Australia

129 comments ↓

#1 Kate on 09.20.07 at 6:31 pm

Rosex is available in Australia, so I am not sure how old this information is, you can get both the gel and cream. For me the cream works better, but both are a great alternative to taking medication for the rest of your life.

#2 cherie lidbury on 09.26.07 at 11:07 am

hi…just wanted to know if the treatments from ‘Zenmed’ work or are just as effective as the ‘disks’ from Rosacea-LTD?
regards cherie

#3 Briony Holman on 09.30.07 at 6:14 pm

I really need some advice – and would like to attend a help group but can’t find any information. All the websites seem to say the same thing – which isn’t a lot. I have had lazer treatment and it didnt work. Would really like to meet other people in Australia who flush uncontrollably and find out their mechanisms for dealing with it!

#4 Digital Davo on 10.13.07 at 12:47 pm

Hi Briony,

Last time I looked there were no rosacea support groups registered with the self help registries in any part of Australia. So I registered this one so at least people find something !

It can be hard trying to cope on your own. Rest assured that there are plenty of other rosacea sufferers out there and some good helpful sites on the internet are a great place to get info and learn more.

davidp.

#5 Yifeng on 10.14.07 at 2:38 pm

Hi, I am an international student in Australia and also suffer from Rosacea for at least more 10 years. I am going crazy, I cant remember how many products I have tried, none of them worked.The even worse thing is that my skin is not only red all the time, but quite oily, no matter what product I use, they all easily cause irritation…
I have been using Rozex, seems that it is the only product I can use for a longer time.
sometimes i feel life is ruined by this uncurable desease in some way.

So if anyone know any good doctors for treating rosacea in Sydney area, or any product, please let me/us know.

my email is yfsun@gmail.com

Thanks

yifeng

#6 Yifeng on 10.14.07 at 2:41 pm

by the way, i found the Jurlique’s Hydrator/Toner Gel for Ultra Sensitive Skin is not bad. It can be used as a toner and wont cause irritation.

just put little amount of gel on figertips and PRESS onto skin gentally

#7 ang on 01.25.08 at 3:10 am

I was prescribed Rosex by my doctor but found that it helped by only about 50%. Then I came across a cream called hydrozole this has been great for me and worked better than the rosex and you can buy it over the counter. I also changed my moisturiser over to Olay NIGHT cream it has been the only moisturiser that hasn’t made my skin flare up and it has improved the dry look I was starting to get.

#8 Digital Davo on 01.25.08 at 9:46 am

Ang, please be careful with hydrozole as it is a 1% cortisone. Prolonged use will make your rosacea worse. See http://rosacea-support.org/over-counter-steroids-can-cause.html
for more information.

#9 titi on 01.25.08 at 4:51 pm

Hi Yifeng, maybe you could view this website because they say they could cure rosacea completely. I once called this Lady Qian, she told me that it takes around 1 month time to stay at her salon to cure rosacea, and it cost around 1500 USD. For more information just call her.

titi

#10 titi on 01.25.08 at 4:51 pm

the link is http://www.yuhuakj.com/

#11 Alex on 03.25.08 at 7:34 pm

I visited my doctor today and took along a tube of rosacure and he rubbished it for not listing the ingredients on the tube. He has prescribed rozex which I hope does wonders as I’ve used Rosacure for 18 months on recommendation from a pharmacist, and though it worked well initially (more like a non-irritable moisturiser however), it hasn’t been very effective long-term ie I’m still red around the nose.

#12 Greg on 04.22.08 at 7:39 am

Please consider that surgery should be an absolute last resort. Do your research very, very carefully. There can be irreversible side-effects from sugery (the main one is compensatory sweating from the ‘nupple line’ down), and these side-effects can be far worse than the original problem. My research indicates that ETS surgery for blushing is more prone to side effects than ETS surgery for hyperhidrosis. Oh, and by the way, I should know how devastating the side effects can be – I had ETS for blushing and my life is quite honestly horrible because of compensatory sweating. Most doctors will downplay this fact, so don’t overlook it – doctors cannot predict the severity of the side effects – it is on a patient-by-patient case, and your life may never be the same.

#13 Karen on 05.30.08 at 7:48 pm

Hi, I’ve suffered with Rosacea for 2 years now. Initially it was acute and I was prescribed a course of antibiotics to reduce the severe inflamation for about 6 weeks. After that I was prescribed Dapsone (used to treat leprosy!) 50mg daily together with Rosex cream and have beem taking the Dapsone for about 18 months now. My skin is almost back to normal with only slight redness which is easily concealed with light make up. I don’t really need to use the Rosex cream at all anymore. Just wondered if anyone else is using Dapsone and what their comments are?

#14 southerngulfhome on 08.04.08 at 10:09 am

New Rosacea Treatments:
Dapsone Cream . It comes in pill form, but you need a cream. It was being used for other treatments like Leper’s. Not sure where u get it. Either try that or V -beam. You need 3 -4 treatments to get a good result. Either that or wait for SansRosa. Good luck to all.

southerngulfhome@embarqmail.com

#15 Digital Davo on 08.08.08 at 12:41 pm

There is aczone, an acne treatment that is 5% dapsone gel. There is not a lot of information out there about using it as a rosacea treatment, sadly.

http://rosacea-support.org/aczone-gel-5-dapsone-gets-fda-approval.html

davidp.

#16 Irene Lamb on 08.10.08 at 5:45 pm

Has anyone heard of Zenmed as a treatment for Rosacea? It is US$64.95 for a tratment pack of 3 items plus shipping of course. the website sounds good, but does anyone know?

Irene

#17 Digital Davo on 08.10.08 at 10:34 pm

Hi Irene, it seems that only a few rosacea sufferers that have posted online are happy with Zenmed. You might find it works, but from my search of the archives I don’t think your chances are great.

davidp.

#18 southerngulfhome on 08.11.08 at 2:08 am

Lets face it. There is not a single over the counter product that will come close to treating Rosacea. It’s all a scam. We all hope for it! And pray it works! But they never stand up to the promises!
SO….lets face it. Real treatments may work for some. Like V-beam, or IPL, with Oracea and Azelex cream. And a very long wait for Sans Rosa Col-118!
Good luck to all!

#19 JR on 08.12.08 at 3:50 pm

I am so over this rosacea thing and looking up websites and always trying to find the “answer”. Now that I have lumps and bumps – pustopapular rosacea or whatever I actually wish all I had was blushing and flushing. I think I’ve tried everything and feel like trying nothing, but then remember that things will get worse if I do nothing! It is so frustrating. Can’t sombody find a cure already…
I know this moaning isn’t helping anyone out there but sometimes you just have to get it off your chest to people that are going through the same thing.
Back to my search for answers…Has anyone had success with Azelex cream?

#20 Digital Davo on 08.12.08 at 4:57 pm

Hi JR,

It seems to me that there are actually more effective treatments for the papules and pustules of rosacea – compared to the treatments for the blushing and flushing and pain of rosacea. So from that point of view it might be considered to be easier to treat. Azelex is a good option for many rosacea sufferers – although it is too harsh for some. If you can tolerate it, you should do better using it. Metrogel ought to be able to make a noticeable dent, and systemic antibiotics are normally a reasonable option as well.

davidp.

#21 Angelique on 08.27.08 at 10:01 pm

I’ve had Roseacea for over 10 years and the acne associated with it since the birth of my second child 4 years ago. At times it has been really bad and has effected me emotionally. I tried anti-biotics but skin flared up as soon as i stopped. I’m very oppossed to that idea now. Finacea seems to make a real difference to me. Doesn’t eradicate it completely but definately clears it up a lot. Zenmed was a complete waste of money for me. Didn’t make any difference at all.
I’ve been reading alot about – yeast overgrowth so have cut all yeast/refined sugars from my diet and within a week skin is looking very improved. Am also wanting more info on Demodex mite and whether killing it will cure me ! Good luck to all.

#22 southerngulfhome on 08.28.08 at 1:19 am

Dear Angelique,
There is some so called treatment with “seabuck thorn oil” that has been used for treating Demodex mite. But you should make sure that is what you have. Most people don’t have that. I’ll say it again….Over the Counter products rarely ever help! Your on the right track with the diet. It always helps to clean up your in-take. But after 10 years of this. I have tried it all. I’m going for my second treatment with “Genisis Laser”. I had 3 treatments with V-beam. And it helped for a short time. Then ..BAM..it was back! So.I called every laser place on earth, and even called the Manufacture of the different laser companies to speak with a rep. So..after speaking with a woman who had stage 1 Rosacea. She had 3 -4 treatments with this laser. And it has worked well. She didn’t work for the laser companies. She was working in one of the Doctors offices up north. So I couldn’t visit there if I wanted to! It was not a sell job she was given me. LOL
E me..if you have any questions at all.
Good luck to all!

southerngulfhome@embarqmail.com

#23 gayle on 09.07.08 at 11:20 am

Hi everyone
Just wondering about the colloidal oatmel products Aveeno, we have it in Australia in the body lotion creams and washes. Elsewhere in the world you get purchase facial products Aveeno. They have calming feverfew and suitable sun protection in them for rosacea. I use the body lotion on my face it is really soothing, but I would much prefer the proper face product. Why cant we have up to date products in Australia I contacted Johnsons and Johnson who make
Aveeno and the notified me that they would not supply this product in Aust. in the forseeable future. Anyone know of anything similar.

