1. What is Rosacea ?
Rosacea (said rose-ay-shah) is a potentially progressive neurovascular disorder that generally affects the facial skin and eyes. The most common symptoms include facial redness and inflammation across the flushing zone – usually the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead ; visibly dilated blood vessels, facial swelling and burning sensations, and inflammatory papules and pustules.
Rosacea can develop gradually as mild episodes of facial blushing or flushing which, over time, may lead to a permanently red face.
Ocular rosacea can affect both the eye surface and eyelid. Symptoms can include redness, dry eyes, foreign body sensations, sensitivity of the eye surface, burning sensations and eyelid symptoms such as chalazia, styes, redness, crusting and loss of eyelashes.
A panel of experts have agreed on a standard classification system for Rosacea. This system is a brief text that is not intended to be exhaustive, but is a place to start.
“Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder, primarily of the central face. It is often characterized by remission and exacerbation and it encompasses various combinations of such cutaneous signs as flush, erythema, telangiectasias, edema, papules, pustules, ocular lesions, and rhinophyma. Primary features considered as necessary for diagnosis include flushing, erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasias. A variety of secondary features are listed that may be absent or present as a single finding or in any combination.”
Common Misspellings: roacea, rosae, rocase, rocacea, roace, roscea, rosacia.
1.1 Are there different types of Rosacea ?
The panel of Rosacea experts agreed on the following broad, non exclusive text (i.e. there may be other factors and types that come into play).
“The system divides rosacea into four subtypes: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular. As presently worded, papulopustular rosacea is noted as often being observed following or with erythematotelangiectatic disease and phymatous rosacea as following or occurring together with either erythematotelangiectatic or papulopustular rosacea. However, Dr. Wilkin emphasized that while those descriptions are consistent with common concepts about rosacea natural history, they are provisional and subject to change.”
“In its current iteration, the classification system excludes rosacea fulminans, steroid-induced acneiform eruptions, and perioral dermatitis without rosacea signs from the diagnosis of rosacea.”
1.2 What is the difference between acne and rosacea ?
As rosacea is a neurovascular disorder it affects the flushing zone.
Is is common that Rosacea does not present with blackheads that are seen with Acne Vulgaris. Also the age of onset, and the location of redness is a clue. Rosacea is commonly an adult disease, and is generally restricted to the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. It can coexist with acne vulgaris.
Some rosacea sufferers have a significant acne component in their symptoms so it can be easily confused with acne vulgaris. The papules and pustules of rosacea tend to be less follicular in origin.
Rosacea will probably have an underlying redness that is related to flushing and thus looks different to acne vulgaris. Acne sufferers normally do not have the accompanying redness.
Rosacea usually begins with flushing, leading to persistent redness.
As both conditions are inflammatory, the treatment for rosacea and acne vulgaris can be somewhat similar, but some of the acne vulgaris regimes are too harsh for rosacea affected skin and can severely aggravate the condition.
Rosacea sufferers are cautioned against using common acne treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acids), topical retinoids (such as tretinoin, Retin-A Micro, Avita, Differin), benzoyl peroxide, topical azelaic acid, triclosan, acne peels, chemical peels. Additionally the caution extends to topical exfoliants, toners, astringents and alcohol containing products.
1.3 What is the difference between Rosacea and Seborrheic Dermatitis ?
Seborrheic Dermatitis and Rosacea are closely related, they both involve inflammation of the oil glands. Rosacea also involves a vascular component causing flushing and broken blood vessels.
Seborrheic Dermatitis may involve the presence of somewhat greasy flaking involving the T zone, crusts, scales, itching and occasionally burning, and may also be found on the scalp, ears and torso. It does not usually involve red bumps as in Rosacea.
The T zone is the area shaped like a `T’ composed of your forehead, nose and around your mouth.
Just to confuse things further, the two conditions are often seen together. See also: seb derm, elidel and protopic : a warning.
1.4 What causes Rosacea ?
There are a few theories, but none are yet conclusive. Popular theories include rosacea being caused by how frequently we flush and how our blood vessels cope with this flushing ; an over active inflammatory response to some unknown pathogen.
The fact that rosacea’s cause is unknown thankfully hasn’t stopped the development of some excellent treatment regimes.
1.5 How does rosacea progress ?
“Rosacea normally progresses in the same generalised fashion, frequent dilation of facial blood vessels leads to vascular hyper-responsiveness
and structural damage.”
Rosacea experts talk about rosacea symptoms appearing in 4 stages. Over time rosacea can progress from one stage to the next.
