Me- 24, female

Some people have Rosacea and some people have severe Rosacea so before you judge, you should know that. For the last 7 years I have had progressing ocular rosacea and skin rosacea. It is painful, uncomfortable and crippling.
I was a highly academic person, now I can barely use my eyes to read. I was pretty, now I can barely look in the mirror. I was very outgoing, now I can barely look a shopkeeper in the eyes.

What people don’t understand about this disease is that it is not about vanity. I have given up caring how pretty I would like to be, I’d settle for normal. I have constant mucus and painful redness of the eyes and my eyelashes are now falling out. You can’t tell me that there is no reason to be depressed.

I have had IPL,KP Laser, been on doxycycline, minomycin,low dose isotretinoin/roaccutane, had a colonoscopy to check for gastro links, had smart plugs put in my eyes, have used about 50 different eye drops some costing 0 a box. I used lidcare at least twice a day and hot compresses on my eyes. I also coat my face and lids in vaseline every night without fail, or I will suffer the next day. The only products I am not allergic to are cetaphil and at my worst I can’t actually wash my face even with water as my skin is so dry that it cracks and bleeds. If I try to fully open my mouth wide, my skin tears and leaves little blood blisters. Sometimes my eyes puff up and over so I can’t even see out. I don’t eat wheat, I limit dairy- no alcohol, no coffee, you name it. People say I eat like Madonna, all vegies meat and fruit- nothing from a box, can or processed.

I have been to the top dermatologists. My dad is a doctor and so he has accessed some of the best people for me. Some had closed their books and took me on because nobody else could help me.

I guess the purpose of this rant is not to ask for help but to open some people’s eyes to the varying severity of this disease. Some people have it mildly and the treatments help them- but for a lot of people THIS IS NOT A VANITY ISSUE. This is a life issue, a survival issue.

If it wasn’t, why else would a girl who loved people,life and just being normal, be sitting in her house for the last 12months- never leaving, just trying to get some help. Ordering food and anything I need to the door of my house and letting my Grandma go grocery shopping for me.

Yes,I do believe in God and yes I do pray everyday. I am not mad or bitter and people say it is amazing that I cope so well. Everyday I just get through, walk my dog at night when nobody will see me and live with my Grandparents. Thank God for them. Maybe if I can just be a good person and keep perservering God will do something, I don’t know why he doesn’t but I can see how this has made me a better, unsuperficial, compassionate person. I can barely watch Australian Idol without crying for the person voted off these days- THAT is how much this has broken me. If i got better, I’d only want to do good things for people but I feel like this can’t go on. The agony and the boredom of an idle mind, sitting here wasting away like a potato. A very sad potato. hah. Prior to this, I was like a machine- visiting doctor after doctor never giving up but it feels like I have no hope left.

Before you respond to people on this telling them that suicide is not a logical conclusion to severe rosacea, you should know how bad it can be. Just because you have a little bit of pink in your cheeks and can deal with it, doesn’t mean that other people aren’t suffering. So next time, listen to them and know that their complaint is not only legitimate, it deserves some compassion.
Thanks to everyone who has replied. I really appreciate the genuine responses. I just needed to vent.

To the guy who made the first comment, I’m not vain and I don’t ‘care more than other people’. I am tough. If you haven’t seen ppl with severe rosacea,or sight threatening ocular rosacea then that is because many of them don’t leave the house- not because they are vain- but because the sun, wind, fluro lights all exacerbate beyond bearability. I go for walks at night because sometimes I need to wear goggles.
I care about other people and I have seen other people’s suffering, in fact that was my job description before I had to stop work in February. I live on savings right now. I listen to other people’s problems and I care about other people suffering out there stuck inside or with chronic illness, so don’t tell anyone who is suffering that they should think about other people in worse situations. We are all people and our problems matter to each of us, there is room for everyone.
Thank you wee-bird, skye and gold.

Your story broke my heart wee-bird, I almost electrocuted myself crying on the keyboard! ha.

