Rosacea in Australia
Most of the members of the rosacea-support mailing list are based in North America. Thus much of the discussion is about treatments available there. This page aims to collect information about treatments that are available locally in Australia. This may still mean using the internet to order products though.
On this page you will find information about how to find a dermatologist in Australia, how to find a local IPL or photoderm clinic, a few ideas for cleansers and other rosacea topicals.
Photoderm IPL Centres
It is important to find an experienced practitioner when seeking photoderm treatment for Rosacea. I have no information about how experienced these clinics are, so buyer beware: do your research.
The list of IPL machines in Australia has grown and is now on its own page. Last updated 8/7/2005.
- Photoderm IPL Australia
- Photoderm IPL Canberra ACT
- Photoderm IPL Sydney New South Wales
- Photoderm IPL Brisbane Queensland
- Photoderm IPL Adelaide South Australia
- Photoderm IPL Hobart Tasmania
- Photoderm IPL Melbourne Victoria
- Photoderm IPL Perth Western Australia
Dermatologists in Australia
The Australasian College of Dermatologists has a list of Dermatologists in Australia.
You will need to get a referal from your G.P. to visit a dermatologist.
- Dermatologists Sydney, New South Wales
- Dermatologists Melbourne, Victoria
- Dermatologists Brisbane, Queensland
- Dermatologists Perth, Western Australia
- Dermatologists Adelaide, South Australia
- Dermatologists Hobart, Tasmania
- Dermatologists Darwin, Northern Territory
The College has produced quite a nice introductory pamphlet on Rosacea (also available as a pdf file).
Metronidazole Treatments
- Metrogel is called Rozex
- Metrocream is unavailable
- Metrolotion is unavailable
- Noritate is unavailable
Rozex (see US link to Metrogel, or a N.Z link to Rozex) is available on prescription only. It is expensive, but some private health schemes list it under their subsidised pharmaceuticals.
Sodium Sulfacetamide Treatments
Unfortunately the Sodium Sulfacetamide based treatments like Klaron and Plexion are not available on prescription in Australia. If you find a way of getting them here in OZ, please let me know.
Cleansers
Cetaphil
A gentle cleanser is the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, (see US link at Galderma for more information) which is available from pharmacists, at around $11 a bar.
Ego
Ego `Wash’ is a liquid cleanser and seems to be quite gentle, and not overpriced. Only available from pharmacies.
Linda Sy
You can now order on the net from www.lindasy.com, air mail is expensive so be warned. Her oils, sunscreens and moisturisers have been instrumental in healing my Rosacea. I currently use her Unscented Superfatted Soap for Dry Sensitive Skin, Vita Oil, Moisture lotion for Dry Skin and ZincO cream. The Mosturising Oil for Face and Body is a nice choice also as it cheaper than the vita oil. The ZincO cream is reasonably priced at $29 USD a tube, it will last for many months. I really recommend this sunscreen/protectant as it helps soothe and protect as well as cover the redness. When I am too ruddy for the ZincO cream I reach for Linda Sy’s Acne Cover Lotion – what a boost for self esteem this has been. See the list highlights for more messages about her products. This paragraph sounds like a big commercial for Linda Sy, but don’t be put off, she offers cheap samples for you to try.
Zia Fresh Cleansing Gel
You can order Zia Fresh Cleansing Gel on the net. An Australian found the following when ordering ;
$15.50 Fresh cleansing gel $19.95 Daily moisture screen ------ $35.45 $11.05 Air Mail ------ $46.50 USD, (converted to $74.76 AUD)
The freight wasn’t as bad as I expected, and I ordered on 26/11, card was credited on 2/12, received 7/12, seems OK service to me, and they tossed in a few samples of their toner as well.
Rosacure
Rosacure is available cheaply in Australia from pharmacydirect.com.au and pharmacyonline.com.au.
Rosacure is a “a cosmetic product which may be useful for improving the appearance of reddened skin”. The makers only make gentle claims about its effectiveness. It has received an ok review as a moisturiser from group members. The Australian distributors offer a free sample to Australian residents if you email contact@aurorapharm.com
Antihistamines
You can get Zyrtec and Clarityne (note different spelling to the U.S.) without a prescription from pharmacies. They are expensive to buy a whole month’s worth, but are far cheaper than available in the U.S, where they are prescription only.
Rosacea-LTD Disks
You can order the Rosacea-LTD disks using your credit card and faxing Bass and Boney Inc. They will air-mail them the next day. This product is now is in its 3rd generation, called Rosacea-LTD III. They have worked well for me.