From Dr. J Wilkin:
“Most textbooks and literature citations characterize rosacea as a disease that gradually evolves from early to later subtypes. However, there is not conclusive evidence to substantiate that course and we want to know if it really occurs. Nevertheless, the individual features within a subtype can get worse, so early treatment is advocated, even if there is not progression from one stage to the next,”
2. How can Rosacea be treated ?
The best answer is “working with the support of your registered health professional”. There are medications available that control the redness and reduce the number of papules and pustules associated with rosacea.
Current run-of-the-mill treatment might include oral antibiotics and topical metronidazole. One study showed that the use of topical metronidazole alone can help some sufferers to reduce rosacea flare-ups once the rosacea is brought under control.
For those sufferers that do not benefit from the metronidazole based treatments, there are many other options. Quite a few treatments options are often discussed on the rosacea-support email group.
Experts agree that a gentle cleansing regime is very important. Avoiding chemicals that aggravate the rosacea, but will clean and moisturise the skin is a step in the right direction. See also: mild cleanser is important.
As the sun is a strong trigger for many rosacea sufferers, a good non-irritating sunscreen used daily is very important. For those who react badly to chemical sunscreens, a physical sunscreen may be more suitable. Physical sunscreens rely on the reflective properties of the main ingredients (rather than the ability of some chemicals to absorb the sun’s energy). The most common physical sunscreens are based on zinc oxide or titatinium dioxide.
The vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (known as Accutane or Roaccutane), has been shown to be effective against severe papopustular rosacea. It works by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and physically shrinking the glands. It also has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal to treat resistant rosacea. At low doses, accutane has also been shown to reduce other symptoms such as facial burning and redness. Accutane is a strong drug, and even at the low doses found beneficial to rosacea, should be used under strict supervision of your doctor.
Low does accutane may be more suitable than the regular dose, as there are less side effects and lesser chance of aggravating redness. See also dramatic results with low dose accutane and focus on low-dose accutane.
The mixed light pulse laser – Photoderm is showing promise as a treatment for the vascular component of rosacea. It works by targeting facial microvessels that are damaged.
One treatment that has been shown to help some is Rosacea-LTD III. It is the third generation of topical mineral salt based treatment. The minerals shrink facial vessels as well as reduce papules and pustules. More information is available at http://www.rosacea-ltd.com
For those wanting to treat the flushing side of their rosacea, 2 drugs are worth investigating. Monoxidine and Clonodine are 2 anti-hypertensives that you could look at with your doctor.
From a subjective view of the rosacea-support list members it would appear that one person’s treatment does not necessarily suit another, so your mileage may vary with any recommended treatment. Experiment a little and find what helps you. Depending on the stage of your rosacea, some treatments may be aggravating, while for others the same treatment may not cause problems. Every rosacea patient is unique and needs individual treatment.
Whatever path you choose, the support of a doctor or dermatologist that is willing to work with you will be very important, so shop around until you
are happy with your health professional.
2.1 What about steroids ?
Steroids have long been prescribed for rosacea because of their perceived quick relief. Milder (1% hydrocortisone) over the counter preparations are also popular as they are thought to be safer than the prescription strength treatment.
It is worth bearing in mind the following warnings:
over the counter steroids can cause steroid induced rosacea.
“After observation of long-term facial application of even low-dose corticosteroids, we have see many adults and children with a rosacea diathesis in whom severe burning and itching develop, along with bright red papules and nodules.This may occur after long-term application of even low-potency topical corticosteroids.
Application of topical corticosteroids causes immediate vasoconstriction and reduces the redness seen in rosacea and many other skin conditions. However, when patients discontinue usage of the topical corticosteroid, symptoms immediately reappear, and the symptoms are often much worse than those seen in the original condition.”
2.2 Can you be cured of Rosacea ?
Perhaps not cured in the sense of cured of a cold, but you can reduced your symptoms to a manageable level. There are plenty of treatment options out there, you may just need to experiment with a few.
3.3 Are there any Books about Rosacea I should read ?
There are very few books about Rosacea. In the last year of so there has been a couple of `self help’ books written about rosacea. You can find a
review of a couple of these at http://rosacea-support.org/book-reviews
4. Are there any non-profit organisations devoted to Rosacea ?
The National Rosacea Society is a non profit organisation set up to provide information about Rosacea. You can find them at http://www.rosacea.org/ They publish newsletters online as well as conduct surveys about rosacea sufferers. Also they make published information available to sufferers via regular mail. The National Rosacea Society are an introductory organisation that are a good first point of contact for information. In the past the NRS has awarded grants for 37 studies into rosacea.
