Rosacea in Australia

276 Comments over 6 pages ↓

#32462 Dave H on January 23, 2010 at 1:17 PM

Hi GG,

Sorry to jump in before Irene, but I was curious myself so have just looked up your query. MSM appears to be Methylsulfonylmethane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylsulfonylmethane). It looks to be available from health stores. If I’m wrong, I hope Irene will correct me.

Dave

#32465 Irene McDonald on January 23, 2010 at 2:53 PM

Hi Dave

This is all from my own experience so it is not from a medical source.

MSM is Organic Sulphur also known as Methylsulfonylmethane and is readily available at health food stores or online. It is much cheaper online in bulk.

Sulphur has been used for many years for skin problems but in the form of MSM it is very gentle and safe to use both orally and topically.

I take a heaped teaspoon in water daily after breakfast. If you have any aches and pains they will usually be relieved too.

I’m sure Cod Liver Oil with A and D play a big part in controlling Rosacea. Micro Genics sell CLO fortified with Vitamins A and D. It is not expensive ($12.50 for 120) from a good health food shop. I take 3 per day (recommended 1 on bottle). Only increase the amount with advice.

These are each seperate supplements:

MSM – 6gr daily Absolutely
Zinc – 1 daily -more recent and now absolutely
Cod Liver Oil with A and D – 3 daily – Absolutely
Vitamin C – 2 daily – maybe
Fish Oil – 3 daily (should take more) essential
B-complex 1 daily

A multi vitamin would be much weaker than individual pills – fine for most people but not if you have a deficiency in an area.

Over a period of time I have switched and changed but have taken MSM for 9 years. There was a big improvement when I added Cod Liver Oil with a and d and fish oil. Zinc has been more recent but it is now in the regime and helped further.

Eryacne antibiotic gel is a good standby for the nasty zits. MSM gels and creams are calming and help the healing process.

The anguish caused by Rosacea is awful and makes the cycle worse because it increases stress levels.

Best of luck.

Irene

#32468 Dave H on January 23, 2010 at 9:51 PM

Thanks Irene,

I see VitaminMe sell the Micro Genics sell CLO fortified with Vitamins A and D, $13.50 for 300 capsules, here: http://www.vitaminme.com.au/site/page.cfm?u=81&s=shopProductInfo&t=shopProductInfo&productId=12770

Is that the one? I think I’ll give that a go, if so. Think I’ll start with that before trying Fish Oil (a bit worried about overdoing the Omega-3 fatty acid). MSM is also available at VitaminMe so will grab some at the same time.

Thanks for the extra information, Irene.

Dave

#32471 Irene McDonald on January 24, 2010 at 7:51 AM

Hi Dave

That is a great price for that CLO. I’ll get some too. Make sure the MSM is pure with no additives.

You can get pure MSM for $15 for 250g or 1kg for $45.

Irene

#32496 Dave H on January 26, 2010 at 7:44 PM

I’ve gotten a bit geeky and have created a Word document template in which I can record what effect a new medication or change in my diet has to my rosacea. It contains fields such as what I have eaten, what changes have occurred to the rosacea, what possible triggers I have eaten or subjected myself to, what I have increased or decreased in my diet, what medications I’m taking and other general notes. I’m not sure if this would be of interest to anyone else, but I’ve uploaded a blank template for others to download if you feel it would be useful. It can be downloaded from here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/341313802/rosacea_treatment_diary_-_blank.docx.html

It’s only able to be downloaded 10 times but if there’s enough interest, I can upload it again.

Dave H

(note moderator: the above link no longer appears to work)

#32691 craig on February 7, 2010 at 4:50 AM

i have great success with reucing coffee intake. when i have two cups in the morning i flush when i sit in front of the computer. now reduced to one i haven’t flushed so try this for a week.

also free samples at becomebeauty.com and try this. i think it is great.

