rosacea & acne vulgaris readers emails

 

i was just recently told i have rosacea, i am using metrocream and taking pills to control my rosacea. i was using cortoson before because that is what my doctor said to use, but my dermotologist told me that my skin had become addicted to the cortoson and it is going to take me some time to clear up because of the addiction. my question is i am only 20 years of age how many others as young as i have rosacea, because i have only heard of people in their 30's or older suffering from rosacea. AG

Hi, rosacea is most commonly developed in the 30-50 age group, but a person of any age can be affected. I started about the same time as you. Steroids were used for rosacea treatment but while they may improve symptoms in the short term, actually make the situation worse over longer periods as you describe. It is now recognised that steroids, cortisone, should NOT be prescribed for rosacea. Your skin will improve again given time and your dermatologists advice and treatment. kcn.

Hello this is Brandon Clevenger. I just visited you web page. I am 15 and
i have a problem with acne vulgaris. I have had this problem for 3 years. I started off
using over the counter stuff. When I first got acne vulgaris it wasn't to bad and then it got
worst over the years. I am now just going to my doctor for medication because
the dermatologists I was going to was so far away and my doctor told me that he
could prescribe those medications for me so I just get them from him now. Well
now I'm getting very upset because it just doesn't seem like it getting any better. I
am glad to say that I don't get made fun of because I'm very big for my age. I
mean who is going to mess with a 15 year old weighing 175ibs and benching
230ibs if you know what that means. Well I hope that you get this message and if
you do please write back. By the way I am using (stay clear pads 3 times a day
just to clean my face, then I use Benzamycin Gel twice a day, minocycline 100mg
pills twice a day, and then differn gel at night. Do you think that this is a good
choice of medications and what all did you use? Please write back when you have
time my email is Brandon.

Hiya Brandon, great to hear of you we’ll see what our readers can tell you about what treatments they use. Perhaps if you have been using antibiotics for a length of time it might be worth asking your Doctor if he/she thinks the bacteria on your skin may have become resistant to them, he/she could then prescribe a different course.

kcn

Hi
I have a mild to moderate acne vulgaris case. I am very leery about how I appear to people because of my face. I hate having acne vulgaris so much
I can't even describe it with words. I have tried over the counter creams like stay clear and things like that but they didn't help much.
I am a 15 year old male and I didn't start having acne vulgaris until my parents divorced, and I am guessing that is because of the stress.
What can I do to help my situation? I would give so much to have clear skin again and not feel like I have to cover myself up around
my friends. Is there anything you can reccomend that I use?
Thank you so much for your time.
Greg

Hiya Greg fantastic to get your email. When I was a bit older than you my friends and I had motorbikes – man I used to keep that full face helmet on everywhere! I made any excuse not to take it off. So I know exactly how you feel and so do the thousands of other people reading this. If you think stress may be a factor in your skin condition why not try our relaxation tape? It’s not a cure but I find it of great benefit, my crash helmets upstairs gathering dust! Over the counter products probably won’t be very effective despite all the millions spent on advertising them, you will have to see your Doctor, take someone with you if necessary, tell your Doctor how your acne vulgaris is getting you down, let us know how you get on. kcn

I am a 46 years old female from Hawaii. I have been diagnosed as having rosacea a year ago but suffered from the symptoms for a year before that. My dermatologist put me on Desowen lotion (steroid) and instructed me to apply it twice daily after washing my face with the Cetaphyl Gentle Cleanser. I used it for about 10 months and my condition improved at first but eventually it became worse. When I went back to my doctor, he informed me that some of his patients with severe rosacea symptoms like mine were found to have the pylori bacteria in their stomachs. He said that after treating that bacteria, he's had good results with those patients. I was tested for the bacteria but my results were negative. He then placed me on another stronger steroid cream, which made my condition much more worse. In addition to the redness, bumps, and pustules, my face became dry and flaky, but looked oily! I also noticed that my cheeks looked a little swollen. After giving it a try for three weeks, I went back to the dermatologist and asked him if I could use Metrogel, which I read about on the internet. He gave me a sample Metrogel and also suggested I shampoo with a anti-drandruff shampoo called DHS, which has zinc. He noted that some rosacea sufferers' condition actually improved when they used the zinc shampoo, althought they did not have dandruff of scalp problems. I used the Metrogel and found that although my bumps, pustules, and swelling went away, my face was very dry and tight. My doctor switched me to Metro-lotion and it is much better, except my face is still red (although not as bright as before), dry and flaky. I have been applying Cetaphyl cream and/or lotion on my face several times throughout the day. On my next visit to the dermatologist, I may try Metrocream to see if it's better for my dry, flaky skin. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do or use to help the flakiness?

