Rosacea Support Community

ROSACEA SUBTYPE & SEVERITY: I Erythematotelangiectatic, mild. In my early twenties, a family friend (cosmetologist), looked at my skin and said "I think you have mild rosacea." Emotions and exercise have always caused flushing which, in my 20s and 30s, would quickly subside, in a matter of minutes, really. During the past decade my complexion became ruddier and the flushing would take much longer to subside. Now, in my early 50s, hormonal changes seem to be affecting my skin.

MAIN SYMPTOMS & AREAS AFFECTED: diffuse pinkness, mainly on cheeks and chin, flushing (plus an episode of ocular rosacea back in April, though not sure - the ophthalmologist diagnosed dry eye; however, the ocular symptoms resolved within days with no medication).

SKIN TYPE: used to be quite oily in the T-zone. However, for a couple of years now, the oiliness has almost completely disappeared.

CO-EXISTING CONDITIONS: sporadic bouts of seb derm on scalp/face with minimal peeling on face; an episode of hand dermatitis (first ever) on both hands, earlier this year -the dermatitis was on the back of my hands and the area was not more than an inch in length by half an inch in width; GERD.

MOST SUCCESSFUL TREATMENTS:

For rosacea: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and the following moisturizers which I rotate: CeraVe and virgin coconut oil; this combination of products keeps my skin hydrated and supple.

For the seb derm: I have been able to keep seb derm under control with topical applications of raw honey and virgin coconut oil.

For hand dermatitis: antifungal cream plus Vanicream plus cotton gloves for about a week.

Diet: Since introducing good fats, raw milk and lacto-fermented foods/drinks to my diet, my GERD symptoms (gastric reflux while sleeping and heartburn) have gone away. No vegetable oils with the exception of coconut oil and olive oil, the latter in salads only.

LEAST SUCCESSFUL TREATMENTS:

For rosacea: Aveeno ultra-calming cleanser and moisturizer, the moisturizer made my face even redder right after application and never moisturized much. Jojoba oil, makes my face break out though the rest of my skin seems to like it when added to body lotion. Tea tree oil, irritates my skin and scalp.

For seb derm: Head & Shoulder shampoo, irritated my face, even when very diluted, and didn't help with the peeling at all.

For the hand dermatitis: Psoriasin gel & ointment, made no difference. Petroleum jelly, worsened the itch. Hydrocortisone 1%, made no difference whatsoever.