rosacea & acne vulgaris readers emails
Hello... I Understand that you are not a medical doctor. but. I went to your webiste and read, that was a very nice little put togethter you have. I have acne vulgaris and it goes from my face to back and sholders that is basically it. But it is in MASS! I have tried to use traditional methods with minimal success. It goes in stages, Good, Veryy Good, then BAG VERY VERY BAD. I get all happy then, WHAM, sad. I am in a sport called wresling and soon i will have to wear strap tight top that exposes most sholders and back. Is there somthing that i could start beforehand (the visit to my doctor of course) that could proove results? And Again Nice Site.
-Jonathan
Age: 16
Hiya Jonathan great to hear off you. You will have to go and see your Doctor of course and because your acne vulgaris is affecting a large area where it is hard to apply creams and lotions your Doctor will probably prescribe oral antibiotics. Could your Doctor give you a medical note to say you should wear a cotton t-shirt under your wrestling gear? If you want to try something before you see your Doctor you could try benzoyl peroxide topical gel, but start with the least strength and don’t over do it. Remember acne vulgaris can take some time to respond to treatment have a look at our acne vulgaris treatments page for more details, good luck and stay in touch.kcn.
That's better!
Just for your info i have been having homeopathy treatment for the passed couple of months for my rosacea. i have been seeing someone on a one-to-one basis as i think with homeopathy it is difficult to diagnose yourself as the reason that you have the rosacea (or whatever it is you are trying to cure) is different to why someone else has it - at least that's what homeopathy says (being a holistic treatment etc)
My first session was very long and like a counselling session which was a bit strange at first and my homeopath thinks that one of the main causes of my rosacea is the fact that i worry and get stressed a lot - about everything - work, what people think of me, what i say etc we also discussed what was going on in my life in the 6 months leading up to my first occurrence of rosacea and it was a pretty stressful time (problems at work, horrible boss who bullied me, moving house, new job etc).
So i have been prescribed two remedies now and my skin has improved a bit - it has definitely got drier (although i have possibly gone backwards a bit as have been on holiday to Cephallonia for two weeks and although i was applying factor 60 sun cream i wasn't going to stay out of the sun all holiday!). However i do feel much better in myself and am definitely calmer and less worried about stuff - when i went back to my homeopath i couldn't believe some of the things that i had said in my first session about being paranoid etc
I had expected/hoped that my skin would show more improvement than it has so far but my homeopath says that the emotional and psychological changes always come first. I have now been prescribed a remedy in liquid form that i have to take every day for several weeks and hopefully should see improvements in the next couple of months. i will keep you posted on this!
obviously i have had to pay for this myself but hopefully it will be worth it in the long run and i need to be patient as it will take some time.
Keep up the good work on your website!
Samantha
Hi Samantha, yes it is always best to see a reputable practitioner who can treat the whole person as you say. I really do hope it works out for you – please keep us posted. kcn.
Hi,
ahhhm i have suffered from rosacea all of my life, and very almost committed suicide when i was 18 because of it. Now i'm 24, and i have learnt to live with it, but i'd stumble if u asked me if i'm happy.
I'm a student, and doing it hard living out of home. So i ask for your humanity towards a fellow sufferer. I must admit i hear of a lot of whiz bang things, and am not as excited about you are at the prospect of this.
I can't put a price on the mysery i have.
Simon.
Hi Simon, I want to thank you for your email. I too have been seriously suicidal over my skin conditions and your email epitomises the depths of despair that we all have endured at some point, and has been a timely reminder to me of why I started this site. The intention is to freely give you all the information I’ve collected over the years – thanks for getting me back on track. All cheques relating to this will be returned. kcn.
Hi kcn,
I've not been too bad, thanks for asking! It took a while though,
but I think that my skin has cleared a little bit, although I have found it
hard going to cut back on the nasties such as coffee! The only reason I
manage to stay awake in work some days is vast quantities of the stuff! Also
the beer factor is tough!!
I think my brother has the same thing as well, he went for a medical for a
new job recently and the doctor asked him if he was a drinker because of his
red face. Now my brother drinks but not to George Best standards! Anyway he
didn't get the job and I really think that the medical effected this.It
shows the impact that this can have on your life, people really can make
decisions on face value!