--Jan

Hi Jan thank you for your email. You should not have been prescribed steroids in the first place let alone put on a stronger dosage! Your skin may take time to recover from the steroids and perhaps this is where the flakyness is coming from. You may also have dermatitis which is a common accompanying disorder to rosacea as flakyness is not usually a symptom of rosacea. If you are cleansing your skin several times a day I am not surprised it is dry, give your skin a rest! Topical metronidazol gels and lotions are a good treatment for rosacea. No-one knows the cause of rosacea some studies implicate pylori bacteria in the stomach, other studies show it is not. As for the shampoo with zinc I have no experience of it and if this is the same doctor that prescribed steroids, I’d change Doctors. Let us know if this helps. kcn ps very jealous of you in Hawaii it’s raining again here.

I have had acne vulgaris ( kind of, anyway) for the past few months. I am 19 years old, and was quite surprised when this started up. I have eczema aswell, which probably doesn't help, but I only get these 'yellowhead' on my chin and around my mouth; sometimes they are painful, and sometimes they are not, but if one goes away (leaving an unattractive silvery scar behind), another will pop up right nex to where the other has healed. I have been using OXY On The Spot , which worked well when I only had a few spots, but now it only dries out the skin, leaving it red and scaly, because I have to spread it literally all over my chin. I wonder if you or anyone else you know may have used something that is not prescribed that has gotton rid of this condition in a couple of weeks. If not, as this is not really severe acne vulgaris, what would be the ideal solution that I could ask for from my doctor? I also have a dermatologist I go to about my eczema, so I may be able to go straight to him if the doctor or home methods dont work. Any advice you can give will be much appreciated.

Thanks!! JG

Hi, definitely see your doctor, perhaps ask him/her about a topical antibiotic solution. Your Dermatologist will be the real expert though. If any of our readers do have a treatment that isn’t prescribed and will get rid of acne vulgaris in a couple of weeks I want to know about it but joking aside any information from readers who have eczema and acne vulgaris will be gratefully appreciated. kcn.

Hi,

Like the website its a really good source of information. I've recently
been diagnosed as having rosacea and have been put on
Tetracycline and Anabact Metrondiazole .75% for the past month or
so. Its gone from red marks on my nose and some broken veins to a
big red nose and spots on my cheeks, nose and forehead. Its much
worse! This is despite giving up alcohol, curries, the sun and
exercise! Reading your website I was wondering if it was because
the Metrondiazole was alcohol rather than water based. How do you
tell? The Anabact has Bronopol, hydroxyethylcellulose, propene
glycol, hydroxybenzoic acid esters, phosphoric acid and purified
water as excipients. Is the propene glycol an alcohol? Any
advice/help appreciated.

Mark, Birmingham.

Hi ya Mark great to hear off you, thank you for your kind comments. You must be feeling really knocked back having started treatment and having the condition get worse. You will get back to the point where you can enjoy the things you mention (in moderation) but your doing the right thing giving your rosacea priority now. I honestly don’t know if having an alcohol base can make that much difference, in my experience it only caused a bit of transient irritation, but of course it’s worth trying a water based version. I’ve contacted a manufacturer for a definition of alcohol and water based. Your treatment especially tetracycline can take months to effect an improvement. Trigger factors can include stress are you under any at present apart from the obvious having rosacea is of course stressfull. Avoid added niacin in cereals or multi vitamins they always make me flushed. I really do hope we can be of some help, perhaps our readers can write in with other trigger factors that affect them. Please stay in touch Mark. The manufacturer has just got back to me, they didn’t answer the question but say metrogel is water based. kcn.