#24 davin lim on 09.07.08 at 8:19 pm

Hi everyone,
we run an acne/rosacea clinic at westside dermatology in taringa, brisbane. 2 of our specialists ( Dr Davin Lim and Dr Belle Cominos) have a special interest in rosacea.

#25 Digital Davo on 09.08.08 at 8:51 am

Hi Gayle,

It sure is frustrating that we feel like second class citizens way all that way down under. Even ordering stuff via the post is not that satisfying because postage is expensive. We can only hope that good sales in the US encourages companies to expand their worldwide reach. In the end though, the whole Australian economy is only the size of that of California – so we are a small fish.

davidp.

#26 davin lim on 09.13.08 at 6:43 am

yes, it is frustrating for both dermatologist and patients in australia due to both TGA and drug company interests ( or lack there of). Sometimes we get around it by compounding formulations, otherwise internet orders for the good gear from the States is another solution.
Davin Lim
Dermatologist

#27 Jodie on 09.17.08 at 3:24 pm

Hi,
Has anyone tried any of these Australian products for Rosacea? I have been searching for new products to help my rosacea but they all seem to be located in US and have to be bought over the net. Please let me know your thoughts if you have tried these.
Thanks – Jodie

http://www.alize.com.au/1-rosacea-sensitive-skin-care-treatment.php

#28 Vicki on 10.10.08 at 1:22 pm

Hi All, I too have been suffering on and off since my first pregnancy…7 years ago and then after my second pregnancy 4 years ago it never went away…I moved from Canada to Australia and the heat has made it go berserk…I need help…I find a try something and it works for awhile and then stops…Pure Aloe vera gel really helps sooth it when at it’s worst…It also gets worst at “that” time of the month…I would like to get in touch with an actual dermatologist…Or get in touch with Dr Lim or Cominos…as mentioned above…I have heard several people mention mites…what are demodex mites and how would I know if that is what the cause maybe and has anyone tried environ and vitamin A treatments…that is what the estheticians here in Australia seem to have faith in…I appreciate reading that others are in the same boat…looking forward to any comments…Thanks

#29 Digital Davo on 10.11.08 at 3:24 pm

An indirect comment from Gayle;

Hi Vicki,

Your rosacea sounds like it really reacts to your hormones I dont know if I had any symptoms while pregnant, I was always a person that went red but I thought I was always getting sunburnt or embarassed, I had never heard of bloody rosacea until about 4 years ago, I am now 47. I wish I had not heard of it even now, it really is a pain, but it does respond positively to different things for different people.

The worst thing is it takes so long to find out what works for you and what doesnt. I think the change of temperatures for me is the most reactive eg. going from a hot enviroment artifically or naturally to cold or vice versa. If you can keep a more even temp.the better, this is hard to do but things like running the car aircoditioner a bit before you go in the car, having cold water to sip when start feeling a flush coming on, keeping in the shade and sunscreen, sunscreen, sunsreen. I found the biggest challenge for me is the changes I need to recognise at the start of each season. But once I start dealing with the new conditions it does calm down. Alchol is no no for me, but sometimes you just have to live, drink cold water while drinking alchol definetly helps, with the hangover too.

I cant drink hot drinks or soup in a heated room in the winter. When I was first diagnosed with IT! I was prescribed doryx antibiotic/antiinflammatory for 6 months, that cleared up the swellings/pimple things, then rosex cream twice a day for flare ups. I have kept it fairly under control for the past 2 years, but I still have my flushing moments. I use clinique city sun block SPF 25 every morning. cleanse with cetaphil cleanser, and garnier day cream in the purple jar for moisturiser in the day and garnier night cream at night. I also had laser treatment for the redness left by all my flushing and blushing, I found it had good results, but was very expensive and I live 4 hours away from any reputable clinics and it did not last long enough for me to keep going. I just try and treat each day as it comes and dont get to down with the bad ones, when I first was diagnosed I became obsessed with IT! and it basically ruled my life, cos Hell its your face, your calling card to the world.

I hope I havent go on to long, this is the first time I have put this down on paper and I cant seem to stop. I hope some of this helps and when I think of some other things I will write back. I find the dermatologists basically just prescribe antibiotics and give you a very broad instructions. eg dont drink alcohol, find out your triggers and keep cool. (they are well paid for giving these brilliant ideas)

Good Luck. gayle

#30 Vicki on 10.12.08 at 6:07 am

Hi Gayle,

Thanks for the reply…Okay, so going to a dermatologist might just confirm what I already know and you have added…

Next step…I am currently in the middle of a course of lazer genesis treatments…due for my third…it is a last ditch effort…

I have been doing some reading and it appears there may be some help but it is very difficult to get the money for research and to do clinical studies is very expensive…

I came across a Canadian Dr who has a theory based on some of her personal research because she too is a sufferer of rosacea…I would appreciate some input…if anyone has tried this or heard of solutions like it…rosacea-support.org/demodex-mites-treatment

I appreciate your input and look forward to hearing from others as well. It seems it can be very individual but definitely has similarities…

Good luck to all…
Cheers
Vicki

#31 Digital Davo on 10.12.08 at 2:42 pm

Comment via email:

Dear Vicki,

Finish the treatments..and let things settle down for a week or so. The normal time fram is a treatment every 3-4 weeks apart. But check with the doctor. Many people like you . Experience a flare up..and the redness doesn’t go away. It happened to me. My DOC….perscribed a steriod to clam the flare up! YEA..I know!! Many people claim this causes a rebound affect. And..I must say I was worried. But I had no choice. So I did it for 5 days..and then got off using it! I switched to a moisturizer..that was organic..Like Coconut oil. And then I used Eurcine ( For redness ). It have licorice extract with a green tint. If that doesn’t work..TRy the “PERFECTA” laser. It’s a newer version of the V-beam.

Good Luck
Regards
southerngulfhome@embarqmail.com

#32 Karen on 10.19.08 at 5:38 pm

Hi there

Nice to know I’m not the only frustrated pink faced one around.

We arrived in Australia about ten months ago and I’m desperate to find a dermatologist who does IPL treatment in Perth. My dermatologist in South Africa treated my rosacea with IPL and Rozex gel. He also put me onto NeoStrata products (available from Pharmacy Online) and it really does the trick for me. Sunblock by Bioderma also works well.

I’d appreciate any recommendations regarding the IPL treatment.

Thanks
Karen

#33 Vicki on 10.20.08 at 6:12 am

HI Karen,

I feel for you…IPL is readily available through many beauty salons…However, they are not all created equally…You need to find out what kind of IPL your dermatologist used so you can find the same here…Otherwise you could end up worse off…Thanks for the input…I am continueing with Lazer genesis and a product line called skin ceuticals…I will keep you posted…

Has anyone ever tried treating for Demodex mites? Still wondering about that?

It appears that it is a case of trial and error and everyone has a personal solution…eventually…it is just a matter of finding out what works…more research has to be done…

Cheers,
Vicki

#34 James on 10.28.08 at 5:54 am

I have found that Neurofen gel is very effective. I can put it on at night and in the morning all the red bumps on my nose have disappeared.
I combine this with MooGoo to moisturise.
http://www.moogoo.com.au
I hope this helps.
James

#35 Digital Davo on 10.28.08 at 4:26 pm

Hi James, we use the MooGoo products here to bath our toddler, I never even thought of trying them myself.

#36 gayle on 11.02.08 at 12:19 pm

Hi everyone

Just wondering if anyone has any experience, having facial surgery with rosacea. I need to have upper eyelid surgery to help correct droopy lids which is hindering my eyesight. I was wondering if the incisions etc will make my skin react badly, my rosacea is currently under control. thanks gayle

#37 James on 11.06.08 at 4:33 am

Hi folks
My Rosacea has almost completely disappeared due to the fact that I’ve been taking yoghurt. I read in recent reports that SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) has been identified as a causative factor and that one way of controlling these bacteria is by rebalancing your system with ‘good’ bacteria’ such as the Shirota strain.
I noticed a difference in my skin within a few days so I can certainly recommend this to everyone.
There’s also progress being made with the drug Rifaximin, so I get the feeling that there’s a cure just around the corner.
Cheers

#38 Cassy on 11.06.08 at 12:38 pm

Hi all, I’m a newbie to this forum and have been reading with great interest all the comments regarding various treatments for the dreaded rosacea.

I am a 38 year old woman from Australia and have been suffering from rosacea for the last 5 years or so. The latest episode being more than 2 years solid. I’ve tried the oral antibiotic Doxcyclene, initially worked well, but lately to no avail, but trying again. I’ve also tried Rosex cream, again worked ok first time, but now useless!

I am so frustrated by this painful and embarassing condition that I even have to wear makeup IN MY OWN HOME so as not to scare my family! I have it all over my face, all red and dry and scaly.

Well, I am throwing down the gauntlet! I will be visiting a naturopath in the next couple of weeks to totally overhaul my lifestyle. I will be detoxing myself of this Western diet and starting afresh. No alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, massively reducing red meat, dairy and anything with yeast, drinking bucket loads of water and getting daily exercise.