How long have you been effected by this yourself? Your web site is the only
unique really because people can relate to others about how this effects
them, I think this is so important because it has such a psychological
effect on you.
Anyway here I am going on again, I think people in work am getting sick of
me going on about my skin all the time!!
Speaking of work I had better go do some!!
Thanks for your mail and all the work you put in on the site , it is
appreciated.
Take care & bye for now.
Paula
That is terrible about your brother being discriminated against because of his skin. Why the hell hasn’t “political correctness” encompassed skin problems? Has anyone else got stories of discrimination they would like to share? kcn.
Hello,
Just when I am resigned to the fact that I am one of very few people hindered by this 'socially-crippling' affliction, I come across an entire web-site run by people in my situation.
For about 15 years (I am now 28) I have realised that my complexion can become reddened under certain conditions. Firstly it was just after exercise (age 13/14). Then came the excessive blushing (age 15/16). Next was the flushed appearance from drinking alcohol (age 17/18). Then it was the hyper-sensitivity to temperature changes, either too hot or too cold, then the stress related flush, heavy meal flush etc. etc. (you know the rest) until we get to present time. For the last few months the redness has pretty much been constant. I made the (maybe common) mistake of thinking that tanning would 'hide' the situation .... but of course this just makes it worse.
I no longer have a social life (a love-life is out of the question) and the career that I have worked very hard at is under great threat. Every day seems to be a struggle. It is impossible to concentrate on anything when your face feels like it is going to melt. The worst of all though, is other people's reactions. People assume you are highly embarrassed or stressed and therefore can't cope with your job. The truth is that I am probably a lot less stressed about my work than most would be. What stresses my out is my appearance, and the more I stress about it, the worse it gets. It's reached the point where I can barely even talk to people because they never look me in the eye when I am speaking to them, they scan my face, thinking that I am not aware what they are doing. It is amazing how cruel people can be.
I first mentioned my concern to a doctor when I was about 17. He sent me away telling my that it is completely natural and I will 'grow out of it'. Hmmmm, 11 years later I am still waiting.
Having spent a great deal of time searching the Internet for any information, I have come to the conclusion that I have rosacea .... and have recently moved to another stage in the process as the flushing is now constant.
I recently spoke to another doctor who simply grinned at me smugly and told my that there is nothing that can be done. It's no wonder I have no faith in doctors.
My apologies for sounding so negative, but I hope you understand that I am feeling very low at the moment, and confidence is just a distant memory.
Creating this website is an excellent idea and hopefully we can gather as much information as possible between us.
I will watch the website closely and wish you all the best in coping with this affliction.
Take care.
Gareth
Dear Gareth
thank you so much for your email. Your experiences EXACTLY mirror my own and as you have found out thousands of others feel the same way. I heard that ETS does stop the blushing whether from exercise, hot food etc - I saw my family Doctor yesterday about it - he confused it with the older operation to cure underarm sweating. I live in a small city 70,000 population so my Doctor is corresponding with a surgeon in Newcastle upon Tyne who hopefully has the experience to do this operation successfully. In the UK we have free health care paid for through taxes, you have insurance in the US don’t you? I'm going to contact the american website and see if he can offer some kind of discount as it is a very popular issue. For now ask your Doctor to prescribe Metronidazole cream ie metrocream, and try a drug to control the flushing, propanolol beta blockers may help, I used to suffer badly from panic whenever I started blushing which didn't help the situation as you can imagine (typically - oh shit I'm blushing, everyones looking, now I'm panicking sweating hot, sweat running down my face, I've got to get away, if I go I'll look even more stupid,) now I try to say bollocks to it, but it aint easy - medications from your Doctor may help but you will need to discuss this with your Doctor.. Don't apologise for being negative, your taking positive steps in trying to get the better of your condition, it is great therapy for me to talk to you and makes my day if I can pass on some info that may be of help. It's been great talking drop me a line anytime you like.