I’m really glad you got better anyway.

I have one more scan to have- I am seeing an endocrinologist who thinks there may be some hormone problem causing me to flush so much. I just got some negative tests back today from him which really sent me into a tail spin.

There are so many people suffering in their houses from all sorts of things.The only thing that keeps me going is hoping their is a positive reason for all this, that I will be so strong if I get better that I will be better than if I’d never been sick.

Thank you to everyone who replied again.

Ok, this is a bit long but it will only takes about 5 minutes of your time, I really need help on this problem, thank you!

I recently have this eczema pimple lookalike, pinkish-red kind of itchy rash on my right cheek

Image: http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/6934/rashhy6.jpg

I really don’t want to use back hydrocortisone or any other steroid creams anymore, because all these prescription creams has worsen the condition, causing my face sensitive to the sun as well. It’s like, when I stop using it, the problem comes back again 3 weeks later, and the problem comes back even greater. I’ve been prescribed non-steroid cream as well, Elidel and Protopic. Protopic burned my skin, and Elidel gave me cough (it’s proven it gives internal side effect).

I’ve had bad experience with moisturizer cream that contains Petroleum, Mineral Oil, and Paraffin because all these ingredients actually form an oily film that sits on top of the skin, preventing moisture from evaporating. It has a drying effect, it actually suck out the moisture of your lips/skin, which is why you have to constantly reapplying it.

I’ve just change my cleanser from "Cetaphil Gentle cleanser" to "California Baby Shampoo & Bodywash, Super Sensitive (can be used on face)". Because RECENTLY I did a research about this harmful chemical ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it’s actually cheap detergent that people used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers etc. After the research I looked at the back of the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and DANG, it has SLS and another harmful ingredient called "Propylene Glycol". For Christ sake I’ve been using it for 4 years.

By the way, I’ve spent a fortune for this problem and been to many dermatologists and ended up transferred to a senior skin specialist dermatologist, one of the best in my area but still pretty useless. And there was one time in 2006 I put on a full makeup, the brand was Clique. It was the first time and also the final time I applied makeup because after washing off I realised my face was peeling already. Then later that year I did a skin patch test and turned out that I’m allergic to a fragrance called "Lyral". It’s is a fragrance that is present in many cosmetic products. I’ve not been putting any cosmetic to my face ever since that incident. Then this year I took IgE blood test and Food Allergy Test. My IgE stated 73 IU/ML and I asked the laboratory person what does it mean and he said that any number that’s under than 87 is normal.

The food in the test are Hazelnut, Lobster, Sacharomyes Cerevisiale, Shellfish Mix, Squid, Chicken, Codfish, Corn, Crab, Egg White, Milk, Peanut, Potato, Rice, Shrimp, Soyabean, and Wheat.

The food allergy test on the print-out all stated class 0, which means I’m not allergic to any of those.

I did a fungal test before but it turned out negative, which means I don’t have it. I’ve asked the dermatologist if mine was rosacea and he said no. I also once suspect this might be perioral dermatitis so I asked if I could take antibiotic but the dermatologist refused to give it to me and said that my type of eczema is called Atopic Eczema.

He told me that if I’m so paranoid to use back steroid cream, just keep moisturizing. I asked him if by moisturizing alone would it clear off the rash and he couldn’t give me a confident answer, he just replied, "it will improve the condition" -_-

He gave me this moisturizer called "Physiogel Al Cream", these are ingredients,

Aqua, Olea, Europaea, Glycerin, Pentylene, Glycol, Palm Glycerides, Olus, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Betaine, Palmitamide MEA, Acetamide MEA, Sarcosine, Hydroxyethyl-cellulose, Sodium Carbomer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

After trying out two times I still find it quite greasy even though there isn’t any petroleum or mineral oil.

So now I’m looking for an alternative way to deal with this problem because I really don’t want to use back the stupid steroid cream or those moisturizer that comes with crappy ingredients.