Stay tuned. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress.

Oh, and on a side note…I’m getting married in April 09, and I am 100% determined to beat this MONSTER before I say “I do”! :O)

#39 Will on 11.21.08 at 7:54 pm

I am of Asian background and live in Fiji and have had rosacea for about 9 years now. So much for the stereotype that only fair skinned Europeans get rosacea.

I noticed that my rosacea was mild initially but got really bad when I came to Australia to undertake post grad studies. It was the stress and sudden change in temperature. I had 6 IPLs with Dr Michael Szalay in Spring Hill but he was all talk. waste of money.

When I returned to Fiji my rosacea virtually disappeared after a year. Even though generally warm all year round, there was much less fluctuation in temperatures. And I used no medication at all. With the high humidity, my ocular rosacea also disappeared. I almost never flushed unless doing strenous exercise.

I have returned to Australia and when I came in June (mid winter) the fluctuating temperatures (indoor/outdoor) and cold nights and sunny Queensland days played havoc with my skin. My rosacea came back with a vengeance. I started flushing at the slightest cold breeze. My eyes would dry out and I would flush away.

I now use nothing on my skin, drinks heaps of water and manage my stress levels. Rosacea is much improved but I am dreading the heat of Queensland summer.

My advise to those recently diagnosed, manage your stress level amongst other things.

#40 JR on 11.23.08 at 12:29 pm

Hi Cassy,

I know how you feel. I was prescribed Aropax(an antidepressant) by my dermatologist about a year before I got married as I had decided I wanted to be on top of it for my special day. This was great for reducing blushing and flushing as it helps to regulate body temperature, it was wonderful for that period of time to not have to think about my skin. There were side effects though. It made me very tired and I feel I started to put on weight after a while but have later read that reducing carb. intake can reduce this symptom. I got sick of these side affects which is why I no longer take them, but I am grateful to have had them around the time of my wedding. It might be worth considering if you don’t have success with other alternatives.

I too am starting to reduce intake of sugars and carbs in my diet to see if that has an affect. I wear makeup every day and while I hate having to always put it on, I think it reduces my flushing a bit by making me less worried about my red face. I don’t think it helps with lumps and bumps though.

Anyway hope this info is of use to you and let us know how you go with the natropath.

All the best and good luck for your wedding.

#41 To Irene Lamb - Cane on 12.06.08 at 1:08 pm

Gidday Irene
Good to see yr out of Bogga Road,again.
The medication yr talkin about is now available in Australia and retails around AUD$29.75
Hope this helps and it addresses ya problem.
Margaret

#42 DragonAsh_08 on 12.27.08 at 12:09 pm

Hi Guys,
I came across this forum/support group quite recenlty and just thought I’d post here to try and get some information.

For about the last month or so now the condition of my facial skin has been gradually deteriorating.
I know the internet and second-hand information is never good for a diagnosis but just looking for some info.
I have slight redness across my nose and cheeks. The skin in this area is very dry and scaly and also quite sensitive. There are also numerous broken capillaries and strange small red ‘bumps’.
I don’t flush and never have but the the skin in this area feels….strange. It burns without becoming red but also constantly feels like it is pulsating deep down, not superficially. This strange feeling is also across my forehead and under my chin.
I have been to my GP about it twice in the last couple of weeks and initially was told that is was just dry skin and to moisturise 3-4 times a day with sorbolene. This did not help so I returned and she prescribed a steriod creme to use. At the time I asked about Rosacea and was told that is was simply not ‘red’ enough. I have not tried the steriod creme because from what I can gather if it is Rosacea it will only make it worse long time.

Although nobody can diagnose first hand, do these symptoms sound similar to anybody elses?? I live in Brisbane and was wondering if anybody here can recommend a good dermatologist or even a GP that might have knowledge about Rosacea as from my reading it seems to be an extremely variable disorder and treatment is the best way to slow the progression of it.

Thanks Kindly.

#43 Digital Davo on 12.27.08 at 6:51 pm

Comment via email:

From Gayle Grixti;

Hi Dragon Ash

Dont know if this will help, but I have rosacea and I do flush and burn, with certain triggers, but I find when the weather is very humid, which is not very often here I live in Victoria, my skin behaves the same way you are describing also with no flushing at all, but with the swelling and pulsating feeling mainly in my nose and sides of my nose, as you say it does feel very weird and being a person with mainstream rosacea, none of the things I do to usually control my flushing work in this instance. I think you are wise in not using the steroid cream. Maybe you should suggest to your GP being prescribed low dose antibiotic, eg doryx for the releif of the swelling and spots maybe before things really get going. Because rosacea is really much more than skin deep. This probably will not be of much help to you. I must be honest my skin really feels the most comfortable in the humidity even with the swelling feeling. Being red really sucks. Good Luck and keep as informed and of top of things as you can. PS some laser treatment might help.

Gayle

#44 DragonAsh_08 on 12.27.08 at 7:59 pm

To Gayle Grixti,
Thanks kindly for your reply.
I have been reading heaps of forums and internet sites about this condition and most of the signs of it seem to be a good description of what I’m currently dealing with.

I will see my GP again soon and try to get a referral for a Dermatologist in the area and to discuss what treatment options are available in the meantime because I’m guessing the Dermatologist will have a long waiting period.

To be honest I really don’t know how to go about controlling it as in terms of avoiding triggers I have no idea since none of the things that are usual triggers have ever caused me to flush or burn before. In saying that, is it once you develop the condition you start to respond to things like alcohol and hot rooms etc???

As there is so much information on the internet and seems to an endless myriad of treatments and triggers etc it’s kind of doing my head in.

#45 Vicki on 12.28.08 at 8:30 am

Hi ,

Hope you don’t mind me joining in…I personally believe from my research and experience with rosacea that there are a lot of problems out there being called rosacea that are not in fact rosacea…that being said it is important to get a good diagnosis from a professional.

Rosacea can involve a lot of different factors, what you eat, where you live, your general health, stress levels etc…

I have spent a lot of time and energy and money on all different “cures” However, nothing I tried seemed to really make a difference alone…

I did however, find that a combination of things really helped and once it was under control…I could “cheat” a little here and there…

I had lazer treatments, stopped drinking alcohol, use only Cetaphil (inexpensive, quality, over the counter cleanser and moisturizer without perfumes etc)…avoided spicy foods, reduced caffeine intact, started drinking way more water…I also find swimming in salt water helped…I wonder if any one else has experienced a benefit from salt water???…

I started by doing it all…now I can keep it under control and have a drink…or a spicy meal…or an extra coffee as long as I don’t try doing it all at once and moderate…

I don’t know if this will be helpful…I know there is a lot of information out there that is really misleading and confusing…Unfortunately, there is no quick fix and you will have to experiment to find what works for you.

Wishing you love and laughter on your journey
Vicki
PS Still wondering if anyone has anything to say about dimodex mites??

#46 Karen on 01.01.09 at 9:22 am

Hi, I have been suffering from rosacea for about 5 years now, and have a constant battle with pustules and redness. Now I have further complications and I am wondering if anyone else has suffered from inflammation and redness on the actual whites of your eyes. I have been prescribed fluorometholone eye drops short term as there are complications, unfortunately it comes back within a week! Can anyone suggest a way to save my eyes?
Many thanks…Karen

#47 Hank on 01.20.09 at 1:06 pm

Try using 100mg of Zinc Sulphate 3 times a day for about two weeks and supplement this with Zinc cream applied lightly before going to bed.
After about two weeks , cut the dosage down to about 25mg twice a day but keep using the Zinc cream.

I’ve had excellent results with this and my symptoms have disappeared. It doesn’t cure Rosacea but if you look better you’ll feel better.

If you experience abdominal pains due to the tablets cut down on the dosage earlier.

#48 Karen on 01.22.09 at 7:19 am

Thanks for your reply Hank, I will give the tablets a go. Have you been putting zinc cream on your actual eyeball?, wouldnt that feel a bit weird?

#49 Hank on 01.22.09 at 8:14 am

Hi Karen

Please don’t put any zinc cream on your eyeballs because they will react. The zinc cream is purely for your skin.

I think you’ll find an immediate effect with the tablets.

Good luck
Hank

PS. If symptoms return after you’ve dropped the dosage to 25mg then try and experiment with a dosage that suits you. It may be 50mg three times a day. Just be guided by how your body reacts.

#50 Karen on 01.22.09 at 5:42 pm

Thanks for clarifying that Hank, I will give it a shot and will post any feedback that will be useful.

#51 g.g. on 02.01.09 at 8:08 pm

Hi everyone

I have a question. I have noticed that I do not sweat at all on my face. When I am excercising I sweat all over my body except on my face, which of course is getting really hot and red. Does anyone else have this, and I am wondering if it has anything to do with having rosacea? Thanks.

#52 Karen on 02.02.09 at 5:28 pm

Hi g.g., I havent actually heard of no sweating on the face with Rosacea, I would be inclined to check with your doctor, and even then sometimes they just label everything wrong with you as being connected to the one illness, when in fact it could be another. I googled “no sweat on face”, and came up with “askalice” website, that had a couple of ideas of why, I hope this help a little.