#32808 Samuel Francis on February 13, 2010 at 9:03 AM

We offer the Syneron Emax technology for moderate signs of Rosacea. You can visit us for a free consult. http://www.advanced-dermatology.com.au/rosaceatreatment.htm

#33223 Dave H on March 4, 2010 at 8:55 PM

Hi all,

I have a rather lengthy post providing information on the results of the Cod Liver Oil I was trialling (I promised I’d write a follow up on it) as well as other interesting things I’ve discovered over the past few months. I originally submitted the post here but DavidP understandably though that, due to its length, it might be better over on the forum. So, here’s a link to it:
http://rosacea-support.org/community/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2001

Regards to all,
Dave

#33246 Tamsin on March 5, 2010 at 8:30 AM

Hi everyone, I have just stumbled across this site while surfing the net in the never ending hope of finding a cure for Rosacea! It’s comforting to know that I am not the only one out there with this.

I have had Rosacea for many years apparently but didn’t realise as I just thought the redness was sun damage that was getting worse!

I was initially perscribed Rosex creme and gel which unfortunately was useless. The only thing that does seem to work is Doxycline tablets but as soon as I go off them within 3 days it’s all back.

I have tried IPL and Photoderm which works initially but it doesn’t last. I am about to try some ‘medical cremes’ from a clinic and will let you know the progress. (Probably just more ridiculously expensive cremes that don’t work!)

#34931 pitanjara on March 29, 2010 at 12:35 PM

Hi! everyone,
Well I have I have the flushing under control.. Nights as we know are the worst, waking up to find more damage through night flushing.. Here is my present routine..Mornings, wash with Neutrogena Extra Gentle Care:(I have tried lots of facial cleansers over the years) and this is the only one that works for me.. My nose then gets an application of AcneDerm (20%) Azeleic Acid as against 15% for Finacea, it does not burn as much.. I then apply Ego Skin Cream (it can be tinted if desired with Trublend (CoverGirl) No.2 or 3 available supermarkets)) and allow to dry to a matte finish.. It is not oily or greasy and helps to reduce oily skin during the day and is an EXCELLENT cover up..EVENINGS I wash as above then a 20 minute treatment (10minutes each cheek and nose) with Led Light Therapy (The unit is available in S.A. and is not expensive).. You have a choice of Blue or Red or a combination of both at different intensities..This treatment DOES NOT cause the skin to FLUSH just the opposite.. Next comes the Ego skin cream applied once more and AcneDerm to my nose. That’s it..Once a year I have IPL treatment for any capillaries that may occur..Hope this may be of help to some of you..

#35086 Natcharita on March 31, 2010 at 3:24 PM

Hi there,

I’ve just recently got rosacea as well and already solve the problem. I went to see a doctor, he tole me that. I was shock with in 2 day, from one pimple explore all over my face and neck. The doctor gave me doxycycline hydrocholride and Rozex gel. But it couldn’t help much. I red a lot of article from internet and found that one Asian herb call “centella” can help kill bacteria and healing scars, reproduce tissue(cell). I try it with in 1 day, my face get much better. I try another 7 days (reapply every 3-5 hours), all redness that looks like a blush, pimples, small knobbly lumps on the nose, face and neck gone. After that I continue use Aloe Vera for 2 month all scar gone. The method to apply centella (Asian green leave in hart shape) is to crush the stem and leave until its fine. Then apply to your face and leave it on your face. After that reapply every 3-5 hours. You can buy it in Asian grocery. I hope this can help you too

Pat

#35759 Anna on April 11, 2010 at 6:13 PM

Hello everyone, I have had flushing on my cheeks for the past 5 years. I saw many doctors and was finally diagnosed earlier this year with rosacea.

I am turning 20 this year. I was told that not many young people get rosacea. The doctor told me to use “Sigmacort 1%”. It is a hydrocortisone acetate cream. Since using the cream i feel that my face is always a little swollen and the area with rosacea has actually gotten larger. Is this the correct treatment for rosacea?

My rosacea is mild with a few bumps, it never goes away. It looks like i have a constant flush on my cheeks and the areas get very heated and itchy at times. The areas are also dry and flaky.

Is anyone going through the same thing?
If anyone knows a good dermatologist that specialises in rosacea in Sydney, please tell me.

Thank you

#35776 David Pascoe on April 11, 2010 at 9:56 PM

Hello Anna,

Sadly Sigmacort is not a good long term treatment for rosacea. It can thin the skin and can actually make rosacea worse.

I was given a tube of this by the first dermatologist I saw in Perth as well. It made my face sweat a lot and just didn’t seem to work that well so I stopped it on my own.