 

I do not have rocasea, but my cheeks are VERY red and VERY dry, i was wondering if you had any information that you could tell me about, that may help me. I am desperate. Even though it isn't rosacea, i do not feel that there is anything else like this except for rosacea, so if you can help please do i am 18 years old

Thank you TG

Hi thank you for your email. There are other skin conditions that can resemble rosacea, such as dermatitis, eczema, acne vulgaris, sunburn and some illnesses and some people naturally have red cheeks and look very attractive (otherwise why do so many woman use blusher) so don’t worry see your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment, it may be something that can be treated in a fortnight. Have a look at what you are putting on your skin, cleansers, make up etc they might be a factor. Please let us know how you get on. kcn

Hi my name is Sue. I was diagnosed about 6 years ago and was told that there was not much that could be done. That was by a general physician. This past year I went to a dermatologist and she gave me a topical called C-DESOWEN CM W 2% SULFUR. It had no effect. She recommended laser surgery. I have no brake outs with this and I have reddening on both checks, chin, and nose. If you or anyone you know that has gone through with laser surgery I would like to know more about it. Thanks

Hi Sue thanks for your message. Can anyone with experience of laser surgery relate please.

 

 

My name is Katie and I want to relate my experience
with the drug Accutane because I saw on your website
that many people are about to try it. I personally
believe that the drug is being overprescribed by
dermatologists - especially to teenagers with mild to
moderate cases of acne vulgaris.

I was 37 years old (I am now 40) and I began breaking
out. I had never had acne vulgaris before. I saw a
dermatologist and she recommended Retin-A. I tried it
and did not like the redness, soreness and peeling
that it caused. She then suggested I go on Accutane
(she said she had her teenage son on it). Never did
she offer to put me on a safe oral antibiotic or any
other acne vulgaris treatment. In reviewing the side effects
of Accutane she told me that I would need to lubricate
my nasal passages and that I would have to wear a lip
moisturizer all the time and use lubricating eye drops
because the drug caused severe dryness. What an
understatement. She told me about the importance of
not becoming pregnant while on the drug because it
causes birth defects. There is a controversy about
the company that makes the drug and the leading
researcher who developed it in regards to the birth
defects that occured in women who took the drug when
it first became available. The researcher was aware
of the horrible deformities resulting from the drug
and even though he was under a confidentiality
agreement he stole the research documents from the
company and insisted that Hoffman-LaRoche make this
information available to the public or he would.
After a battle, the FDA finally required an education
program and mandatory labeling about the pregnancy
risks associated with Accutane.

I was never told about another serious side effect of
Accutane - severe depression. I was on the drug for 3
months and it is true that my skin did clear up
initially, but over time it became so thin and
delicate that even slightly scratching it cause it to
tear. I also felt like I was wearing a rubber mask.
After 3 months I began to notice that I was sad all
the time and not feeling like myself at all. It was
nothing I could put my finger on - just overwhelming
sadness and despair. My friends and family also
noticed this change in me. My dermatologist at the
3rd month doubled the dosage of the drug and said I
would be cured of acne vulgaris forever after another 2 months
of treatment. I began experiencing terrible episodes
of sweating and shaking. It was then that my
depression became very severe. I would like to
mention that I was a very happy and content person
before this.

I did not want to go out of my house in public. I was
listless. I did not come out of my bedroom for weeks
at a time. To take a shower once a week was a huge
undertaking for me. I felt utterly hopeless and alone
no matter what friends or family tried to do. There
was no explanation for this depression in me. My
condition deteriorated to the point that I became
suicidal. I collapsed in a resturaunt and that day I
admitted myself to an emergency medical clinic because
I was so scared. In speaking with the mental health
professional there I learned that she had seen an
increasing number of people being treated for severe
depression who were on the drug Accutane.

Coincidentally that week I saw an article in the
newspaer regarding a person who was trying to find out
if the depression she was experiencing was linked to
the Accutane she was taking. I also learned of a
young man who was a college friend of my niece who
tried to kill himself after having been on the drug
for 4 months. I spoke with his parents and they are
certain Accutane was the cause. I then made inquiries
to the US Food and Drug Administration and learned
that there were a number of suicides reported related
to accutane use!

The experience I had with Accutane nearly killed me.
It took 6 months for me to get the drug out of my
system as it had built up in my bloodstream over time.
That is how the drug works. I had to be put on
anti-depressents just so that I could function on a
daily basis. I freaked out my friends and family. I
have never been the same since this happened to me. I
feel that I lost that last bit of carefree innocence
that I had.