#53 LissaL on 02.07.09 at 8:44 pm

I have found that Rosacea and Redness Control by Ovante is the most effective for me. I ve been using their products almost a year now and it works fine. Here is the web-sute i order it from http://skinimprovements.com
Now, their shipping is pretty high but i did ask about it and they cut it in half. Was very nice of them. Just wanted to share it with every one.

#54 Moss on 02.27.09 at 9:36 am

I have recently been diagnosed with rosacea after many years of uncontrollable flushing, occasional pustules (which i thought was because I had oily skin), and being told by the beautician that I have “cuperose” skin…..it appears all the things i like (spicy food, coffee, occasional alcohol etc) disagree with me and of course humidity. My Dr has prescribed “Rosex”, which she says is the “only” treatment for rosacea. I have finally talked her into a referral to a dermatologist, who has referred me to another dermatologist who does laser treatment for a “cosmetic consult” re the tiny red veins on my cheeks & nose. The Dr’s don’t seem to have much of an idea. I don’t know whether to have laser or not and there doesn’t seem to be much advice coming from my dr. I think my rosacea is mild to medium, but even that is my guess. I’ve noticed that a lot of the information seems to come from the usa and i’ve heard about Linda Sy’s products. Has anyone used them? I’ve going to the usa in 5 wks and I don’t know whether I should pick some up whilst I’m there or not.
I’ve been using cleansers/moisturisers for sensitive skin for some years which seems ok. Some days are good….some days are awful.
For all these years i just thought i was easily embarrassed etc….stupid huh? When someone finally said….you have rosacea….i went to my dr and said…”do I?” and she looked at me like durrrrrrrrrr….lol. Apparently I was the last to know!

#55 Digital Davo on 02.27.09 at 3:55 pm

Comment via email from Gayle.

Hi Moss

I know just how you feel for years I thought I was the only person who went red and hot about nothing until a doctor told me I had rosacea. I was very down for a long time a spent many hours looking on the internet for a ‘cure’. As we all know there is no cure yet. Here is what I find best: Go to a dermatologist, stick
with the rosex and if your skin is sensitive and dry use rosex cream. Have you been prescribed with Doryx antibiotics. Rosacea is very confusing and everyone has different responses to treatments and especially triggers, my rosacea is much better in humid hot weather. Make sure you always use sunscreen zinc oxide or titanium oxide as main ingredient. Also try and keep your temperature as even as possible. Drink lots of water. Keep in the shade and wear a hat. I have occasional alcholic drinks (you have to live!) and drink hot drinks or spicy food in a cool area. Also mineral foundation is great to cover up redness. I have never used Linda Sys products, but I think she has closed down. Cetaphil cleanser is good for me and not to expensive but the moisturiser really stings. I had laser treatment 2 years ago and it did help at first but did not last long enough for me to justify the price of it. I hope this helps a bit, just be patient and dont let it get you down, stress is probably one of the biggest triggers.

#56 Moss on 02.28.09 at 5:16 am

Hi Gayle,

Thank you for your reply. I am using the rosex cream and it seems to have had an effect in reducing the redness – at least this is what work colleagues tell me. I havn’t been prescribed any antibiotics as yet, so i will discuss the Doryx with her. Is one course of them usually enough? I have noticed that temp fluctuations have a huge impact….especially if i go to work and they don’t have the air con on….i get an almost immediate reaction. Cleansers and moisturisers i’ve used for the last few years have been Thalgo in the sensitive range and they work well for me and i am trying the mineral foundation at the moment, although i do still use liquid foundation sometimes and a concealer from clinique.

I know what you mean about stress levels; I can guarantee a flare up if i am under stress, even minor stress or even if I am just asked a question in a work meeting….I can’t stand to be the focus of attention even in a minor way because I know I will immediately flush and its so embarrassing.

I had hoped laser would be the answer and get rid of it forever, but i realise that was just wishful thinking on my part, but I will see what the dermatologist recommends -they might have other ideas.

#57 Karen on 02.28.09 at 6:00 pm

Hi Moss, unfortunately rosacea is something you just have to live with. Everyone has there own way of dealing with it, it seems an unpredictable illness. Personally I have been a sufferer for many years and now it affects the whites of my eyes, making me look like a vampire! I have been on and off a variety of antibiotics for years and used all different types of creams, the body just starts becoming immune to the treatment sometimes. Currently I have been told to take “doxycyline” antibiotic for the next 2 years, this is actually used in preventing malaria!
In relation to having laser treatment, I have had it done several times, and it does help a lot with the redness but it doesnt stop the pustules, and yes it does come back in time…..but…..what I didnt know the first time around but have since learned is that yes it is expensive, but what they dont tell you is that if you ask them to process the bill with a certain item number then you can claim on medicare, I had reached my threshold with medicare so I got a heck of a lot of it back. If anyone can see the redness on your face from 2 metres away then you can claim this, dont let the determatologist bluff you!
Hope this helps…good luck!

#58 chelsea on 03.20.09 at 10:18 am

hi,
I was only diagnosed about a week ago and have been using Rosex gel morning an evening as prescribed by the doctor. I haven’t yet noticed much of a difference. Can anyone tell me how long it should take to see a result?

Also, i work in the cometics and Fragrance industry and am expected to wear make up to work every day. Can anyone suggest safe moisuriser/primer and foundation that will give good coverage and hide my nasty blisters and dry scaly skin?
Thanks
Chelsea

#59 Karen on 03.20.09 at 5:25 pm

Hi Chelsea, I never really had much luck with Rosex, but I have read that some people do. I think everyones skin is different and sometimes it just takes a while to find what suits you best, some topicals and medications do take a while to see results so personally I would give it 2 weeks, but I have never ever been able to control my pustules just with a topical, I always have to go on antibiotics for a while. I just recently took a break from my antibiotics and within 3 days they were back aghhh!
I wear make up everyday, and what I have found best in a moisturiser is “Dermaveen” which you can get a big pump bottle from the chemist for cheap ( I swear by this stuff if your skin is drying out or sore), and it is also very safe to use in pregnancy, and sorobolene around my eyes. My foundation is from “Almay”, 16hr truly lasting color, powder and blush from the body shop.
Hope this helps…Good Luck!

#60 Davin Lim, dermatologist. on 03.21.09 at 8:31 am

Yes, there is marked variability to response to differrent topicals, cleansers and makeup.
As a guide, if rosacea is papular and pustular ( lumpy and bumpy) a course of oral antibiotics designed to reduce inflammation can help ( erythomycin in pregnancy/ breastfeeding) or tetracyclines. As for cleansers- stick to a non irrritating and simple solution – dermaveen, QV wash, Cetaphil etc… individual preference.
Make up- once again an individual preference, mineral make up is pretty good- high end make up such as Jane Iredel or Minerelle ( moderate end) to generic mineral make up.
Always stick to a good sunscreen and apply frequently.
It s about finding the right combination for you … trial and error.

#61 Peter on 03.21.09 at 4:33 pm

Is any one in Adelaide or Australia willing to get together?
If you contact me sandman@webzone.net.au

#62 Karen on 03.22.09 at 9:42 am

Hi Peter, I would but unfortunately Im in Victoria, sounds like a great idea to have a whinge to people who actually understand….Good Luck!

#63 Peter on 03.22.09 at 2:51 pm

Hi Karen

I so agree. I read stories on all the Rosacea blogs about how people have low self esteem and how they don’t get out alot. Nothing could be better than being with people who have empathy with you.

Cheers
Peter

#64 Damon on 03.29.09 at 11:06 am

Hi, I am a newbie here also…
I have had Rosacea since 1997 and it has come and go regularly in that time… In the last 6 months it has been really bad. I find that there seems to be a progressive cycle where my skin is okay for two to three days, and then it comes on strong for at least eight to ten days and then the cycle starts over again…
When I was first diagnosed, the dermatologist started me on a cream that i later found out was damaging to use long term. I was then prescribed AQ cream mixed with sulphur which was okay. I saw a naturopath who suggested using dermaveen moisturising lotion. I also found a cream at the chemist called HOPES Relief, which seems to be good sometimes but other times my skin reacts badly when i use it… I saw my GP and he prescribed Rozex but this has not worked for me at all, it seems to worsen the redness a lot. (although i have only used it for 2 – 3 days, not sure if it would improve after that). Anyway i would appreciate any feedback or advice… thanks a lot

#65 davin lim on 03.29.09 at 1:16 pm

If you re avoiding the flare factors and still can t get the disease under contol, prehaps you ll benefit from a short course of antibiotics… this might decrease the inflammation a little. Ask your GP for doxycycline, take twice a day ( push for 3 if you can) and hold on this for at least 4 -6 weeks. IF you re responsive to sulfur than a compounded solution of sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur may do the trick…
Once your disease is under contol – consider a series of IPL to decrease the redness.
Always wear sunscreen dude….and avoid the trigger factors if you can.
All the best.

#66 Karen on 03.29.09 at 6:05 pm

Hi, just wanted to add that I am on doxycyline and have been told to take it for 2 years, I went off it after 6 months and within 3 days my pustules were back with a vengence, so Im back on it again from the advice of my GP this time as well as the dermatologist. But you have to really avoid the triggers like David Lim says.