If you don’t already have a gentle cleansing and moisturizing regime and use a physical sunscreen every day then I would recommend that as the sun is so strong in Australia and the sun is a trigger for many rosacea sufferers. You might even be able to find a good sunscreen that has flesh coloured tint that will hide some of the redness. The one I like is only available from the US – it is called Tinted ZincO Cream from rosaceacare.com.

While 20 is young to have rosacea symptoms, you are definitely not the only one that young. Plenty of us have been battling it on and off since early 20s.

all the best,
davidp.

#35944 Sharon on April 13, 2010 at 4:41 AM

I have Rosacea and have found the best treatment for the dry itching areas is to keep it hydrated. I use a calming serum by Jurlquie every morning n night and Dermaven from the chemist as the moisturizer. Whilst I still have rosacea, the dry, flaky skin, itching part has mostly gone. The serum is not cheap but the moisturizer is. Also ask for samples first to make sure its ok for your skin to. In regards to sunscreen, we now have a great brand available in Australia called Invisible Zinc. I went on holiday and used this and did not burn, and is another zinc product like davids above.

#36016 Maxene on April 14, 2010 at 8:13 AM

I just want to totally agree with Sharon on the dermaveen products, I bought a double pump pack for $17 on special, I use the soap free wash to remove my makeup and cleanse and the moisturizer to hydrate my skin. I havent cured the problem but feel i really have it under control. Stopping the dry itching skin has been a blessing..and there has definately been much less redness and pustules. I have been using these products for over 6 months and there is still plenty in the bottles.

#36104 Fiona on April 17, 2010 at 7:26 AM

I am 44 years old and have recently finished an 8 month course of Roaccutane. It is normally prescribed for acne however is now recognised as being helpful for rosacea. The negative side effect warnings will scare most people away from trying this treatment however I didn’t have anything horrific happen, just very dry peeling lips and dry skin and hair. I am very happy with the results although some symptoms are returning very mildly. The Dermatologist said that it is ok to go back onto the treatment later if symptoms start to return. Do some research and give it a go.

#36123 Tracey on April 18, 2010 at 12:09 AM

Hi, I have been sufferring from Rosacea for approx 6 years, it has been a lot better since moving to Aus from NZ, as I find I don’t get affected by the cold winds here. I suffer flushing from many foods and was looking at starting a low alkaline diet, I would love to here from anyone who has had success with this. Or if they know where I could go for advice. I am living in Brisbane.

#36163 g g on April 20, 2010 at 6:17 AM

Hi

I have just been to the derm and she has told me to use a product called effudex cream-for sun damage keratosis, I have been having burnt off with dry ice for a couple of years.

My rosacea is well under control and has been for about 8 months-she said it might flare things up again!
Has anyone had any experience with this product.
Please help!!
g.g.

#36494 Angela on April 28, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Hi

I was diagnosed with Rosacea today. I’m 29 years old and for the last 3 years thought I had a fungal infection on top of my acne (oily pimples by day, dry itchy flaky skin by night). I’ve tried everything, doctors have perscribed me with everything, it works for a few months and then it all just comes right back.

I’ve never let it stop me from going out in public, I don’t even wear make up over it because I know make up will only make it worse.

I do all the wrong things: drink alcohol, eat bread, do excessive sport in the sun during summer here in Sydney, let myself get stressed out, eat lots of dairy etc etc. I don’t want to stop living though…

First stop is a dermatologist, I’ll let you all know how I go…

Angela

#37348 Tony on May 11, 2010 at 9:21 AM

Hi, I have had problems with Rosacea for some years tried all the creams etc but the underlying cause was a mystery. I found other people suffering with this problem had the same symptoms as me and similar dietary problems after searching I found that low stomach acid contrary to what the drug companies would have you believe is mostly the cause of acid reflux and of most stomach ailments. Low stomach acid causes toxins to circulate through the body any cause skin and body mis-function. Thus kidney stones, rosacea, exzcema,Gastrititis etc appear related.You can now find many references to this online. I’m taking hcl supplement after meals and having no Rosacea problems or stomach problems…check it out! get off the roundabout.

