rosacea has cleared up about 80%.

I also learned to exercise moderately, take breaks every 15 min. to cool
down, then start again. I also use ice packs or cool, wet wash cloths to
cool my skin down. I am also going to try and swim and see how that affects
my rosacea, hopefully the chlorine won't have a negative affect on my rosacea.

My question is this. . . Are there other individuals out there like me who
suffer with rosacea on their chest, my doctor says this is rare, but it could
happen? Have you heard of this happening?

I try and look on the bright side of things. If it wasn't for the rosacea, I
probably wouldn't have such good eating habits. All my coworkers want to
know how I stay so thin and fit.
I tell them it is a "Skin Thing" and just smile.

Have a good day and thanks for the advice.
Lisa

Hiya Lisa, well you made me smile, when I was having severe outbreaks mainly due to stress, I found the small portion of the chest below the neck was slightly affected. kcn.

Hi! Have just this weekend become aware in the most vengeful manner
that I suffer from rosacea! I was out in the sun for 25 minutes no
stop, no shade, no breeze & spoof! I have my neck and chin irritated
from scratching, dry, etc.

Do not want to use steroids, cortisone or antibiotics. Would like the
experience of other sufferers who have gone the natural treatment path.
Can you help me. Am in dreadful need of something very fast.

Lyssette M

Steroids are not indicated for rosacea. By all means try alternative paths but my advice is to get treatment first from your Doctor or Dermatologist. kcn.

In PR during this summer & late spring, the weather has been very, very
hot. I walk my dog two times a day and obviously flush like Niagra
falls fall.

Can you recommend any natural treatments?
Have purchased and started using cetaphyil to wash me face and neck and
alpha hydroxy as a cream. Also 45 UV sunblock. Are these indicated?

Dermatologists in my area only know to prescribe drugs.

Thank you,

Hi all the information I have is on the site which is in it’s infancy, as more people find us and write in with their successes all our readers will benefit, so don’t be a stranger. kcn.

Hi!, I have just been diagnosed with rosacea, after 24 years of having
perfectly blemished free skin. After visiting your web site and through
other sources I feel the attack has happened since using a sun bed and
going on holiday to France, I wondered if the outbreak is because of this
and it may go away complelty or I am I just being to hopeful.
I returned to the doctors yesterday after a five day course of anti biotics
and he has given me a further seven days supply together with some
ointment, and says he is hopeful of it settling down.

Please write back I am quite distressed at the moment and hate looking in a
mirrorr.

Louise

Hey Louise, you may only have sunburn or even mild rosacea which may not worsen and may only have been triggered by the sunbed. Let us know how you get on. kcn.

______________________________________________________________________

Dear Sir/Madam

I am a 28 year old man who has just been diagnosed with possible rosacea.
I have been prescribed Metrogel which contains Mentronidazole which I am
hoping will help my condition. After reading the previous e-mails I have
every sympathy with the upset which these conditions cause.

I developed my symptoms (acne vulgaris like lumps on my forehead and a rash effect on
the sides of my face which comes and goes) about 6 months ago. As someone
who has never really suffered from bad skin, it has been very upsetting to
me and has affected both my work and social life predominantly because of
self-consciousness. I put it down to stress of work etc, which may it turns
out be a factor. As a man though, there is little 'cosmetically' that can
be done to hide this condition- unless someone can recommend something which
can be obtained outside of a high street store and doesn't look like
something out of a Estee Lauder commercial.

I will let you know how I get on with the Gel. Thanks for the website!

K Hi, man do I know how you feel. Our readers have recommended dermablend and perhaps I could direct you to our antistress tape? Keep in touch. kcn.

Hi,

I have had rosacea for years and have discovered that I can use Dr. Qu's products and that they help me very much! It is very nice to have my own pretty skin back like it was, (before I had all that adolescent acne vulgaris!) My skin was rough as an adult as a result of all the scarring left over from it and it gave more places for the rosacea to hide ( in the scarring ).. My skin looks much nicer now!

Thanks very much!

Ruthann

Hi Ruthann, excuse my ignorance but who’s Dr Qu? kcn.