Also, I was reading this CB Calendula Cream review over here,

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=54802&catid=26109&crpg=5&tab=1#1

The product was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 44 users. 90% of them commented that the cream cleared off rash problems like cradle crap, eczema rash on face etc. Even some adults commented that they have facial eczema rash, perioral dermatitis, dry skin etc used this product and has worked wonders in healing their skin.

So I’ve been using the CB Super Sensitive wash for my face, and have applied the the CB Calendula Cream on my face for the fourth time. It somehow stop the itch a bit, but I am wondering how long it will take to clear off the rash.

So has anyone of you tried using California Baby Calendua cream with success?

Also, CAN MOISTURIZING ALONE clear off the eczema facial rash? Or am I doomed to use back steroid?

Omg
P.S.

I’ve been on this "detox diet" for close to 6 weeks already, I’ve stop eating meat and poultry. I only take one meal a day which consist 1 plate of brown rice, and 3 serves of spinach and broccoli, 2 bananas and 2 apples. I’d take fish at most twice a week though. I’ve also been drinking only water, 12 glasses a day. I used to sh*t twice a week but ever since I started out this "detox diet" I’ve been sh*tting everyday. Yes, it does help to clean my bowel and liver but I still don’t understand why recently I get this sudden rash appearing on my right cheek.

By the way, I posted on this section because there might be some of you who can help me out with a proper detox diet or something. I’ve also posted on other sections as well.
I’ve not been eating any dairy product as well, no chocolates, no bread, no milk, not even sweets. :S

I have suffered with rosacea for several years and have been to no less than four dermotologists. Prescribed creams and lotions do not seem to do much, if any, good.

Okay so I think I might have Rosacea…and I want to get rid of it…
So, do you know any cremes I could use?
I have very sensitive skin too…
I just want the pimples and redness to go away
please help!
thanks

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070805161110.htm

Dermatologists take your 60.00 and all say the same thing.

it doesn’t work.

I need practical advice from people who have or had this disease.

thanks.

im looking for a natural/home remedy type way to calm the effects of my rosacea.i have gotten several types of acne meds but it only irritates it and my Dr gave me some pills but they make sick.any help is greatly appriciated

This is more a question to Plastic Surgeons or Dermatologists than the general public, but a nurse working for either of the two specialties will know, so please tell me.
Thanks.

Does mineral powder cover up redness caused by rosacea? I’m thinking about buying Maybelline mineral powder stuff but I want to know if it will work. If anyone has rosacea, what does your makeup routine consist of?

DIAGNOSE MY SYMPTOMS
My chest has a permanent sunburned look. I am fair skinned and have unfortunately been a worshiper for many years. I used to drink fairly heavily but not anymore at all. Sober 3 years. No high blood pressure.

Ok, this is a bit long but it will only takes about 5 minutes of your time, I really need help on this problem, thank you!

I recently have this eczema pimple lookalike, pinkish-red kind of itchy rash on my right cheek

Image: http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/6934/rashhy6.jpg

I really don’t want to use back hydrocortisone or any other steroid creams anymore, because all these prescription creams has worsen the condition, causing my face sensitive to the sun as well. It’s like, when I stop using it, the problem comes back again 3 weeks later, and the problem comes back even greater. I’ve been prescribed non-steroid cream as well, Elidel and Protopic. Protopic burned my skin, and Elidel gave me cough (it’s proven it gives internal side effect).

I’ve had bad experience with moisturizer cream that contains Petroleum, Mineral Oil, and Paraffin because all these ingredients actually form an oily film that sits on top of the skin, preventing moisture from evaporating. It has a drying effect, it actually suck out the moisture of your lips/skin, which is why you have to constantly reapplying it.

I’ve just change my cleanser from "Cetaphil Gentle cleanser" to "California Baby Shampoo & Bodywash, Super Sensitive (can be used on face)". Because RECENTLY I did a research about this harmful chemical ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it’s actually cheap detergent that people used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers etc. After the research I looked at the back of the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and DANG, it has SLS and another harmful ingredient called "Propylene Glycol". For Christ sake I’ve been using it for 4 years.