#38292 Georgie on May 22, 2010 at 7:31 AM

Redless by Aspect cosmeceuticals is extremely effective – the best product I’ve come accross by far. You can only get it from skin care professionals and salons. They also make a really gentle cleanser without SLS ( which Cetaphil contains and is really aggrevating on rosacea)

Also avoid all mainstream makeup and any mineral makeup containing carmine, bismuth and any synthetic additives which means most of them of course. Aspect also has a range of mineral makeup that is safe for rosacea sufferers. I prefer Musq’s mineral range as it has more choices and is still really high in zinc and only natural ingredients.

Also watch what’s in your shampoos as the run-off on your face can aggrevate rosacea. If your face is rosacea prone your scalp is likely to be pretty sensitive too.

#39019 Matt on June 5, 2010 at 2:56 PM

I have been using ‘Selsun Gold’ on my face. I put it on for 10 minutes before my shower, wash it off, then moisturise after my shower. Selsun gold contains Selenium sulfide. It seems to work for me. Hope it can help someone else.

#41048 Sarah on June 28, 2010 at 9:35 AM

I have had to stop using Doxycycline and Finacea because I am pregnant. These two products were obviously very affective in combating my rosacea as now that I’ve stopped using them, it’s come back worse than ever.

I don’t really have any flushing, just a variety of sizes of paples and pustules and a bit of scaliness. Some of the pustules are massive and very sore and just seem to be getting bigger and bigger. No amount of make-up can cover it and I’m so embarassed about going out in public. So much for the pregnant glow!

I’m at a loss of what to do. Any suggestions??

#41049 Tony on June 28, 2010 at 9:53 AM

Hi All, I had rosacea for a few years searched and tried everything found that the “majority of of rosacea” sufferers have candida albicans and “leaky gut” due to low immune system response.I had an allergy test and found the problem. I reduced the candida albicans to restore natural gut immunity and hey presto rosacea is gone!! toxins which flow radically through your body and skin are causing outbreaks and inflammation from the inside of your skin topical treatment is mostly ineffectual see a allergy specialist “doctors” don’t know much about candida albicans or read on the net good luck!

#43280 Linda H on July 30, 2010 at 9:37 PM

Have heard about Arubix Anti Redness Cream- Does anyone know where to get this in Australa? Its a natural remedy based on Golden Chrysanthenum. Thanks

#44212 Narelle on August 17, 2010 at 5:21 PM

Im 41 & have been diagnosed with rosacea, have tried rozex cream has done nothing now am going to start Doxycycline tablets tmrw, hopefully they will work I am over having redness, pimples, dryness, itchy flakey skin……. Please somebody find a cure I dont want 2 be taken tablets the rest of my life…. = (

#44415 Captain Solo on September 2, 2010 at 1:29 AM

To Tony #171…
You say you are taking€ HCL supplements, What are HCL supplements exactly. I have had Rosacea since I was 16 and am now 60. Antibiotics have kept the condition under control but it is never really good. I have been taking these things for so long that my immune system is shot. I seem to get kidney stones and have to keep heavily hydrated all the time. My eyes are often red and I get breakouts of pimples and lumps on the nose and chin but I cant seem to identify the triggers of this condition with any degree of certainty. I have been on the roundabout and tried all the creams, gels and pills and IPL and I’m exasperated by it all. I sometimes feel like just letting it go but I am convinced that all these symptoms are linked to a common factor, theme or link even though rosacea sufferers exhibit different symptoms and obtain relief from different treatments.

#44476 Sunny on September 5, 2010 at 3:03 PM

@David Pascoe
Say, you’ve got a heap of responses here in the comments of one article, and a lot of people sounding interested in comparing all manner of treatments and cures… Have you considered adding a forum to the site?

One can be easily added to a site for free (like phpbb, or similar) if you’re brave, or there are linking options to pre-hosted, pre-configured jobbies too. Google can help you better than me here.

Just saying that it might be simpler to find similar stories in a forum rather than scanning a page with three years worth of info!

That said, this has been a really helpful page. Thanks for keeping it about.

#44477 Sunny on September 5, 2010 at 3:07 PM

Oh dear, I am silly. There is a forum after all! It’s linked above as “community”.