I learned that many dermatologists are prescribing
Accutane for teens that have mild or moderate cases of
acne vulgaris. This is a very powerful drug that was developed
to treat extreme cystic acne vulgaris. It causes fetuses to
become deformed in the womb! If you are considering
this treatment be very careful. I would advise not
going on it. What good is a clear complexion if you
won't be alive to enjoy it. And by the way, 2 years
later I began breaking out again. Accutane is not a
miracle. My skin is now responding to much safer
treatments (benzylperoxide and oral doxycycline).
All the best,

Katie

Katie thankyou for your email it will certainly make our readers pause for thought. kcn.

Hi

First off, well done for an informative and well laid out site.

I think I may suffer from rosacea as I experience a soreness and reddening of my nose from time to time. The swelling feels like a spot (zit) that's deep below the skin surface, and rarely do these develop into spots. However, if I touch the sore area, some pus is expressed (I hope you're not eating your tea whilst reading this!)

After a while (usually a few days, it just goes away. My nose is never what I'd call a normal skin colour, and retains a reddish tint permanently.

I can't find the trigger: I stopped drinking beer, no change except now I've lost the taste for it. I also stopped eating spicy foods (Friday nights are now a real riot at my place!)

The only common denominator is definitely stress. I run my own business and sometimes this can get a bit much.

I've tried seeing my doctor (I'm not a great fan) but of course, my skin is usually ok on the day of the appointment. (They won't see you the same day unless you're dying or worse)

I'm male, 45, non-smoker, and enjoy the odd glass of wine. No spirits or beer.

A couple of basic questions:

1. Does what I've described sound like rosacea or a form thereof?

2. What's my best course of action to address this?

Any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

regards

Colin McLeod

Colin it’s difficult to hazard a guess as to your condition from your email. In my experience I find my nose is prone to spots in the same way as you describe and I can certainly empathize with your opinion of your Doctor and sod’s law dictating your skin isn’t bad on the day you visit. Yet your condition is obviously causing you distress for you to have searched for this site and to have seen your doctor. Many of us with rosacea have gone undiagnosed for years if not decades so you may have to insist on seeing a Dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. Can any other reader with a similar experience of symptoms as Colin describes, give an opinion please. Let us know how you get on Colin and please stay in touch. kcn.

I was diagnosed with rosacea @ 6 years ago - I have tried metrogel and doxycyclin. The anti-biotics work but one cannot remain on them forever. Right now, I completed a month on the anti-biotic and it really helped my face.

I also suffer from ocular rosacea and it really helped my eyes. However, now, the eye symptoms are returning. My HMO doctors have not allowed me to consult with a dermatologist, and my eye doctor isn't aware of my diagnosis. Only through information on the internet, have I discovered the link between the face and eye problems. I plan to take this information to my eye doctor (I'm due for an exam) and see if there's anything else I can do for relief. Right now, I use an eyewash daily, but the burning and oozing has returned. My face is stable, but I'm worried about my eyes. Any information on the accompanying eye problems will be appreciated.

Thanks, Diana

Hi Diana, thanks for your email. You will really have to insist on seeing a Dermatologist, the more advice and information you can get the better for you. Can any other readers offer personal experience of ocular rosacea treatments for Diana please. Let us know how you get on at your Optologist please Diana. kcn.

This is an answer to Sandra's request for a good cover for rosacea. I use Dermablend, found at department stores in the US. I'm not sure that it can be found in the UK, but it really works well. Originally developed to cover scars and strawberry marks, it works equally as well on rosacea. My face has cleared up with an antibiotic treatment, but the redness remains and Dermablend covers that up. It will cover the acne vulgaris, too, when it is present. Diana/Louisiana

Thank you Diana, that’s an excellent piece of information that will help many people. Anyone found it in the uk. kcn

I have rosacea in my cheeks, I don't get made fun of by anyone all people do sometimes is ask me why my cheeks are always red, I didn't know there was treatment or a name for my red cheeks until I saw a commercial on TV, I haven't seen a doctor yet, but I am going to make an appointment. About how long does it take to get rid of if I don't drink soda coffee any caffeine or eat spicy foods and i wear sunscreen and use the treatment, how long will it take to go away?????
\
Thank you, i feel much better now that i know there is a chance for me to make it go away,
Jordan

Hey Jordan, great to hear from you. Many people have red cheeks or a reddish complexion without having rosacea. You will have to see your Doctor and get a diagnosis and treatment if applicable. Tell him or her your true feelings if it is getting you down. Improvement with treatment will depend on a number of factors but be patient, we all have periods of up’s and down’s but now you’ve found us, you have friends who understand how you feel, we understand how your skin affects you because we feel exactly the same. We’ll be thinking of you, let us know what your Doctor say’s. kcn.