Hyperhidrosis
People who suffer hyperhidrosis have an overactive involuntary nervous system, which makes them sweat excessively or blush in even the most relaxed social situations. It can seriously disrupt their lives.
Following is a list of information that might be useful in your search for treatment for hyperhidrosis. Please do your research carefully, here is just information I have gathered, you need to decide how to proceed – by finding the best treatment for you.
Drug Treatments
It may be worth looking at the usefulness of treating with monoxidine or clonidine. They have been used to reduce flushing with some success. You will need to do your own research on the efficacy, safety and availability of esp. monoxidine which has not yet gained FDA approval in the U.S. but is available in Europe. Geoffrey Nase’s book has a small section with references on this topic.
Known ETS Surgeons.
Dr. Greg Self Suite 1.4 173 Lennox Street RICHMOND 3121 PH. 03 9429 1176
Email: selfvasc@hyp.com.aus
Web: http://www.hyp.com.au/users/selfvasc/index.htm
Dr. Lord, Sydney, Phone (02) 8382 6640
Dr. Nathanson Brisbane, Phone (07) 3870 7172
Dr Chris Hensman: operates out of Valley Private Hospital, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9795 7700
see http://www.surgicalteam.com/hyperhidrosis/dr_hensman.htm
Perth ETS Contacts
Frank Prendergast, Subiaco
Michael Lawrence-Brown
Marcel Goodman, North Perth
Steve Baker, South Perth
Some Background Web Sites
Usual disclaimers: buyer beware ! These contain a mix of medical, patient
support information.
- http://www.bfsforum.com.
- http://privatix.magenta.net
- http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/sadhelp/
- http://www.angelfire.com/ab/ets
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252 Comments over 6 pages ↓
Greetings to all other red-cheeked Santas.
Reassured to read there is hope of returning to something approximating my fair-skinned former self as I continue exploring, photographing and painting all of Australia’s parks—into my fifth year as a vagabond. I hike a lot, well slathered and sheltering under a broad brimmed hat. Invariably my face glows scarlet from the exertion and the slightest exposure to sunshine even with SP30+ triggers a breakout of ugly pimples. Like many of you, I’m teased about imbibing too much, or getting too much sun! If only it were that simple to prevent, eh?
Quit the grog (I rarely imbibe). Avoid the sun. (I do and as a consequent have to take Vitamin D supplements)
Fortunately I’m a whiz with Photoshop and have gorgeous unblemished skin by the time photos of myself enjoying this or that park arrive at one or other relative or friends’ mailbox.
Way back when a period of great stress first triggered Rosacea, my Victorian dermatologist prescribed ROZEX. My skin reacted by producing even more pimples! Thanks Mate.
Somewhere a few years down many dirt tracks, a doc in SA prescribed ERACNE to combat the
pimples. Doesn’t do a thing for the redness but it does reduce outbreak of bumps and blemishes.
The most effective in almost entirely eradicating the pimples (not the redness) overnight is a medication prescribed for another condition: DIPROSONE. Nasty stuff which thins the skin with prolonged use, thus resorted to only before venturing back into civilization to restock larder and do laundry. Once confident in public, I’m now embarrassed by my perpetually scarlet cheeks.
Confronting a batch of WA relatives for the first time tomorrow, Christmas Day, but not wishing to be taken for Santa, provoked a spend-up in a chemist on CLINQUE REDNESS SOLUTIONS. Green tinted SP15 base and make-up does an okay job of covering redness but plastering make-up on to conceal c rosacea is not a solution to it, is it?
Thus I’ve just ordered ZENMED. Will it work? Or should I consider laser treatment somewhere down the long and dusty road? Would appreciate feedback from others who have taken this step.
New Year’s resolution?
No more chocolate.
Sob.
No more red face.
Grin.
Happy new 2012 fellow cheery cheeked lads and lassies.
At least we can see our rosy, blemished faces.
My dear, diabetic friend, Ann, cannot see my face, nor hers, anymore.
Blindness trumps rosacea any day.
I had a bad outbreak of Rosacea through December and January which resulted in a trip to the local GP for more pills and creams. While the pills helped the creams did not. Rosacure helps my skin, but could not purchase it anywhere. My tube was way out of date. After talking to Mr Google, for a while, sent an Email to the makers in Italy, who gave me an email address for george@emagin.com.au who is their Australian contact. The company is Emagin Pty.Ltd
Unit2, 37-39 Green Street,
Banksmeadow
Sydney NSW 2019
They have Rosacure Intensive with SPF 15, as well as Rosacure Fast. They will also be marketing a cleanser and these products will soon be available in certain outlets [do not know names]
If anyone wishes to purchase these products just email George who was most helpful.