Oh and by the way I'm starting a penpals page this weekend, probably sunday unless my wife gets me doing the housework!, have a look and see what you think.
best wishes
kcn.
>
> hi
> first of all, i like to thank , for giving people ,this help.
> i been having acne vulgaris problems recently . ill be 24 years old in three
> months, so im kind of concern, because i never had acne vulgaris before, im
> taking son hormone pills called diane 35, but my acne vulgaris is kind of getting
> worse. Ill be glad to get some advice of you . thanks a lot.
>
> lineth
Hi thank you for your email. It's great to hear off you. You will need to
see your Doctor to ascertain the severity and extent of your acne vulgaris. If the
acne vulgaris is on the face a topical antibiotic cream, a mixture of benzoyl
peroxide and antibiotic cream (benzamycin) or in more severe cases perhaps a mixture of a retinoid and erythromycin (Isotrexin perhaps), if the acne vulgaris is also on your chest and back and difficult to reach with creams your Doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Drop me a line anytime & good luck. best wishes kcn.
Have you heard of any treatment for rosacea involving acutane? I've done
the tetracycline and doxycycline routine; now my dermatologist is
experimenting with a low dose of acutane for a longer period of time (he
estimates 20mg/day for 8 months).
Could this possibly work?
Are high doses of doxycycline (300 mg/day) harmful? Summer humidity is the
worst for my face. I've done fairly well with 200 mg/ day; when I increased
to 300 /day for a week this summer, my skin was better. My doctor isn't
sure if that would be harmful to continue. He recommended we try the
acutane.
Please respond. Thank you.
Caryl
I am very interested by your website and would welcome your views on how to treat my condition. I had a biopsy circa 10 years ago - the conclusion being that I had 'acne vulgaris rosacea'. Unfortunately I recently found that the Psorigan cream I was using (extremely sparingly - one dab of cream would last a week) contained a steroid and is no longer available. The new cream (PS-98 Advanced) without steroid isn't as effective but reduces the redness. The condition is best described as being red dry rash across the nose and along the side of the nose on cheek, but not all the way across the cheek. Sometimes it can weep slightly. The sun almost completely clears the condition (great in the summer). I don't use soap on my face as my skin is sensitive, most acne vulgaris treatment such as biactol and oxy10 are too severe. Compared to the conditions that are described on the website my condition seems not so bad. However if you are aware of an ointment or some form of treatment that may help such a condition, please let me know. Yours sincerely,
Jason
Hi Jason, acne vulgaris rosacea is an out of date and misleading term for rosacea. It was originally thought that because rosacea sometimes has acne vulgaris like spots and thought to mainly start in the adult years that it was a form of "adult acne vulgaris" it isn't and so the treatments you mention for the treatment of acne vulgaris are not generally indicated for the treatment of rosacea. Have a look at the other replies on the readers email pages, you should find the information you need, if not get back in touch with me anytime. Great to hear from you. best wishes kcn.
Hi, I am twenty and for about 6 years I have had uncontrollable blushing and flushing of my face. It is triggered by anxiety, exercise, alcohol etc. I am worried this will get worse and develop into acne vulgaris rosacea. I've noticed the red is staying on my face in two big patches. It annoys me bc I am quite confident and reasonably attractive but this holds me back from using my full potential. Everyone dissmisses it as cute and the fact I have fair skin. However, it is just very annoying and my mind is occupied with it. I don't want to get surgery.
Blushing does not necessarily have to develop into rosacea. Ask your Doctor about medication and for diagnosis and try avoiding the trigger factors I find make my flushing worse. I know what a massive problem it is let us know how you get on. kcn.
Hi. I wrote an email to this site a week ago about serious flushing which I thought would develop into acne vulgaris-rosacea. Since then I have seen my doctor and he prescribed me Clonadine which has helped minimise the flushing. I no longer flush when I drink and flush when I think about it. Heat still triggers it but the meds have helped me control it so it isn't a majoy problem anymore. It has changed my life. Also, the red patches on my cheeks are reducing. See your doctor today.
Blimey that was quick! kcn
>
> Hi I have rosacea and I was wondering would it be affected by weight
> training. I am looking at getting stuck into a program soon to get in
shape and I would welcome your thoughts on whether or not it would be
detrimental and any advice on the matter.