#44553 shanne on September 9, 2010 at 4:53 PM

I suffered from rosacea and hypersensitive skin for years and it was always a battle to keep it in check.The worst was to go to bed at night with clear skin and wake up in the morning with acne all over my cheeks,and the flushing,i don’t even want to go there.For the last ten months i have been receiving LED light therapy,once a week for the first 6 weeks and now only once a month, and my skin is fantastic.The machine that my therapist uses is the most powerful in Sydney and has a rosacea program,i lie there for half an hour,there is no pain,unlike laser,and it is cheaper.I can highly recommend visiting Milk Day Spa on Glenmore Road in Paddington,Sydney,and the girls there are very knowledgable and caring.
p.s To Fiona,i’m sure roccutane was actually banned in america a few weeks ago due to its side effects.

#44710 Lydia on September 17, 2010 at 4:30 PM

Hello,
I am a rosacea sufferer and at the moment it is mild to moderate, reddness and many broken capillaries. My mother is suffering terribly from red lumps all over her cheeks and nose which just seem to be getting worse and worse. I have been researching creams on the internet and would like to try a cream containing vitamin K oxide (not just vitamin K) Auriderm clearing gel, the only place I have found that I could get this shipped to Aus was amazon, but the delivery price was $90 for a $40 cream. I am also trying to find eucerin reddness relief range, amazon link could not deliver to Australia. Can anyone help me here?
Any ideas appreciated.

#44738 DIL on September 18, 2010 at 10:35 PM

Has anyone tried the antibiotic RIFAXIMIN yet to target small intestine bacterial overgrowth, which is a new theory to the underlying cause of many conditions including Rosacea .
Does anyone know of a reliable online website to order Rifaximin(xifaxin – USA name)? as you can not get this antibiotic in Australia.

#44987 Nadya on October 3, 2010 at 2:44 PM

thanks everyone for the excellent advice, very glad i stumbled across this website. I’m not sure i have rosacea, my mum suggested i did as she had too. It came down after a considerably stressful period. prior to that I had psoriasis on my forehead and templates which cleared up after regular applications of aloe gel – such a godsend, as it was quite hot and flaky without the gel. when the psoriasis on the forehead went the rosacea, if that’s what it is, came on the cheeks, first a little, then a lot.

I’m trying Anna’s wild yam creme as my mother had said that helped clear it for her (after about 3 months) but I’m going to try all the suggestions I’ve read here (first minus the antibiotics). I do have i.b.s and the doc recommended 4 x fibre, 1 zinc and 1 acidophilus tablet daily for this – this has helped with the i.b.s pain.

What I am going to try from the suggestions I have read here are:
- MSM
- Centella
- hcl
- selsun gold
- neurofen gel
- eating yoghurt, or a probiotic
- flaxseed oil
- 1 aspro daily
- lysien and cod liver oil
- vit A & D

Not all at once in that combination(!) but hopefuly with some experimentation it will clear. Also will reduce the yeasts and sugars from my diet – I’m pretty good already but need to do more :/ What a drag, but thanks so much everyone I really appreciate your genuine advice and am also hoping you clear up soon too so we can be happy and healthy

#44988 Nadya on October 3, 2010 at 2:47 PM

excuse the typo above – i meant to write ‘temples’ not templates – I’m tired!

#44990 Anna on October 3, 2010 at 2:49 PM

I have mild rosacea with acne. Does anyone know a good mineral foundation that wont cause flare ups/irritation? I have dry patches so im thinking a liquid mineral foundation would be suitable.

#45210 jessica on October 16, 2010 at 7:18 PM

hi all,

seems like there is no universal good remedy for all of us rosacea sufferrers. I am ethnic Chinese and my first rosacea started while I am in Australia, it has been on and off all the time, despite using rozex, taking doxycicline etc. After returning to China, it was ok for a few years, but now starting to flare up again. I am now 8 mth pregnant and have been suffering it quite badly during the entire pregnancy. I have used the Rosacea LTD disks which work well for me. Even when the flare up was very bad, with purple skin and scalping, the disks seem to be able to calm it down in a week. In addition, I have been suffering conjunctivitis as well, as a result of the rosacea. Does anyone have the same issue? Food and lack of rest is the trigger for me, especially seafood. I must say that I have not watched my diet well.

jess

#45243 minc on October 18, 2010 at 12:42 PM

Hi All,

I am wondering if anyone in Australia has tried the ‘Banish Rosacea’ program. I have been looking into alternative ways of treating the condition and came across this programe recently.