4.1 Are there any support groups related to Rosacea ?
There is an email support group that you can subscribe to. This email group is free and unmoderated. Currently there are about 7000 users. To find out more information about the list, visit http://rosacea-support.org or go straight to the email hosting page at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/
Rosacea Reading Glossary
As you read more about Rosacea, you might come across lots of terms that are new to you. Below is a short list of some of the terms you might come across.
accutane: a powerful vitman A derivate that was originally prescribed for severe acne vulgaris. Has been used effectively for rosacea as well. Also known as roaccutane. for more info http://www.rocheusa.com/products/accutane/. See also: focus on low-dose accutane
aczone: (dapsone) a topical treament for acne vulgaris.
ascomycin: a new macrolactam immunomodulator showing some promise for inflammatory skin disorders.
azelaic acid: the active ingredient in finacea and other rosacea treatments.
blepharitis: inflamation and crusting of the eyelid.
boswellia: also known as boswellin or “Indian frankincense,” comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. Known the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree bark’s gummy resin, called salai guggal.
cutaneous: pertaining to the skin.
demodex mites: (demodex folliculorum and demodex brevis): microscopic mites that lives in the skin. Many theories relate the involvement of demodex mites to rosacea, but so far after many years of research a causative link has not been found. See also demodex mites
DMSO: (dimethyl sulfoxide) a solvent approved by the FDA for organ transplant preservation and interstitial cystitis (a bladder disease).
chalazion: a lump on the eyelid that is caused by a clogged duct of one or more of the meibomian glands on the eyelid.
clonidine: an anti-hypertensive, which works by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, it relaxes blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily.
clarithromycin: a macrolide antibiotic used to treat tonsillitis and other bacterial infections. Clarithromycin is available under several brandnames for example Biaxin, Biaxin XL and Klacid.
conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin transparent lining in the front of the eyeballs and eyelids).
cutanix: makers of the Dramatic Relief Multi-Action Skin Therapy targetted for eczema and rosacea sufferers
dapsone: sulphone antibiotic medication available for many years to treat leprosy. also used in a topical (aczone) to treat acne.
diflucan: (fluconazole) is used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, throat, esophagus, abdomen, lungs, blood, and other organs.
diroseal: (Avene Eau Thermale Diroseal Treatment Cream) is a anti-redness cream containing Retinaldehyde and Dextran Sulfate. See also diroseal now available in australia.
DRL: dramatic relief lotion, now known as Dramatic Relief Multi-Action Skin Therapy, topical product for rosacea and eczema from Cutanix.
dry eye: a condition brought about by abnormal production in the quantity or quality of tears.
edema: presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces of the body, especially wrt subcutaneous tissues.
elidel: (pimecrolimus) a topical treatment for atopic dermatitis and erythrotelangiectatic, papulopustular, and edematous rosacea. See also: seb derm, elidel and protopic : a warning.
epifacial: another term referring to a full face treatment using photoderm.
epilight: a treatment very similar to photoderm, originally intended for hair removal. differs by using different filters to photoderm. For more information see http://www.skinandhealth.com
epitan: a drug development company, owners of Melanotan and EPT1647, a synthetic peptide which stimulates the body to make eumelanin, the dark pigment of the skin.
erythema: inflammatory redness of the skin.
erythematotelangiectatic: having symptoms of both erythema and telangiectasias
Ester-C: a form of vitamin C that contains both ascorbic acid and metabolites.
ESB: Endoscopic Sympathetic Block, clamps used to block the transmission of the neural impulses in the sympathetic chain. Is considered a reversible procedure. See http://privatix.magenta.net
ETS: Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathectomy (or endoscopic transthoracic sympathicotomy) a procedure where a surgeon excises the major sympathetic nerves that supply the hands, neck and face. Main indications for ETS are blushing and hyperhidrosis. One place for more information: http://www.sweaty-palms.com/ets.htm
finacea: azelaic acid 15%, a topical treatment for rosacea, proven to reduce the number of inflammatory papules and pustules associated with rosacea. See Also focus on finacea (azelaic acid 15%).
fotofacial: a treatment regime using photoderm pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jnr., for more information, see http://www.fotofacial.com
grape seed extract: a source of an ntioxidants bioflavanoid known as proanthocyanidins (PCO bioflavanoids)
Helicobacter pylori: bacteria that live in the cell lining of the stomach. Part of the folklore of rosacea is that it is caused by H. pylori. This theory is confused by the fact that treating h. pylori also has some benefit for rosacea symptoms. So far no causative link between h.pylori and rosacea has not been found.
hyperhidrosis: a disorder characterized by excessive sweating caused by an overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system of the sweat glands.
hypertrophy: the enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part due to an increase in size of its constituent cells.
hyperemia: abnormally increased blood flow
Intendis: the manufacturers of finacea.