>
> Also what is the best makeup and could it prove harmful to the condition.
I am looking for subtle,effective makeup and I don't want to walk around
> looking like a clown !
Dear Timothy
I found that when my rosacea was at it's worst, weight training was an
aggravating factor, but now that it's under control - by avoiding trigger
factors and some medication - I find I have no problem although I don't push
myself too much. Heavy weight training increases the blood pressure
temporarily, perhaps a less strenuous but longer workout that involves less
sweating may be a good compromise until your rosacea is under control. Drop
me a line anytime. Dermablend make up has been recommended by our readers, I believe it is available in American stores, if you like you can purchase it at beauty jungle on our shopping page.
best wishes
kcn.
> I need your help. I have just been to your site and have acne vulgaris, what should
i
> do to get rid of it and what things can i do to help it?
> Please help by sending me a email on what to do,
> thanks. Hayden.
Dear Hayden
It really depends on the extent and severity of your acne vulgaris. What treatments
has your Doctor tried?
I look forward to hearing some more details off you.
best wishes
kcn.
> im a 17 year old (almost 18) guy from panama, central america...i got
> some questions for you.....
>
> 1-Im taking Roa Accutane 20 mg per day, does it affect my sexual organs?
> Can I have kids in the future?
>
> 2- I have been with acne vulgaris since i was 14, it got ugly last year and
> started with the roa accutane, then i stoped. This year i had a breakout
> and the doctor gave me the pill again...How many years (im almost 18) I
> will have the acne vulgaris,,,,,,,,
>
> thank you
Hi Juan
Thank you for your email. If you go to our drug info page you will find all
the information you need. Drop me a line anytime.
best wishes
kcn
I have just read on another website (not as good as this one of course!)
> that 5mg a day of Pantothenic Acid is being trumpeted as some kind of
> miracle cure for acne vulgaris. Have any readers had any experience of using this
> treatment?
>
> Nick
>
Dear Nick
Pantothenic acid is one of the B vitamin complex group. A deficiency is
said to lead to poor skin health. I mention on last weeks emails that b
vitamins complex.supplements (with niacinamide and not niacin) have been a
help to some people, but it aint no miracle cure, I've been taking them for
years for stress relief. Thank you for your kind comments they are
appreciated!
Cheers
kcn.
Subject: rosacea III
> Hi
>
> Do you know if the above product is any good?
>
> Thanks.
Sorry no idea! Anyone?
kcn.
Hi,
My name is Jim, I am 39 years of age, I have had active rosacea since I was 10 years old. It has played a very dominante & active role in my life. Not a day has passed since having this problem that has not depressed me in some way. I know it has hindered me making friends, having a good social life, career, & now it has cost me a seperation from my wife of 10 years with her getting fed up of my anti social life style & mood swings. I have 2 girls, they are in good health. I tried lazer treatment, years ago no use, very expensive, also pills from doctor no use, basicaly given up, I like a drink, but this also flares up my face.I belong the north of Scotland & if anyone can help, let me know, nothing left to lose now.
Hi Jim
Your experience mirrors my own except luckily my wife is not sociable anyway so that doesn't bother her. Have you tried metronidazole cream and drugs to help the flushing, I have seen my Doctor about a new surgical treatment for facial flushing and will be reporting about that in due course. Would you like to give me some details of yourself to go on our penpals page. rosacea is very common in Scotland hopefully you could find someone nearby to share experiences with?
stay in touch
best wishes
kcn.
Hello,
My name is Gary, and I have been diagnosed with rosacea by my family doctor, but my symptoms are different than what I have read about.
My scalp has red blotches and I get allot of sore bumps, most of which turn into pustules.
I have tried oral antibiotics and cleocin t 1% gel upj. The gel speeds up the healing of the pustules but doesn't seem to prevent them. Now he has mentioned trying Tetracycline.
Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you, Gary
Dear Gary
Hi yeh I get that too, it sounds as though your Doctors on the ball, let us know how you get on.
best wishes
kcn..