It would be great to have some feedback from users before I purchase the book.

Cheers,
Minc

#45244 David Pascoe on October 18, 2010 at 12:54 PM

Hi Minc,

You might the following forum postings on Banish Rosacea (now Eliminate Rosacea) helpful for some background on this ebook.

davidp.

#45325 Gordo on October 21, 2010 at 9:15 AM

G’day people,

I am 31 years old and reading of all your experiences has confirmed to me that I have been suffering Rosacea for the past 10 years or so.

It is reassuring to discover that there are hundreds of others who are experiencing the same symptoms that I am.

Over the years, I have seen 3 different dermatologists and countless GPs. None of them have been able to provide me with a correct diagnosis or effective prescription.

The information I have learned on this site has given me newfound hope of finding a remedy that will suit me!

This evening I am returning to my doctor and will tell him of my self-diagnosis and ask him to prescribe me something to specifically treat Rosacea – which will be a first for me.

So my question to you people who know vastly more than me about all of these available treatments is this:

What would you recommend that I try first? Is there a reliable ointment or something similar which is more likely to work than another? Or is it more a case of different things work for different people?

At the moment, pustules are not such a problem for me, (I woke up with 2 on my nose this morning, but they were the first ones I’d had in around a week). However, my main issue is an over all red appearance over my nose and moustache area.

Can somebody please recommend something to treat this symptom in particular and also let me know if I would need a prescription to obtain the product?

Many thanks in advance,

Gordo

#45637 Courtney on October 31, 2010 at 12:18 PM

Hey everyone. Im 15 years old & I have flushing, blushing & the bumps. oh joy. Is there any recommendations any of you have to help my skin improve that isn’t too costly?

Thank you

#45638 Narelle on October 31, 2010 at 1:11 PM

Hi Courtney,
I also had the blushing, redness, n bumps…The best treatment so far I have been using is Doxylin 50mgs tablets they start working after 2half mths, get them off your doctor prescription cost $5.40 if your on health care card n medicare n its for 25 tablets take 1 a day…….I find them working but did take 2half months than face is all clear, it worked for me so, Just ask your local doctor there is other types of tablets & creams he could prescribe you to try…. GOODLUCK let us know how you go……..

#45639 Courtney on October 31, 2010 at 1:23 PM

Thank you Narelle, much appreciated Hope it works

#45830 Annie on November 3, 2010 at 5:50 PM

I’m wondering if anyone has had success with the Laser Genesis treatment? Or, alternatively, any negative side effects? I have moderate rosacea which is far worse during winter as I also suffer from raynards disease. As I result I absolutely dread the colder months. It’s been over 25 years since I’ve had a normal, skin coloured nose and I’m sick of the “you’ve got a red nose” comments from people I hardly know!

#46780 Emily on December 1, 2010 at 1:41 PM

Hi there,
Thanks for taking the time to read this as i really need some help. I went to a dermatologist in Perth, who was horrible and took all of 5mins to diagnose me with rosacea. Ive been on minocycline for about 6 months which did help but the constant flushing is beginning to return. I wake up with a red face because my cheek has been on the pillow and it stays that way for hours. It is literally taking over my life. I am so depressed and anxious all the time wondering if i will get a flare up and i more often than not do.

Iv read so many blogs where sufferers list products they use, but i am yet to find one i can use that doesnt give me a horrible painful rash. When i told the dermatologist i couldnt use cetaphil he flat out refused to believe it. I literally can not use anything but water to wash my face with, ive used a particular foundation for a year but am now getting a reaction everytime i put it on. Ive tried at least 15 different types of foundations and they either dont cover the rash/flushing or they cause the rash/flushing. Right now i have about 50 spots all over my cheeks and ive had them for days and they are getting worse. I can not use any moisturisers, i have a pharmacist who makes an ointment i can put on my face which moisturises it but is so thick as it is an ointment as opposed to a cream.