#67 Digital Davo on 03.30.09 at 2:50 pm

Hi Karen, I also took doxycycline for quite a few years because it really helped me. I found that I wean myself off slowly down to as little as 50mg per day and then every 2nd day. I thought that I could never get off doxy as every time I tried my rosacea came back. Using a good gentle sunscreen, rosacea-ltd helped me to break the inflammation cycle as well. all the best !

#68 Karen on 03.30.09 at 4:47 pm

Thanks Digital Davo, no one has ever commented on weaning off Doxy, that makes perfect sense. What is rosacea-ltd, I have seen it on websites from America but have no clue what you do with it.

#69 Digital Davo on 03.30.09 at 7:14 pm

rosacea-ltd is a compressed disk of salts that is applied directly to wet skin. I used them for a couple of years quite successfully.

#70 davin lim on 03.30.09 at 7:36 pm

Thats spot on Davo… I usually wean patients off doxycycline exactly the way you do it… 50 mg daily then taper down. Remember that the antibiotics are aimed at reducing inflammation in your skin, so bacterial resistance is NOT an issue. If your rosacea flares, step up the treatment, then step down when it’s under control. Some people respond to doxy, others need Minocycline, some prefer Erythomycin… really up to you. Anticipitate a flare up, step up your treatments, then step down when its controlled.
Always try and find YOUR minimum dose for maximal control, everyone will have a different level. It s all about trial and error. No one will know your rosacea better than you!

#71 matt on 04.25.09 at 9:13 pm

hi,

i have been frustrated with rosacea for years. I am an Englishman living in Australia and I was hoping that the sea and the fresh air of the coast would do me good. Its still the same. It is a lot better than it used to be though. In England I began (and still am) using Finaeca creme. It has improved my confidence loads. My rosacea affects my nose, it gets oily and tiny spots on it that flare up – bane of my life. . but finaeca creme is very good for confidence. Lack of a good nights sleep makes mine worse, air conditioning is a nitemare and even aftershave. I get stomach aches quite a lot and i was reading on another website that that might be related – something to do with lack of acid in stomach with rosacea sufferers – does this mean anything to anyone.
Hope we get a cure soon. matt in sydney.

#72 matt on 04.25.09 at 9:19 pm

If anyone lives in the Manly area of Sydney let me know if you like. My rosacea is (I am told quite mild) but still effects me day to day. My non rosacea suffering friend sitting next to me says he doesnt notice – but it effects me greatly and i really hope that we get a cure one day.

#73 davin lim on 04.26.09 at 4:37 pm

…in certain cases H.pylori ( helicobacter) which plays a role in case of stomach ulceration maybe related to rosacea. If this is suspected one can investigate via a Hydrogen Breath test organised by your local doctor. Once again this is NOT a treatment for rosacea, but in RARE cases may contribute to the disease. Hope this helps.
davin

#74 Karen on 04.26.09 at 6:21 pm

Well that’s interesting “Davin Lim”, it was a little bit unexplained how I came to have H.Pylori, I was told that it must have been contaminated water I may have drunk when on holidays in N.Z!

#75 Matt on 04.27.09 at 3:12 pm

Very interesting what you had to say about the Helicobacter Davin Lim. I am using Cetaphil as a cleanser, I have also used Calmin products which are good. Does anyone know of any cleansers or soaps that are calm on the skin and make for improvement to oily rosacea areas? Very interesting to get the P.O.V of a Dermatologist as it takes months to get a 5 min appointment on the NHS back home in England.

#76 Matt on 04.28.09 at 10:58 am

Has anyone heard of Prosacea??? (think you can buy it cheap from chemist). I am on Doxycycline tablets and wondered if you could mix the Prosacea gel. I am using Finaeca cream but as I have oil skin I wondered if the drying effect of Prosacea cream/gel might be beneficial. I get worried about mixing these things cos rosacea is on the face. Apologies if it seems that I am writing a lot it is just that ive not really come across over people with rosacea and so I am very interested to hear any thoughts. Thanks.

#77 ben on 05.05.09 at 6:39 pm

Hi everyone,
As im reading everyone’s pain and relating to it i have tears running down my eyes, which since having rosacea had become a common thing for me. My biggest pain is the flushing, im a sales rep doing alot of cold calling, which you all can imagine is so hard with rosacea.
I walk into see a customer and instantly flush as the receptionist talks to me and then when im introduced to the purchasing officer’s.
Im 26 years old and have had it for the last 2 years. Iv also got the H.Pylori bug. I currently get laser done every 3-4 weeks and have had around 7-8 treatments. Im now at the stage where i think im not going to get any better results then i already have. I have the red nose, red checks and also red ears. I’ve never seen these places go back to normal colour since getting rosacea.
Im sure alot of you are the same as me, that its your last thought at night and your first thought when you wake. Everyone says dont think about it so much but its so hard to do when you feel your facing burning all the time, even when just sitting at home alone.
I could easily keep typing about it for hours, how upset it makes me, but since i dont have a cure il stop now.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and i hope like we all do that someone will care enough to find a cure and help us all.

#78 ben on 05.05.09 at 6:41 pm

Hi everyone,
As im reading everyone’s pain and relating to it i have tears running down my eyes, which since having rosacea had become a common thing for me. My biggest pain is the flushing, im a sales rep doing alot of cold calling, which you all can imagine is so hard with rosacea.
I walk into see a customer and instantly flush as the receptionist talks to me and then when im introduced to the purchasing officer’s.
Im 26 years old and have had it for the last 2 years. Iv also got the H.Pylori bug. I currently get laser done every 3-4 weeks and have had around 7-8 treatments. Im now at the stage where i think im not going to get any better results then i already have from the ipl.
I have the red nose, red checks, red eyes and also red ears. I’ve never seen my nose,cheeks ears or eyes go back to normal colour since getting rosacea.
Im sure alot of you are the same as me, that its your last thought at night and your first thought when you wake. Everyone says dont think about it so much but its so hard to do when you feel your facing burning all the time, even when just sitting at home alone.
I could easily keep typing about it for hours, how upset it makes me, but since i dont have a cure il stop now.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and i hope like we all do that someone will care enough to find a cure and help us all.

#79 Karen on 05.05.09 at 8:34 pm

Hi Matt, sorry can’t help you, Im at the opposite end with dry skin! I am also on doxycyline with not much success I have to say. Havent heard of “Prosacea” before, maybe you should google it, but generally speaking there is a lot of rubbish on the market where everyone has the cure, so I wouldnt pay too much for it.

Oh Ben, you made me feel really sad reading your post. Rosacea is a bugga to live with. You need lots of treatments using an IPL, personally I prefer something stronger like the “Gemini” I think its called, but it only takes 2 or 3 goes and you look much better. It is quite painful, that is why they put a cream on your face to make it all numb, and if you have been reading through the posts you may have noticed that I was letting people know that you can claim this through medicare so the costs are greatly reduced, your dermatologist will have to use a specific item no. and its providing they can see your rosacea from 2 metres away. I am suprised your not on an antibiotic for your rosacea as I do know people that still take them even though there are no pustules, it may help with all that burning? If David Lim jumps on line I am sure he will lead you in the right direction. Good Luck!

#80 Sharon on 05.27.09 at 6:13 am

Hi all,

I suffer from Rosacea with the bump, pimple pustules and permanent inflammation on my checks, chin and forehead. I have read that whilst no-one knows what causes this condition there are stress triggers to look at: emotional, environmental and internal. These stresses include anything that puts stress on the body: going from hot to cold, smoking, alcohol, sugar, yeast if you are susceptible to yeast overgrowth, pollution and any food intolerance’s (many are not aware they have any). I have also read that this condition can worsen around the age of 30 onwards. Funny I just turned 30 last year and my rosacea is now at its worst. I do know treatment is different for those with the blushing Rosacea than those with the bumps and acne. I have tried many products also on the market with mild success. Since I stopped smoking my skin has gone from oily to dry, flaky and I am now having issues with trying to find a good moisturizer. Any cream based are making my pimple pustules worse but gel moisturizers seem to not do this. Any suggestions regarding gel based moisturizers?
Best wishes to all and looking forward one day to a product that can really help.

#81 Karen on 05.27.09 at 6:02 pm

Hi Sharon, I too suffer from the rosacea with pustules and it just kills my confidence, made worse by complete strangers asking me what is wrong with my face if I dont wear make up! I cant say that I have ever come across gel based moisterisers but for the last 4 years I have been using “Dermaveen” bought from any chemist, and it is the only thing that helps me with the dry skin without going greasy and irritating the pustules, and I find its great under my make up. Good Luck with your search Sharon, it’s all just trial and error!

#82 Digital Davo on 05.28.09 at 11:57 am

Hi Karen,

I have often wondered about the Dermaveen products that I see at the pharmacy too. They look interesting because they contain colloidal oatmeal and say that they are formulated for sensitive skin.

Which products in the range did you try ?

davidp.