I have been waiting for an opportunity to pass this information on. I
have had rosacea for 13 years and have tried everything to get rid of it
without success. However, I have found a product that covers it up,
calms it down and gives me confidence to face the world. It is Kanebo
2in1 make-up bought in larger Boots or department stores in the circular
compact which I have now been using for years and no-one knows I have
rosacea. When you put it on in the morning it will last all day and
really does seem to have the effect of calming my skin down. Try it and
feel good about yourself whilst continuing to find a solution to the
problem itself.
Helen

Thankyou Helen it is very kind and thoughtful of you to take the time to write and help others. kcn.

Hi.

I have just been reading your website (I got the link through Yahoo) and can empathise with some of the people sending you letters.

I am in Johannesburg and started getting lumps on the side of my nose a few years ago. My doctor suggested I use a cortisone cream which was very greasy and didn't help...

It kept coming back and after a while I went back to my GP who said she thought I had rosacea - she had worked in Canada and apparently it is very common there.

She didn't tell me much about it, just prescribed Rozex (which from what I understand is very much like Metro Gel) and told me to use it all over my face.

I then started hunting for more information on the internet and became very paranoid about it after seeing pictures of people with rosacea.

I gathered as much info I could find off various sites, and found a lot of interesting points about rosacea.

There are a lot of tips about the lifestyle changes you should make, as well as tips for skin care.

I then went to a dermatologist, who put me on Tetracycline for two months. As a teenager I had a wonderful skin, but now in my early thirties, am facing more sensitivity than ever before...

I have stopped taking that, but still continue with the Rozex. I was washing my face with Cetaphil but found it too harsh. I am now using Roc facewash (I like a soap) but am not sure about it because I am still getting red areas around my nose, and the occasional spot.

I need advice about make-up to use - i always try oil-free, water based products but still don't know if I am using the right stuff.

Often I look at my face without make-up on and get very upset. My boyfriend has been very supportive towards me and when I complain about how ugly it is he says its not... He says I don't need to wear base but I definitely do because I also have veins on my cheeks.

I am using Roc Hydramatt Moisturiser which I like because it isn't shiny - but the problem is I spend a lot of time outdoors - playing tennis, walking, hanging out washing (joking!!) and even in winter the sun is harsh in South Africa. I think that I probably need a moisturiser that has sun protection in it as well.

Any recommendations?

Something I was wondering about - with all the talk on the net about people with rosacea lacking the intrinsic factor (something to do with absorption of Vitamin B12) - I found out quite recently that my blood type is A+ and they have the same problem. I was wondering if it could be linked to the blood type.

I have been reading a book about eating for your blood type - and they told me to drink warm water with lemon juice in every morning before anything else to help my constipation and bloatedness. I used to take every laxative known to man... The lemon juice is really helping me.

I have also started to try to eat according to the book - ie no tomatoes / orange juice / less red meat etc which I do feel is helping my skin. I do get tired quicker when I eat red meat. I used to have very low iron levels and took supplements but now am taking Pharmaton which is a multi vitamin - and seems to be helping me. I used to take iodine (kelp) for dieting but have discovered I am allergic to it!

Speaking of allergies, I do get welts on my body when I perspire too much, and have had the swollen lip from food poisoning before. (fish that wasn't great).

My boyfriend on the other hand, is definitely not type A+ cos he thrives on red meat.

Since I have been doing all of these things, I have lost weight and my skin is better (even if it is only a bit!!) and am fitter and healthier than I have been for yonks!!!

I would love to make contact with any other folk in South Africa - or anywhere for that matter who have investigated the blood type / rosacea similarities.

Thanks for the site, it is very encouraging.

Regards

Mandy

MANDY DIGGLE
CIRCLE TRAVEL SURE TRAVEL CENTRE
TEL: 0861 240 240
FAX: (011) 789 5807
EMAIL: mandyd.teletravel@galileosa.co.za

Wow! Now that’s what I like a long email, I think I’ll go for a lie down. Thank you for your kind comments Mandy. Let us know if you discover anything from your emails. kcn.

I am now 33 and have suffered from acne vulgaris for about 20 years. I have
exceptionally oily skin and it has caused me much depression over the years.
I have been referred to a specialist dermatologist twice many years ago -
but neither was willing to prescibe oral retin A. I have tried pretty much
everything and feel that this would be the best solution for me. I would
like to go through a private dermatologist. I asked my doctor for a list of
dermatologists but this was not provided to me.

Is there anyway I can go private without having to go back through the NHS
system who really do not feel sympathetic towards my condition?