IPL: Intense Pulse Light, a description of the technology used in the family of machines made by ESC. For more information, see http://www.skinandhealth.com
isotretinoin: the a vitamin-A derivative that is the active ingredient in accutane (also known as roaccutane). See also focus on low-dose accutane
iontophoresis: therapy that uses a local electric current to introduce the ions of a ionic therapeutic agents through the skin.
keratitis: infection or inflammation of the cornea of the eye.
ketoconozole: the active antifungal ingredient in nizoral, helpful for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
klaron: a topical treatment containing sodium sulfacetamide.
lumenis: a laser manufacturer, responsible for the IPL range of machines such as Vasculight, Quantum and Lumenis One.
lupus: an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in various parts of the body such as the skin, joints and kidneys. Skin flushing is an important symptom of lupus.
melanotan: a brand name for a drug developed by epitan which stimulates the body to make eumelanin, the dark pigment of the skin.
metrolotion: (metronidazole 0.75%), a topical treatment for rosacea, closely related to metrogel and metrocream.
metrogel: a 0.75% metranidazole treatment. For more information http://www.metrogel.com/aboutmetrogel/ See also metrogel.
metrocream: (metronidazole 0.75%), a topical treatment for rosacea, closely related to metrogel and metrolotion.
metronidazole: a topical treatment for rosacea. Has been found by some to effective against rosacea. Has a yet to be understood anti-inflammatory action. Is the active ingredient in metrogel, metrocream, metrolotion, rozex and noritate. See also focus on metronidazole.
meibomitis: inflammation of the oil producing meibomian glands of the eye.
MSM: (methylsulfonylmethane) a derivative of DMSO.
Multilight: a member of the Intense Pulsed Light family, along with the photoderm machine. For more information see http://www.skinandhealth.com Can also be used for hair removal.
naturopathic: a treatment philosophy that avoids use of pharmaceutical medication and surgery in favor of natural alternatives
noritate: a 1% metronidazole treatment. for more info http://www.dermik.com/prod/noritate/Noritate.jsp
novacet: a topical treatment containing sodium sulfacetamide.
ocular: of the eye.
oracea: a new variant of periostat, targetted for inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
papulopustular: having symptoms of both papules and pustules.
papule: a small, solid, elevated skin lesion, less than 0.5cm in diameter.
perioral dermatitis: perioral refers to the area around the mouth, and dermatitis indicates redness of the skin. In addition to redness, there are usually small red bumps or even pus bumps and mild peeling.
periostat: (doxycycline hyclate) originally developed to combat periodontal disease, also used for its anti-inflammatory properties for acne and rosacea.
photoderm: an intense light source, fired at the facial skin to reduce flushing associated with rosacea. a new treatment for rosacea that is producing some exciting results. For more information see http://www.skinandhealth.com
photofacial: a treatment regime using photoderm, pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Snr.
photorejuvenation: a broad term used describe Intense Pulsed Light treatments. photorejuvenation treatments are aimed at stimulating collagen formulation.
phymatous: having symptoms of abnormal growth, as found in rhinophyma.
pimecrolimus: the active ingredient in elidel, a topical treatment for atopic dermatitis and erythrotelangiectatic, papulopustular, and edematous rosacea. Pimecrolimus, is derived from ascomycin, a natural substance produced by the fungus Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. ascomyceticus. Pimecrolimus selectively blocks the production and release of cytokines from T-cells. These cytokines in the skin cause the inflammation, redness and itching associated with eczema.
plexion: a cleanser from Medicis containing sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur. It is indicated in the topical control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, for those patients without sensitivities to sulfonamides or sulfur. The exact mode of action of sulfur in the treatment of acne is unknown, but it has been reported that it inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and the formation of free fatty acids.
protopic: a topical treatment for rosacea containing tacrolimus.
pustule: a vesicle filled with cloudy fluid, such as pus, often associated with a hair follicle but can exist independently.