#83 Karen on 05.28.09 at 6:20 pm

Hi Davidp, I use sorbolene cream around my eyes and Dermaveen in the blue and white bottle moisturising lotion for “dry itchy or sensitive skin”. Sometimes my skin has been that dry and bad with pustules it has split open and wept, very sore and nasty. Dermaveen is the only product I found that helped me, and I have continued to use it for the last 4 years. A friend uses the other products (like the wash) for her child which has eczema and it helped a lot, but I wouldnt know about using on the face, Im super super sensitive so when I find something that works I stick with it.
Karen

#84 Digital Davo on 05.29.09 at 9:02 am

For others, I think Karen refers to this product

http://www.dermatech.com.au/pages/default.asp?pid=67

Would be good to hear if anyone else also likes it. They look like interesting products.

#85 Damon on 05.29.09 at 9:59 am

I have been using that same product for the past 5-6 years and have found it to be good…. I had advice from a natural therapist to rub a small amount of blue chamomile on the affected area and then moisturise the dermaveen cream over the top… but lately i have had a dramatic improvement by taking flaxseed oil tablets 3 times a day and drinking a lot more water… so i have basically been able to stop using the chamomile and dermaveen, which has been great

#86 Karen on 05.29.09 at 5:48 pm

That’s interesting Damon, my kineasiologist (most likely to be spelt wrong), has been trying to get me on to the cold pressed flaxseed oil for years, but I could never tolerate drinking the oil and always gave up, so I just might try the tablets instead. Thanks for the tip.

#87 Sharon on 06.01.09 at 4:47 pm

I have now been using the Dermaveen face moisturizer and it is great. Cost $10 for 100ml from chemist located with the QV products. It hasn’t made my pimple worse all other moisturizers have done and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. My skin was stop feeling itching and tight after use. My partner suffers from dermatitis and used the moisturizer also without any greasiness. Looks like a winner. We are going to try the body wash as my partner has drier skin than mine. Any recommendations for a face wash that is gentle?

#88 Karen on 06.02.09 at 12:29 pm

Hi Sharon, I have used “Cetaphil” for many years now which is also from the chemist, it is extremely gentle on the skin, and a lot of rosacea sufferers seem to use it. I have for the last few months introduced “pHisohex” which is an anti-bacterial face wash, as I have a big problem with pimples and pustules and this has helped, but I only use it at night after I take my make up off and use a minimal amount (about 10c pce). So far this is the mildest anti-bacterial that I have found. It recommends a 20c pce to wash your face then repeat, use 3 x daily, but if you have sensitive skin like me you just cant do that. Hope this helps…Karen

PS. What does anyone think of mineral make-up?, the one I tried “Minerel” made in Aust. was too drying for my skin resulting in itchy red inflamed skin.

#89 Digital Davo on 06.02.09 at 2:02 pm

Comment via email:

I use Loreal Mineral makeup with the brush applicator, I have found this one, somehow adds some moisture to your skin and I dont have a reaction to this or the SPF in it, it also seems to last fairly well through my ‘hot’ days.

I also use Cetaphil cleanser with a tissue every night to remove makeup and in the shower every morning, if have found it the best for me.

Good Luck

G.G

#90 Jim on 06.05.09 at 7:46 am

5/5/09
Greetings

I am 41 years old and I have had mild rosacea for about 3 years.

I have avoided any surgery or chemical creams etc and have been researching all this time.

I have finally discovered that there is a very simple cause and explanation.
People can simply implement this strategy just by improving their diet in a particular way.

It will be evident for most people within a fortnight if they can implement it.

People could stop waisting money on treatment and try this first.

It’s only been one week since I have trialled and the rosacea has almost disappeared.

Regards
Jim Diomides

#91 matt bevin on 06.05.09 at 8:52 am

what kind of diet do you reccomend Jim?

#92 g.g on 06.15.09 at 8:45 am

Hi Jim

Please let us know your diet. I am sure everyone on this site, would love to implement this diet. Here’s hoping.

#93 Karen on 06.15.09 at 6:18 pm

Jiiim, woohoo, where are you?

I personally have an ebook on how to cure acne which I am in the middle of reading and its suprising how much of it I can relate it to rosacea. It is all about changing your diet and taking supplements due to factors 1. Toxic Colon 2. Toxic and Congested Liver 3. Imbalanced Hormones. One thing it cant stress enough about is not to take antibiotics. I have been told by my kineasologist for years that white flour contributes to my red face and that I should take flax seed oil, so basically that is what the book is also saying and to quit sugar too and substitute it with “Stevia” which I am trying out tonight. There is obviously a bit more too it, but not unachievable for someone like me who has a massive sweet tooth but it is quite involved and I intend to have a crack at it soon, as Im sick of my pustule breakouts even though Ive been on antibiotics for the last 18mths. All the sessions and dollars spent on lasering my face 12 mths ago was also in vain, its like Ive never been done! If anyone interested in more info, just let me know otherwise I will post my results once Im in full swing and see any results.

#94 Jodie on 06.16.09 at 10:01 am

There is a book by Karen Fisher called “The Healthy Skin Diet” that is worth reading for people with skin problems.

#95 JR on 06.23.09 at 4:37 pm

Hi Everyone,

During winter I find my papules and pustles worse for my rosacea. I have just started taking doxycycline antibiotic for this and find it is making them worse. The same thing happened the first time I used them although it did get better with time. Has any body else had this experience?

Also wondering whether anybody has tried the elimination diet to see whether certain foods are indeed contributing to the problem. I’m thinking of doing it though it is quite a commitment considering all the foods which have to be avoided.

Hope your all well and avoiding swine flu….

#96 Karen on 06.23.09 at 6:00 pm

Hi JR, I too have been taking doxycyline and found that I was getting worse, so Ive given it the flick after about 1 yr or more and Ive looked at my diet. I have given up most things that contain sugar, drink soy milk, limited my carbs and have stepped up the veg. I am taking 3 flaxseed oil capsules per day and trying to remember to take zinc as well, which has been suggested on this website. It has only been a week, but so far so good.
I will however eventually have a consult with my naturpath and post anything interesting. Good Luck!

“G.G.” The cetaphil to take the make-up off with is a wonderful idea, works great for me too!

#97 g.g. on 06.24.09 at 4:36 pm

Hi guys

Now that the winter is here I have developed very rough chapped skin on the sides of my nose. Is this another dreaded rosacea symptom, rosex cream doesnt seem to help. Anyone have any ideas. Thanks.
gg

#98 Karen on 06.24.09 at 6:45 pm

Hi gg, I wouldn’t imagine that anything for the treatment of rosacea would make much difference, I personally would use “Dermaveen” moisturiser and put it on thick, I like to let mine dry a little before rubbing it in. It has worked really well lately on my littlies legs that have become dry and bumpy and a little bit exma like. Hope this helps.
Karen

#99 Karen2 on 06.26.09 at 7:30 pm

You could try tradition chinese medicine – I had rosacea around 10 yrs ago (at corners of the nose approx the size of 5c piece each side) and after trying rozex gel, then a dermatologist prescribed sorbolene cream with 1% active ingredient which didn’t help either, I was going crazy so visited a Chinese Herbalist practitioner. They gave me a bag of garden-debris looking twigs and leaves (ha ha) which had to be brewed into tea and tasted like dirt but I perservered due to my angst. They also gave me a topical cream which resembled greenish-baby-poo to apply to the face and from memory I think it helped somewhat. As my condition came about from stress I ended up leaving my job at the time and voila, if memory serves me correctly, the condition disappated soon after. It came back some years later, and I did rozex & the dermatologist-cream treatment again because I’d forgotten what the condition was and followed docs orders like a good little western girl again. Both treatments didn’t work but when I removed myself from stress trigger it disippated. Now, you guessed it, I have it again (a period of high stress triggered it again but a month or so has passed and it won’t go even though the stressors have been eliminated); I forgot the old routine as it’s been years, and I just got back on the treadmill with rozex which, after soothing the pain on application, then makes the areas burn like fire, skin goes very dry & crusty & stings intensley. I just read about traditional chinese medicine treatment of rosacea on the website http://www.tcmworld.org/heal_with_tcm/acne/
which I can relate to in some way, so I’m going to investigate more in the coming week(s). Fingers crossed I find some relief without drinking dirt-flavoured twig-brew-tea and using baby-poo-cream!

#100 JR on 06.27.09 at 10:04 am

Hi all,

Well I stopped taking doxycycline and the pustles and papules seem to be easing a bit thankfully. I don’t plan on ever trying them again, just not for me. I tried using Rosex cream and gel for about a year but never really got great results and in the end I found it irritating to my skin more than anything. I am determined to find natural approaches to treating this. I think stress is a major factor for me also. It’s a hard one to treat because we face stress everyday.

My flushing seems to be better thanks to having a better diet. I do believe white bread and highly processed foods affect my skin badly. I try as much as possible to eat low GI foods. However it’s hard to be good all the time. I must admit I wear makeup everyday. For a long time I tried to find alternatives to it but now I know it reduces my flushing because my redness is covered and I don’t worry about people looking at my red face.

Just started using the Dermaveen moisturiser this week and I like it.

Think I’ll go buy some flaxseed oil today.