By the way, I’ve spent a fortune for this problem and been to many dermatologists and ended up transferred to a senior skin specialist dermatologist, one of the best in my area but still pretty useless. And there was one time in 2006 I put on a full makeup, the brand was Clique. It was the first time and also the final time I applied makeup because after washing off I realised my face was peeling already. Then later that year I did a skin patch test and turned out that I’m allergic to a fragrance called "Lyral". It’s is a fragrance that is present in many cosmetic products. I’ve not been putting any cosmetic to my face ever since that incident. Then this year I took IgE blood test and Food Allergy Test. My IgE stated 73 IU/ML and I asked the laboratory person what does it mean and he said that any number that’s under than 87 is normal.

The food in the test are Hazelnut, Lobster, Sacharomyes Cerevisiale, Shellfish Mix, Squid, Chicken, Codfish, Corn, Crab, Egg White, Milk, Peanut, Potato, Rice, Shrimp, Soyabean, and Wheat.

The food allergy test on the print-out all stated class 0, which means I’m not allergic to any of those.

I did a fungal test before but it turned out negative, which means I don’t have it. I’ve asked the dermatologist if mine was rosacea and he said no. I also once suspect this might be perioral dermatitis so I asked if I could take antibiotic but the dermatologist refused to give it to me and said that my type of eczema is called Atopic Eczema.

He told me that if I’m so paranoid to use back steroid cream, just keep moisturizing. I asked him if by moisturizing alone would it clear off the rash and he couldn’t give me a confident answer, he just replied, "it will improve the condition" -_-

He gave me this moisturizer called "Physiogel Al Cream", these are ingredients,

Aqua, Olea, Europaea, Glycerin, Pentylene, Glycol, Palm Glycerides, Olus, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Betaine, Palmitamide MEA, Acetamide MEA, Sarcosine, Hydroxyethyl-cellulose, Sodium Carbomer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

After trying out two times I still find it quite greasy even though there isn’t any petroleum or mineral oil.

So now I’m looking for an alternative way to deal with this problem because I really don’t want to use back the stupid steroid cream or those moisturizer that comes with crappy ingredients.

Also, I was reading this CB Calendula Cream review over here,

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=54802&catid=26109&crpg=5&tab=1#1

The product was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 44 users. 90% of them commented that the cream cleared off rash problems like cradle crap, eczema rash on face etc. Even some adults commented that they have facial eczema rash, perioral dermatitis, dry skin etc used this product and has worked wonders in healing their skin.

So I’ve been using the CB Super Sensitive wash for my face, and have applied the the CB Calendula Cream on my face for the fourth time. It somehow stop the itch a bit, but I am wondering how long it will take to clear off the rash.

So has anyone of you tried using California Baby Calendua cream with success?

Also, CAN MOISTURIZING ALONE clear off the eczema facial rash? Or am I doomed to use back steroid?

Omg
P.S.

I’ve been on this "detox diet" for close to 6 weeks already, I’ve stop eating meat and poultry. I only take one meal a day which consist 1 plate of brown rice, and 3 serves of spinach and broccoli, 2 bananas and 2 apples. I’d take fish at most twice a week though. I’ve also been drinking only water, 12 glasses a day. I used to sh*t twice a week but ever since I started out this "detox diet" I’ve been sh*tting everyday. Yes, it does help to clean my bowel and liver but I still don’t understand why recently I get this sudden rash appearing on my right cheek.

I have had rosacea now for about two years. My doctor prescribed some metrogel cream for me, but it didn’t do any good. I know about certain procautions I can take such as staying out of the sun as much as possible. I was just wondering if there are any legit store products that might help treat it, or something I can get treated for at a Dr. or dermotologist????? Please help!

Had Rosacea since senior high. Ever since I’ve been seeing derm with some success but I always end up coming back, either the product stopped being effective, or product had recieved a ban from the FDA. Also did light therapy session with little improvement.