Thank you

Hiya As far as I know it is possible to ask your General Practitioner to refer you privately to a specialist at a NHS hospital. I’m sure I’ll be put right if I’m wrong. A specialist dermatologist will take your state of mind into consideration when deciding treatment. kcn.

Greetings.I have just come from my Dr Appointment.He said it was definately rosacea.I am on the way to a better tomorrow. sincerely Pauline.

Thanks for staying in touch Pauline. kcn.

 

 

Hi! My name is Michelle and I am 20 years old. From what I have been reading I just found out I may have rosacea. I was not born like this, symptoms started showing when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Whenever I asked the doctors they said it was a birthmark or a mole and that I was lucky to have it on both cheeks, because it would've looked funny on only one. I have learned to live with this, but I never imagined it was a disease. I first heard about rosacea last march, when a friend told me that she saw on TV a comercial that talked about this. She said that they showed people that looked just like me, and I could not believe her. A few days ago my mom also told me the same thing, so I decide to sit down and find out about this, and it's true. I have many symptoms, just like blushing "just because" or when I eat or drink something. I would like to now more information on this and what can I do to get rid of it, this can actually change my life.

Hiya Michelle we all know how you feel, all the information I can give you is on this site for you to read, nothing held back which you have to pay for, like some sites. (that’s why I’m broke).

hi how u doing,i hope great.i would like to write something about my acne vulgaris problem,hope u can help me. so acne vulgaris on my face start form my own mistake,i use to have small common pimples on my cheeks.accidently i put antibacterial soup on it,some one told me to do that.anyway next day when i get up to wash my face,my
cheeks was filled with red and black spots,then i use " clear cell" bought from local grocery store,it works good,i was able to get rid of about 80% of my acne vulgaris in couple of month,but still i'm infected with this 20% and its being 1 whole years.i mean its not really some big spots,its like really small and about 20 of them on both cheeks.then i put some vineger on them,after like week they went black and hard as i wash my face.i did use 4 or 5 more products,but still i have this problem.plz help me,i really appreciate that.
take care
some one...

Hiya great to hear off you. acne vulgaris really can be a problem we would like to ignore and hope it goes away. Many of us try home remedies I’m not going to mention the ones I used to try! But the best course of action is to see a medical practitioner and keep going back until you have satisfactory treatement. kcn.

HI ,

I just found your sight and i think its great i hope more people will write . I have rosacea and i am 32 . I have been on treatments of antibiotics and a motrocream but i also have a glycolic face wash and a glycolic liquid that I leave on my face overnight. I also have a dandruff sampoo (nizorol ) that I wash my face with but none of this seems to work for the long term . I am thinking of accutane but do you think it works well for rosacea .

LeeAnne in Alabama

Hiya LeeAnne crikey give your face a rest! Stick to the antibiotics and metronidazole topical application. My rosacea’s under control but if I was applying dandruff shampoo to it, it would flare up BIG time! Let us know if that helps. kcn.

I am wondering if I might have rosacea. A few months ago I started with some severe itching on my forearms which no physician has been able to determine a cause. It eventuallt turned into a more pronounced rash with a pimple like appearance. Lately the rash has spread to my face. It is bumpy red, pimple like in places and all over. It only seems to be on the upper portion of my body. My face is rather sore as if it is burned. I have always flushed easily and my husband has frequently asked me lately "why is your face so red". It appears redder in the evening, after a warm shower, exercise, and after being in the sun for even short periods. I'm going to a physician in a couple of weeks and wonder if I should explor the poss. of rosacea further?? This has gotten awful. It's embarrassing and uncomfortable. Your suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you Vickie

Hiya Vickie yes you should explore the possibility of rosacea although there are other possibilities of course and conditions that more commonly affect other areas of the body. rosacea most commonly affects the face nose, cheeks, chin, forehead but can affect other areas. Don’t worry you will get it under control if it is rosacea, but you’ll need to learn about it and heres a good place to start. Let us know what your doctor says. kcn.