Let you know how it goes

#101 Karen2 on 06.29.09 at 6:13 pm

I visited a Chinese Herbalist on Saturday (2 days ago) who is treating me 3-ways, with electro-acupuncture (probably not the technical name for it) applied on the back of legs, PLUS a herbal tea PLUS 2 herbal creams which I can’t name since the packaging is written in chinese. The effect from this treatment has been IMMEDIATE. I’m both astounded and extremely relieved. My rash was very severe 2 days ago and today the pain is 95% gone and the severity of the rash appearance has easily halved – perhaps even more than that (the fluid in the pimples/pustules has subsided and the skin is drying while the cream provides moisture so the dryness doesn’t hurt). The herbalist says the body is generating “heat” internally, perhaps caused hormonally and in my case stress is definitely a trigger. The treatment will take 6-8 weeks in total which the herbalist claims will ensure the body is totally flushed of the “internal heat”, even though the rash will probably clear completely before then. The acupuncture, creams and herbal tea all have cooling properties/effects internally. Just to be rid of the intense stinging and burning pain within 24hrs and to be able to sleep uninterrupted was such a welcome relief (happy). I took photos of my face 2 days ago and this morning which I would post on the site but there doesn’t seem to be a spot to upload them? The herbal tea (comprised of various flowers, sticks, seeds and other earthy flora) tastes putrid like the insole of a sweaty workman’s boot, but drinking it is a small price to pay in my opinion. It’s early days I realise, but I wanted to share this if it’s of any help to anyone. I’ll post a progress update in about a week. PS: My dad had a serious skin rash – not rosacea or on his face – about a year ago on legs and hands and also went to this Chinese herbalist after trying the normal doctor to no avail, and he also was cured. He swears by one of the creams which he uses any time he gets any sign of his problem return. Sorry for the long post!

#102 Karen2 on 06.29.09 at 6:23 pm

Oh before I forget … the good news is that neither of the 2 creams resemble green-baby-poo in any way – both are white creams which dry clear on the skin!

#103 Karen on 06.30.09 at 5:51 pm

“Karen2″, where is your chinese herbalist situated, (What State)?

So far so good with being off the doxycycline, I havent been eating anything with white flour or sugar in it, so no flare ups on the face, but it looks like the good old doxy was giving me a false sense of security because my inflammation in my intestine has flared up instead (ulcerative colitis, for those in the know), just can’t win some days!

#104 Karen2 on 06.30.09 at 7:07 pm

Hi Karen, I’m going to the Golden-Bridge Clinic at Palm Beach (on the Gold Coast, QLD, ph 07-55343488). I believe they also go under the name Silver-Bridge Clinic too. I’m VERY happy with results – today is 3rd day of treatment, and I’m even getting used to the herbal tea! No more gag-reflex or needing to chase it with sips of water They recommended avoiding seafood – interesting I thought. Their English isn’t the greatest so I haven’t engaged in indepth discussions/philosophies/theories with them, but for me the proof is in the results which I’m getting and I’m prepared to take their word about seeing out the treatment for the entire 6-8 weeks even if the rash clears completely well before then, as they emphasised this will prevent the problem returning again and again.

#105 Ian on 07.28.09 at 9:53 am

Hello, I’m a newbie on this site. I was diagnosed with Rosacea 2 months ago and it is driving me nuts. I am on doxycycline 50mg a day with not much success. I have been taking Lysine, zinc, fish oil and vitamin B. Has anyone had success with these supplements? I have the condition I would say, mildly to moderately, mainly on the forehead and cheeks, the itch on my forehead is driving me insane, just wondering what I can use to stop the itch.
Thanks Ian

#106 Ian on 07.28.09 at 10:43 am

Oh and does anybody know if the supplements I take interact with the doxycycline. Cheers

#107 Digital Davo on 07.28.09 at 7:55 pm

Reply via email:

Hi Ian

I always take flaxseed oil capsules everyday and when on the doxycycline a probiotic to keep the good bacteria in system, and sounds weird but try dabbing your forehead with a little cool milk when itchy-always helps me. Always use a titanium based sunscreen, not chemical sunscreen. Hope this helps

GG

#108 Maxene on 08.03.09 at 5:54 pm

I have suffered for 5 years and have tried lots of things too. I have come to the conclusion, for me it is an imflamatory disease as i also suffer from wheat intolerance and fibromyalgia. It seems as every part of my body is imflamed most noticeably my skin. I have taken alot of anti imflamatory medication which cant be good for you. Does anyone else have similar symptoms. I am currently trying to stick to a 80 % alkaline based diet..fruit and vegetables (see net for guidelines) Looking back i was living on a pure acid diet. The other thing i notice…as do other sufferers that the condition goes in waves, you will think you have found a cure, then it will flare up again so I dont think we should blame the lotions and potions but the natural course of the condition.
Like everyone else i am interested in continually trying new things and thank you all for your suggestions from creams, to vitamins, to foods.

#109 Karen on 08.06.09 at 5:17 pm

Hi Maxene, the low acid diet sounds intreging. Im pretty sure that when I give up sugar and white flour I have improved rosacea, but I find it soooo hard to stick to. I also have inflammation in other parts, I have it on my eye balls, my knees, my face and my large intestine. I usually see a naturapath and this helps a lot. I was on doxycycline for 18mths and have been off it for about 2 months with a major flareup every where within that week but after about 2 more weeks it has all sorted itself out and settled down. I take vitamins and flax seed oil capsules, and will be taking zinc as per recommendation from this website…….Karen

#110 Maxene on 08.07.09 at 7:12 am

Yes Karen, not easy giving up all your favourite things and must admit im not perfect but trying to put lots of good foods into my diet so there is not much room left for the not so good ones. I am really enjoying having lots of fruit back in my diet. I am definately going to try the zinc and flaxseed too. Im taking calcium magnesium too which is good for the back pains and your alkaline levels. My face is clearing this week..is it the diet? Is it the aloe and calendula lotion? never ending story isnt it?? Id like your advice on sunscreen..i have been terrified to use it because my skin is so sensitive and have always used a hat obviously by others feedback its not a problem as long as its for sensitive skin. Tinted might help me give up the foundation Ive used since a teenager…i remember a lady telling me i would regret using it when i was older …i often wonder if she was right.

#111 g g on 08.07.09 at 11:16 am

Hi Maxene

The only sunscreen I have been able to use especially when I am having a rosacea episode is Clinique city block sheer 25 SPF with the blue strip, not the yellow . It has a slight tint coverage and main ing is titanium dioxide. I even find this soothing when my skin is stinging red. Good Luck. Its about $25.AUD not cheap , but well worth it.

GG

#112 Karen on 08.10.09 at 10:12 am

Hi Maxene, my dermatologist put me on to “av’ene”, you can pick it up at some chemists and myer. Its 30+ and is for sensitive skin, Ive been shown to put just a small amount proberly on to your palm and rub your hands together and dab it on that way, but it isnt tinted. I also use sunscreen in my foundation. Foundation I think could half my problem as I can get very irritated if I dont put enough dermaveen moisturiser under it. I take back what I said earlier, I just had a major flare up, and what did I change? I drowned myself in sugar!

#113 Heather on 08.10.09 at 11:29 am

Hi all

This journey began for me around a year ago with an itchy dry spot at the side of my nose. Many creams and miss diagonosis, I was sent to a Dermatologist, who diagnosed Rosacea. By this stage it had spread around my mouth and still spreading. I was given a cream with Sulphur and menthol in it. I returned in a week where he told me it was getting better and to expect it to be gone in 3-4 weeks. Though this has not been my experience, instead it became more painfull and is still spreading forcing me to stop it. I don’t feel enclined to return as he was very unhelpful in answering my questions.
I also suffer from cold dry eyes and a really cold nose, more so than the flushing, is this part of the symptoms also?
I was also wondering if anyone has bought the book off the internet called ” Banish Rosacea” and if so how were their results?
There is so little real information out there, mostly marketing from what I have seen. Are there any good sites that are not out to sell you something?
Hope some one out there can help in answering some of my questions?

#114 Maxene on 08.11.09 at 6:05 pm

Hi Heather, i find this ones as good as any…most people on it have tried and tested most things and as you can tell its trial and error alot of the time. I do react to season and temperature and have always got a cold nose, toes and fingers but hadnt really associated it with the skin condition but maybe there is a link perhaps a circulation type of thing, body temperature is most likely a huge factor and im keen to try some chinese herbal treatments that try to cool your body down from the inside. Like you…i am interested in finding some common links. I am fair skinned, 43, a few kilos overweight, love sugar and carbs which i am trying to eliminate from my diet, have muscle and stomach problems and yes my eyes are becoming a bit of a problem too. Other than that i have been quite healthy!!!!!ha ha,,dont get colds or flus and rarely go to the doctor and feel like im being a bit of a wimp to go for blotchy skin or sore neck!!! To Karen…had my face clear to almost perfect yesterday and was ready to brag about the diet….but its back!!!!