This condition is horrible and so life altering. I cant ever have a coffee, even decaf which has about 3% caffeine gives me a rash and flushing, cant enjoy a simple glass of wine, most restaurants are too warm, I fell ugly all the time because I have that horrible caked on make up look otherwise it deosnt cover the redness. Noone i know seems to understand how rosacea has affected me, I am becoming somewhat obsessed with it and i know its not healthy but i an honestly at a loss. Its ironic that for most of my life people used to comment on how nice my skin is…..now i get “your skin isnt too bad today”.

Anyway thankyou for listening…i think i just needed to vent!

#46783 Angela on December 1, 2010 at 8:14 PM

Hey Emily, I’ve only been officially diagnosed for a few months. My skin isn’t as reactive as it sounds yours is, however when I was at my wits end in April at the end of 3 months of intense rep sport, my face was so bad with rashes and spots that I couldn’t concentrate from the itching. There were also a few tears. At that point, because nothing else seemed to work I started using salt water. At first I would spray it on with a fess dispenser until the stinging went away (spray, wait to dry, spray again) then I would wash it off with water only. Once I realised my skin could handle more, I started wetting my face and putting table salt straight on, let it dry, then washed it off.

Until I could see someone about it, this worked well about twice a day. It was a slow improvement, but it’s natural, relieving and took some of the redness away temporarily. I asked my dermatologist about it and she said not everyone can handle straight salt, most can only handle it diluted.

Fess is a good place to start. It can be refilled with saline sold for contact lenses.

Hope this helps!!

#46792 Jessica on December 2, 2010 at 9:35 AM

Hi all,
I wanted to ask a question – does anyone know a dermatologist in the Sydney – Canberra area who understands that low dose Roaccutane for chronic acne / rosacea / seborrhea is a good idea? I have been suffering for 17 years with extremely oily skin (that makes me look like a man), redness, sensitivity, and intermittent cystic nodules. Because the main problem is the oil and redness, and the presence of papules / pustules / nodules is usually minimal, 4/5 of the dermatologists I have been to try and prescribe something topical. Which of course is not indicated for reducing sebum production, which is the problem. That requires oral treatment. I would like to be taken seriously, so I can get on with my life and stop being embarrassed or having to be on the contraceptive pill (how am I supposed to have a family?!) and Aldactone permanently. Anyone able to help?
Thanks,
Jessica

#46864 Grant on December 5, 2010 at 12:38 PM

Hi everyone
I need some help
I have about 5mm of redness around the outline of my nostrils and there are also small spider veins (I am only 19). The skin on my nostrils is dry yet my nose does get oily a lot. Does anyone have a similar problem, and if so what would you recommend to reduce the redness?

#46865 Grant on December 5, 2010 at 12:41 PM

To add to that comment, do I have a form of rosacea or is it dermatitis?

#47018 Annie on December 9, 2010 at 2:46 PM

Jessica – although not near Canberra, you could try Eastern Suburbs Dermatology in Waverley St, Bondi Junction. The dermatologist seemed to be open to longterm use of Roaccutane (she said long term use was inevitable once you start on it), although she is more into laser therapy which is working for me after the 2nd treatment

#48085 ben on December 26, 2010 at 7:19 PM

Since my teenage years i have had acne on my face particularly on my T zone (forehead, nose and upper lip) to combat this i used used excessive amounts of anti bacterial face scrubs, lotions and potions throughout my teens and 20′s with limited results.

I am now in my 30s and i have developed rosacea on my nose, cheeks, and inner eye area, known as the butterfly area.

I have had 3 x treatments with the gemini laser with nil long term effects. The gemini laser is reasonably painful it feels like being flicked with a rubber band and leaves red marks for a few days after treatment. It costs $300 australian a treatment and medicare will refund $125. My Dr suggested it will take 3-4 treatments to get results.

My Dr originally recommended IPL. IPL laser treatment is much more expensive about $1500 australian per session with medicare refunding about $300. It requires 1-2 treatments and leaves severe bruising for up to 7 days, meaning time of work.

Currently I am using eryacne gel (erythromycin) available on prescription, with good to excellent results. I apply it once in morning and once before bed to affected areas. It is much more effective than rozex (metronidazole).

I strongly believe stress, coffee, tea and alcohol contribute to the disease. I do not use any cleansers on my face just cool water.

I am giving serious consideration to the IPL for my next treatment.

Hope this will help, wonder if there is any link between anti acne washes leading to rosacea later in life????