i am a person who has recently been diagnosed with rosacea. i've had pimple's since i was 12 years old, and went to several dermatologists in my late teens, who treated me with tetracycline and various other medications, oral and topical, to no avail. i quit spending so much money at doctors, and tried to take matters into my own hands. you name it, i've tried it, including pro-active solution, connie selleca's solution, ortho tri=cylcen, not to mention any product you can buy off the shelf. needless to say, i'm now 32 years old, and sick of trying to grow out of this problem. when i mentioned it to my new family practice doctor, he simply said, " you have rosacea" and proceeded to prescribe minocycline, and a topical lotion called sodium sulfacetamide. i have not been able to find out anything about this lotion in any drug references, or anything with rosacea. i'm not even sure that this is what i have. i've never experienced this "flushing" or "blushing" or redness of the face of any kind besides my pimples. could you please tell me if you've ever heard of anyone using this treatment, and if i should get a second opinion on my skin problems. it would be greatly appreciated! thank you.

sincerly,

tracy

Hi of course you should have a second opinion if you are in doubt. You can find details of all drugs at rxlist.com. kcn.

I discovered your site today I'm 49 and have suffered with acne vulgaris rosacea for a few years without knowing what I had. My doctor did prescribe Tetracycline last year, which didn't help very much. I'm not too bad but get regular outbreaks sometimes worse than others but usually just one or two hot weepy bumps that ooze clear liquid and are hot. I just seem to get rid of one and get more, still not sure of my triggers. I was getting pretty desperate as my daughter gets married in four weeks and things have been pretty stressful (her dress has not arrived yet, although promised it would be in beginning July) whilst looking 2 weeks ago for advise I visited another site similar to yours but more US based and they advised antihistamine tablets. I have tried these for the past 2 weeks, Zirtek you take one a day as they last 24 hours, The effects were good I have had a
couple of outbreaks but they die down quicker but for the first time in years my skin is relatively clear. On your site antihistamine is not
mentioned has anyone else tried these and does anyone know of any dangers of taking them long term?

 

What other site? Antihistamines are usually prescribed for allergies and sensitivities do you have one?. I tried Zirtek they didn’t help me. kcn.

 

Hi

My name is Carole and I am 36. I am from UK but have lived in Australia for 30 years. I have had scalp psoriasis for about 11 years with patches on my elbows also.

Just recently I developed about 10 red pimple like lumps on the right hand side of my chin. Also a couple of bumps on my nose and face. I have very red cheeks which have been like this for a few years but in the summer I am constantly flushed. The chin pimple like things have refused to go and sometimes swell up. When they are popped a watery solution comes out. I also have itchy eyes which also feel gritty. I developed pityriasis rosea 1 year ago just after losing my wonderful Mum. Obviously I am prone to skin conditions. While researching psoriasis on the internet I came across rosacea. I went to the doctor about the latest spots and she just shrugged them off! I mentioned rosacea and was put on Vibramycin antibiotics [5 only], also Sigmacort mixed with Canesten cream. It seemed to disappear while on the 5 day tablets but is back now and seems to be spreading. Does this sound like rosacea to you? Have you heard of these creams and do they seem to be OK as Sigmacort sounds like a cortisone to me. I am getting frantic as my face has always had a great complexion and I can notice changes daily!! PLEASE HELP.

 

Hey Carole you must get a diagnosis from a reputable dermatologist now, who will probably prescribe a course of tetracycline antibiotics and topical metronidazole gel. Gritty and sore eyes may be a sign of ocular rosacea which MUST be treated and your other symptoms fit the picture of rosacea. Don’t use cortisone on your face. It may take a few months but you will get it under control-don’t be a stranger. kcn.

 

Dear Sir,

I am just 23 yrs old male from India and i have been suffering from severe acne vulgaris vulagris from last 5 yrs. i have been given antibiotics such as DOXYCYCLIN and TETRADOXCYLIN, and i have been applying erithromycin gel and benzoyl peroxide gels. But the cystic type of acne vulgaris continues to reoccur every time I finish my course of medicines and so my doctor gave me Acitretin Capsules ( Neotigason Capsule from Roche) 25 mg Capsule per day, Still when i stop taking medicines acne vulgaris troubles me a lot. I am very much depressed about it , as it is very difficult to cope with such pain. Please advice me if i can go in for some other therapy or am i undergoing right treatment.

Regards,

N B

Hi you need to tell your doctor about your feelings of depression and the pain you have, he/she may be able to prescribe for that. Can any readers comment on the treatments NB is having? Perhaps it would help if you could correspond with others? Let me know if you want me to print your email address. kcn.

Does rosacea effect children?

It most commonly affects the 30-50 age group but can affect any age.. kcn