#115 g g on 08.12.09 at 4:48 pm

Hi Heather

Wow I think I must have gone to the same ancient witchdoctor as you he prescribed me the same sulphur and menthol cream 3 times a day and it would be gone in 4 weeks. The cream was horrible to use and made my skin worse. Try another reputable dermatologist. I have had rosacea for about five years. It took 6 months of doryx antibiotics and rosex cream to bring my rosacea under control. Also with a lot of changes in my diet, lifestyle and temperature control. It takes time and everyones successes are different. I also sometimes have a freezing cold nose, then when it warms up it goes bright red and on fire. I also find my body feels really cold and my face the complete opposite. Hard to control. Maybe our thermostats are wired all wrong I also get really cold hands and feet, do you. Always wear a physical sunscreen with titanium dioxide I love clinique city block SPF 25 with the blue stripe on the tube. Good Luck

#116 JR on 08.21.09 at 6:44 pm

It’s interesting how you have both mentioned a cold nose, hands and feet. I have the same problem. I normally find that when my hands are warm my face is hot. Very annoying!

#117 Sarah J on 08.22.09 at 12:32 pm

After many years i’ve just realised i too have rosacea. I would say mine is mild i mainly get hot flushes and a burning face. This causes me anxiety which then causes more flushing. I also get worse at that time of the month, from the hot cold weather and sometimes from alcohol. I am hoping to try and alter my diet to control the flushing . I also feel worried that it will get worse with age and time (I am 28yrs old). Does anyone know of a good website with diet tips? I also suffer from PCOS.

#118 Maxene on 08.22.09 at 3:37 pm

Hi sarah..best check with your doctor for correct diagnosis. I have friends who flush with alcohol but havent got rosacea. There are some obvious common triggers like alcohol, curries,spices, sugary foods and coffee .I am currently trying an alkaline diet which is mostly fruit and vegetables, (check it out on the net) certainly cant hurt you. So keep healthy, keep out of the sun and try not to get stressed and read through the comments on this blog there is so much great imformation people have contributed..much more beneficial than some of the so called wonder cures on other sites. Good luck hope it stays at a controllable level for you.

#119 Sar on 08.27.09 at 5:30 pm

Hi all,
I have been suffering from server rosacea for about a year now. It was full blown symptoms from the word go. I have been on doxylin for most of the year, with brief periods off the medication with only the flare ups to come back worse than before. So I would start another course. Frustrated that I might have to be on medication for years to come, I decided to turn to alternative medicine. I visited a Chinese acupuncturist/herbalist that told me due to my symptoms being on my checks and forehead, it correlated with my small and large intestines. So, it became a food and bowel problem. He gave me herbs that (excuse the forthcoming terms), made my bowels work better! I also had to modify my diet consisting of no ‘nightshade foods (tomatoes, eggplant, chocolate, potatoes, capsicum etc) and any foods that made me bloated or gassy. I also have to drink plenty of water, more than the average person. I than read a fantastic article in the magazine ‘nature and health’ about a women who was taking a probiotic as well as supplements globe artichoke and milk thistle for liver detoxification. I have just recently stopped my antibiotics and even though I have still had a flare up, it hasn’t nearly been a bad as previous ones. So within a few weeks hopefully things will settle down and I can let you all know how my supplement/Chinese medicine routine is working. Hopefully with good results

#120 Karen on 08.27.09 at 6:36 pm

Hope it all goes well for you Sar, keep us posted! I will hopefully get an appointment soon to my naturpath, so it will be good to compare notes. In this business you just have to try and try again…..good luck!

#121 ben on 09.04.09 at 10:21 am

hi all, I’m just wondering does anyone else notice that if they sit in a quite room, close there eyes, and start meditating for 20 minutes that after this if you go look at yourself in the mirror that all the redness goes away for a period of time? does this happen to anyone else?

#122 Sar on 09.04.09 at 4:33 pm

I haven’t tried meditation yet ben, but I do know that when im anixous about my skin or stressed it get much worse..so maybe meditation is a great idea! Ill have to give it a go!

#123 Sharon on 09.11.09 at 9:07 am

Hi all,

A breakthrough with my Rosacea. My Rosacea is inflammation/redness and I had 2 doctors ask me what the rash on my face was, so thats how it looked.
I have been taking 1 Aspro a day for 3 weeks now and the redness is down to 1/4 of what it was with less rash like looking skin. We know this condition is linked to an autoimmune / and possibly linked to inflammation issues which is why I decided to try this. My doctor has always told me aspirin is best for most things when unwell. I don’t know if it will work for all types of Rosacea and it doesn’t cure it but it is much more manageable. I like not looking like I am always sunburnt.
I am not sure of the max recommend daily does but I know 100-120 is recommend each day by doctors for most people because of the benefits of aspirin. My 1 tablet per day has 300 and I plan to cut back now to 1/2 tablet.

Best of Luck

#124 Sar on 09.11.09 at 6:20 pm

Ok everyone! I posted a couple of weeks ago about my latest visit to my chinese herbalist/acupuncturist…..well I am very , very pleased to say “I think you should all go and see one’, my face is getting better by the day. Yes it has been a few months of persistances and herbal teas and fairly strict diet regime, but it’s contiunously becoming better and better. I haven’t had a hot flush in about a week, my pustuals have dryed out and are starting to diappear. I have started venturing out into the world again.
My visit cost me around $70 each treatment including herbs, however the satisfaction of the herbalist telling me that ‘these skin conditions are usally fairly easy to treat’ is worth it ten fold. You can also claim on private health insurance.
So I thought I’d just share with you my expereince and ill keep you updated that it’s not just a ‘good rosacea’ week for me, and instead ive found a great way to treat it!

#125 Fiona on 09.17.09 at 6:24 pm

I dramtically improved my rosacea by doing one very simple thing – not washing my face with any cleansing product at all. I wash my face gently with a microfibre cloth and warm water and that is it. I have mild rosecea with no bumps but my flushing was severe lasting 2 to 3 hours when it occurred which was daily, it felt like someone was applying a hot iron to my face and was very uncomfortable and embarrasing because people feel it necessary to state the obvious ‘geez your face is red’. It took me years to make the connection that for me using any cleansing product to wash my face caused my severe flushing – because i would wash my face in the morning but the flushing would not happen until mid afternoon so i just didn’t connect the two. Also i had very oily skin which has also lessened considerably since not using any cleansing product. I tried all the ‘mild’ cleansers as suggested on rocasea sites and had the same reaction. I just wanted to put this out there because maybe someone else will be the same as me and are really very, very sensitive to cleansers and by eliminating this routine may help improve or eliminate flushing.

#126 craig on 10.16.09 at 3:48 pm

hi i am craig. have had rosacea for 6 years. i have been to many doctors etc and about 50% of them don’t even know what rosacea is. my flare ups occur when stressed but i have experimented with my alcohol consumption and found that beer will flare up my face. i found that changing from beer to spirits actually significally reduced to almost no rosacea at all. so maybe mine is like thrush or candida that appears on my face. it takes two weeks off the beer drinking other non yeasty drinks to almost cure the problem. is there any other beer drinkers out there with the same problem as i mainly work in a factory environment as have seen other heavy beer drinkers with redness but no flare ups.

#127 Karen on 10.19.09 at 11:44 am

Hi Craig, I do know of people that have been told to lay off alcohol all together when having treatment for rosacea as it causes the redness and stress is definately a cause! It sounds like you need to find yourself a good dermatologist, I prefer to travel an hour to see mine to make sure I get good advice!

Update on my visit to naturpath, he put me on some herbs and an elmination diet, being no sugar, dairy, gluten and only listed fruit and veg. Well I was told that all my problems stem from my liver and if I detoxed it, then my rosacea would be cured. Well I have to say that was a really hard diet to maintain, I broke out in more pustules on my face, back and cleavage and I just couldnt do it anymore, so guess what…back on the doxycycline.
I dont know about anyone else, but I have a huge hereditary factor for my rosacea, my mother, grandmother and uncle all suffered from it, so I think there is a bit more to it than a toxic liver!

#128 JR on 11.08.09 at 1:23 pm

Hi everyone,

Well the weather is heating up, or rather gone from mild to hot (I live in Melbourne) and it’s time to start wearing sunscreen but I find my face reacts to every sunscreen I try. I’ve been using Invisible Zinc moisuriser for the past three days and my skin is starting to get very dry and a few bumps are appearing. It doesn’t seem to matter if I use a mineral or chemical based sunscreen or one used for sensitive skin, it’s always the same. Does anyone else find they can’t tolerate sunscreen?

#129 Jim on 11.09.09 at 1:22 pm

I am 41 with good overall health. I have had Rosacea for around 3 years and have researched a lot about rosacea and cancer prevention. I have had fairly good improvement on my Rosacea by doing the following:
- reducing my sugar intake to as much as possible (i.e. reducing consumption of desserts, coke, sugar in tea/coffee etc)
- eating healthier (more fruit, veg, fish etc)
- I swim once a week and walk a little every day
- I take cold pressed flaxseed oil (I just pour it over my food). You can buy organic flaxseed oil with honey and other flavours if you like.
- I take a probiotic (I use ‘My Vitality’ about one tea spoon per day )
- reduce alcohol (I find it’s better to reduce beer intake)
- I use wheatgrass cream before bed as it provides anti oxidants
- I use either of Miessence Soothing Couperose gel or purfying blemish gel in the morning to reduce the redness. (this works quite well)

I’d be interested to see the effect for other people especially by signifcantly reducing your sugar intake as it is believed to provide the fuel for Rosacea

Regards
Jim

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