Dear Webmaster

Can anyone recommend a makeup, moisturiser and sunblock that won't worsen the spots and red patches I get with my rosacea? Sunblock in particular really worsens my rosacea. I need the makeup for 'camouflage' so that people don't stare at my red, spotty nose! I have tried the ones labelled 'non comedogenic' and 'hypoallergenic' but had no luck. I would love to be rid of this affliction, but I am afraid it's going nowhere of its own accord! (Metrogel only half effective for me.) I'm afraid I can't do without the odd alcohol or the curries - one has to live a little bit! So I'm going to try testing some alternative remedies. I've bought some Aloe Vera gel, as recommended elsewhere, to use as a moisturiser and will keep you posted. I will keep reading your excellent website. The Reader's Forum makes you realise you are not alone.

Helen Manchester

Hiya Helen, thanks to the interest and commitment of our readers you will find the answers to your queries on this page. Thank you for your kind comments they cheered us up after a naff week at work. Let us know how your alternatives work out. kcn

Hi.

I find it REALLY difficult to talk about IT. And I'm not talking about
Information Technology.
I was just reading your web site and am wondering where I can get some Benzoyl peroxide from. Is it a prescribed lotion or can I buy it ?.THANX.

Many of us find it difficult to talk about our skin conditions finding them acutely embarrassing and distressing, but you really should make an appointment at your doctors for diagnosis and treatment (don’t forget to take one of our posters please!) Preparations of benzoyl peroxide are available over the counter at pharmacists in the UK in varying strengths. Can our readers tell us if it is available in non-prescription form in other countries please.

 

I just finished visiting your website and found it to be informative. I have just been diagnosed with rosacea and have been reading everything on the subject.

I would like to know if there is any home remedy that is effective on rosacea. My dermatologist prescribed Sodium Sulfacetamide and MetroLotion (have you heard of these medications) which seems to help so far.

I would appreciate any advise you can offer.

Sincerely,

Myriam

Hi Myriam, I have not heard of an effective home remedy but the idea is attractive. When I was first diagnosed with rosacea I spent hundreds of pounds in my local health food shop trying everything they had for skin conditions and I tried every home remedy I could find, none helped, So beware. Indeed with rosacea you have to be careful what you do apply to already sensitive skin and what you ingest, you could make matters worse! Please let us know how you get on with your treatments. kcn.

I've recently been diagnosed with rosacea (at age 49) after clear skin for most of my life. I found your website on YAHOO and am so glad to read about the experiences of others. May I make a few comments to other readers? To SH from Newcastle: I live in Houston, TX USA, where it is hot for 10 months of the year. Today the temperature is about 95degrees F and the humidity is about 98%! Heat/sun are my worst triggers, so I had to laugh when I read your comment about wishing your climate were different. We are praying for rain and clouds here!!! No such luck. Just walking from the a/c grocery to my a/c car causes my face to flush, and leads to a breakout in this heat. I use a small mister spray bottle (filled with water) on my face and neck to cool off; maybe that would help you at work.

To Sandra: I don't know about Boots moisturizer, but I just found a cover cream that seems to work well (even in the heat!). It's made by a company called "Physicians Formula" <www.PhysiciansFormula.com>
and is a green-tinted concealer that comes in a stick, cream, tube, or powder. I hope this helps.

QUESTION: has anyone used MetroCream brand of metronidazole? This is what my dr. prescribed; it makes my face red and burns a little when I first apply it. Is it supposed to do that? I use it 2X daily, and it seems to work except for the initial burning.

Thanks!
nm-Houston

Hi thank you for your kind comments and information it will help many people. Your email sends a ray of Texas sunshine through a dull day. I can sympathise with your predicament in Houston. In the UK especially in the North we always complain about the weather, but I wonder how we with rosacea would cope in your climate. Check your metrocream and see if it is acohol based. I had the same problem until I changed to a water based metronidazole product. Let us know if that helps.. kcn