pycnogenol: an antioxidant extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus maritima) and the Canadian Spruce (Tsuga canadensis)
Quadrinone: the patented active ingredient in Cutanix Dramatic Relief
Quantam SR: a member of the Intense Pulsed Light family, along with the photoderm machine. For more information see http://www.skinandhealth.com
rhinophyma: abnormal growth of the soft tissue of nose, caused by sebaceous gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia (increased growth and number of sebaceous glands).
roaccutane: a powerful vitman A derivate that was originally prescribed for severe acne vulgaris. Has been used effectively for rosacea as well. Also known as accutane. for more info http://www.roaccutane.com.au. See also focus on low-dose accutane
rosacea fulminans: a rare form of rosacea that appears very quickly.
rosac cream: a topical preparation from Stiefel Laboratories that contains sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5% cream with sunscreens.
rosaliac: a treatment containing vitamin CG (ascorbyl glucoside, a slow-release form of vitamin C); xanthine, a caffeine derivative that works as a vasoconstrictor; and vitamin B3, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Manufactured by La Roche-Posay.
rosanil: a cleanser from Galderma containing sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur. It is indicated in the topical control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, for those patients without sensitivities to sulfonamides or sulfur.
rosula: a sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur based topical treatment used in the treatment of acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis
rozex: 0.75% metronidazole based treatment also known as metrogel. for more info http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/r/rozexgel.htm
rosacea-ltd: a non-prescription topical treatment for rosacea, see http://www.rosacea-ltd.com
rosacure: an anti-redness and moisturizing face cream. Originates from Italy, where it is called Synchrorose. Contains Silymarin (Lady’s Thistle Extract) which is a bioflavonoid, and hyaluronic acid which provides hydration to the skin, are all contained in an oleosome delivery system.
sansrosa: a company producing treatments for inflammatory skin diseases. One such product is SR101 or SR110 a rosacea anti-redness cream.
seborrheic dermatitis: an inflamatory skin condition, associated with itchy flaking skin. See also:seb derm, elidel and protopic : a warning.
sebaceous gland: a gland often associated with a hair follicle, that produces sebum.
sodium sulfacetamide: a topical treatment used for acne, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
stromectol: (ivermectin) a highly active broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agents used to treat infections caused by roundworms, threadworms, and other parasites.
stye: inflammation of an eyelash follicle on the edge of the eyelid.
subcutaneous: under the skin.
tacrolimus: the active ingredient in protopic, a topical treatment for atopic dermatitus and steroid induced rosacea.
telangiectasias: damaged micro blood vessels, often visible on the surface of the skin.
tetracycline: an antibiotic often prescribed for rosacea.
V-beam: the fifth generation (hence roman 5=V) of the pulse dye laser. for more information, see http://www.vbeamlaser.com
vascular: of the blood vessels.
vasculight: a IPL+laser machine that can be used to give mixed wavelength and fixed wavelength treatments. Can target large and deep blood vessels. For more information see http://www.skinandhealth.com
VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor, one of the number of genes associated with angiogenesis.
versapulse: a type of laser, for more information, see http://www.coherentinc.com
wobenzyme N: (wobenzym) a multi-enzyme supplement.
YAG laser: (yttrium aluminum garnet, uses a Neodymium (Nd) ion) thought to be good for treating deep and large blood vessels esp. in leg veins.
zileuton: (zyflo) a treatment originally developed for asthma that was targetted to also be useful to treat acne and subsequently rosacea.
ZincO: (ZincO Cream) a micro-fine zinc oxide dimethicone sunscreen formulated by Linda Sy to be used by rosacea sufferers.
zithromax: (azithromycin) is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics, used to treat many types of bacterial infections.
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129 Comments over 3 pages ↓
Does anyone know where you can buy Finacea gel treatment without a precription?
Finacea is available in Australia without a prescription. You might be able to get it online – try
http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/product.asp?id=49623
http://cincottachemist.com.au/product/838006-buy-finacea-gel-30g-online
http://search.pharmacyonline.com.au/pharmaceuticals/Finacea
Perhaps you could let us all know if you succeed in ordering it.
dp.
Thanks David for your help I have looked at the websites you suggested but looks like it would be riddiculously expensive with postage from Australia. If I am to get finacea gel looks like I’ll have to go to Drs which I hate because you can’t just go with rosacea they have to take blood pressure etc which is sky high when rosacea is bad!
I was just informed that my refill for the generic metronidazole will cost me $130. The vaginal prescription would only cost $44 but my doctor will not issue a prescription for the vaginal version.
What can someone do who is on unemployment and has no drug coverage do?
And the non-generic Metrocream is now $311!