I’ve used atleast 6 different topical cream just for rosacea, all if not most contain some sort of steroid and other chemicals I am afraid to have on my skin in the long term.

My rosacea can get ugly, with not just flushing but also bumps and blemishes. The most difficult part to treat is the ones located under my lower eyelid because using certain topical creams can thin the skin, you know what that means, ladies.

September 2008 is when I took a risk. I switched all my skin-care products to all-natural including shaving. Either it was going to get better or worse. It did get better, in 10 minutes saw noticeable result on the mirror! I felt the debris from the roscea just slide away, I can feel it on the tip of my fingers. This natural regimen caught the rosacea at its very early stage before it became full-blown, overnight. Obviously, I am also aware about other conditions that may play a role in causing rosacea to appear.

But fast forward to today, combination of getting fever, exposure to wind all day, physical stress made me breakout into a more widesprea area under the lower eye. It seems uncontrollable with the stuff I’ve been using for more than 6 months. It’s as if my rosacea adapted to this new forumala, like a virus mutating into someting else that resist current treatments. I dont know this is happening.

I just need to know if someone out there has had any success formulating their own regimen using natural products. I have very sensitive skin and also prone to acne and other skin-related issues like eczema and seborrea.

The products that I used for my face: Dessert Essence: Jojoba Oil, Burt’s Bees: Tomato Soap, Dessert Essence: Tea Tree oil.

For my hair, I use various Burt’s Bees hair products, they are 98-100% natural and provided some relief with seborea on the scalp. I could not risk using chemicals that tend to flow over my face as I shower.

Again if you found something that works for you that is all-natural skin-care products or have tips on how to deal with rosacea that not commonly found over the Internet, kindly share them.

I’ve tried some brands and they either immediatly make my face pink or irritate my skin. Is there ANYTHING that reduces the pink look of rosacea or gets rid of it or at least a little?

Can you be diagnosed and given medication for rosacea by a regular doctor if your health insurance doesn’t cover dermatologists?

I did a lot of research on what my skin condition could be with some help from the internet and my esthitcian (how ever you spell it) She new I had Rosacea, but I haven’t gone back to see her in awhile (can’t afford it) I narrowed it down to what my skin condition is…PAPULOPUSTULAR…Anyone with this skin condition… I need your help on what kind of skin regimens are out there as far as what products are working and not working…thanks a bunch!

Alot of makeup I have tried lets the redness through and every time I look in the mirror I see red on my face. I would like a good coverage makeup..not too heavy though! Thanks!

I have facial redness on my cheeks & nose & also my face is a lil swollen than regular. My Doctor feels it could be Rosacea. I am also feeling heat on all parts of the body(stomach, face & other parts of the body too). Does everybody having Rosacea has similar symptoms(heat in body)? Its been like this from about a month. I would highly appreciate if somebody could throw some light on this.
Thanks!

I was diagnosed with rosacea about a month ago. The dermatologist prescribed an anitibiotic & gave me a brochure with a list of things to avoid. She said I should see some improvement in a month, & suggested doing laser treatment. I had a follow up appt. this past Tuesday.

I was under the impression the antibiotic would help with the rosacea, so when she asked if I was seeing any improvement, I said no. She then asked if I was still having acne outbreaks; I said just a couple, but they went away right away. I voiced my confusion, and she said the antibiotic was for the acne, and that the rosacea is actually blood vessels, & there is no treatment; I can just do things that will keep it from getting worse.

She said the laser treatment will only reduce the redness about 25%, not eliminate it. My insurance doesn’t cover it, & it will be 0.

If it only reduces it 25%, is it worth it?

Also, is there really no treatment? I thought there was something you could do.

Thanks!
Also, why do they call it "acne rosacea" if it’s actually blood vessels, not acne?

The area on both the sides of my chin has numerous acne on them.I use Clindamycin in those zones.Though the acne disappears,it reappears after sometime,and also my skin there is becoming rough and a bit darker.The dermatologist has diagonised it as acne rosacea.Please advice.