Hi Barbara,
Have you seen the Patient Assistance Program from Galderma? If you are eligible then that might be an option for you:
See Oracea and Metrogel FREE for low income no insurance for all the details.
all the best,
davidp.
Thanks David but I don’t qualify. I did some checking on line and there are 2 online pharmacies that cell the metronidazole for 1/2 the price of the Targets and Costcos so I will transfer my current prescription. Whew!
I know how mentally debilitating a rosace attack is on my mental state (and the depression from being jobless is probably what caused it in the first place) but I cannot imagine what someone would do if they had no treatment alternatives at all. I wonder why there is still no OTC treatment other than sulpher which I cannot use?
Hi Barbara,
I live in Europe and have suffered from skim conditions such as ichtyosis and eczema since birth. Last year I had an episode of rosacea but looks like the GP I went to see in the first place misdiagnosed, it was actually eczema flare ups on my face due to high levels of stress. As a result I was prescribed Rozex from Galderma (0.75 per cent metronidazole) in a 40 g tube but never got to use it. The tube is brand new, never been opened and has been on my pharmacy shelf since last year. I don’t mind shipping it to the USA free of charge if you wish. I am a not a weirdo or pharmaceutical reseller, just a skin sufferer like you who came across your thread as as subscribed to the Rosecea website last year. I just feel really bad that the American health care system is so poor that they should make you pay so much money for a tube of Metronidazole! In the Uk, it cost about 8 pounds so maybe about 12 American dollars… Please let me know what you think. Yours,
Marianne
Marianne that is so sweet. I did finally get a prescription sent to Planet Pharmacy which is in Canada and they will get 2 30gm tubes to me for $65 which is half what my local Pharmacy costs.
If you would not mind sending me your unused tube, I would be happy to use it!
My personal email is:
redbabette@yahoo.com
hey everyone,
I was diagnosed with rosacea last october(2010).Since then i have been avoiding all the stuff that triggers it like sunlight,spicy food etc.I have to say my nose has shown a lot of improvement.Though the bumps are still visible their colour varies.and im okay with that.just wanted to know if i should continue using metrogel or just leave it as it is.i mean i’ve not used metrogel for quite some time and its just like it was before.i still apply adapalene gel at night.Please help.Thanks
PS-Please inform me if you find a CURE for rosacea
Not sure about the metrogel. I didn’t find it helped. The best thing I have found is Finacea Gel which I use morning and night on the affected areas.
p.s. also forgot to say. I found taking L-lysine supplements helpful. Does anyone else have any experience of taking L-lysine to control symptoms?
The first time I was hit with rosacea I was prescribed the Metrocream (this was in 1996 when I had drug coverage) and I used it religiously morning and nite for over 6 weeks and it finally completely cleared up. I was hit with an attack about 5 weeks ago and I am using the generic metronidazole day and nite and it has improved somewhat. I am waiting for a prescription from Planet Pharmacy via New Zealand now because even the generic costs $140/75 gm. if you have no drug coverage.
So, my experience has been to keep up with the metronidazole day and nite and use some of the soothing formulas for cleansing and moisturizing from Rosacea Care and stay away from known triggers. Mine has been totally stress related this time around (due to being unemployed for nearly a year) and I am hoping that my new job and the cream will clear me up totally…hope that helps….
Rosacea is the worst but you are not alone!
Being curious about Jo’s L-Lysine comment I googled the wiki for info about it and compared it to the anti-biotic Lymecycline (which I currently use to good effect.)
nb: whilst chemically very differently sized – they both have the same ‘tail end’
That isn’t science – but it is something science could be looking at.
Maybe a lysine related protein deficiency ?
And worth noting I don’t eat much of the food cited on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysine
See my other posts for history and various anti-biotic use.
Recent update – I can easily miss the odd day or two of lymecycline, but when I recently bravely tried to see how long and stopped – all was well for 5 days, then my nose exploded and it took two weeks to get it back under control. So now on doctor advice try reducing dose very slowly – alternate days is working fine. Will soon try just one in 3 days.
Finally David – why isn’t Lymecycline (Tetralysal from Galderma) in the list above ?
Hi b,
Lymecycline is one of the tetracycline family, along with the more popular doxycycline.
Doxycycline, especially at low doses has certainly attracted a lot of attention in the rosacea space, but the other tetracyclines are also well known and used in dermatology circles.
The ability to taper to a low dose of any systemic antibiotic is a an option that rosacea sufferers can benefit from and one worth exploring with a doctor when you are ready.
all the best,
dp.
Hi All
The L-lysine i mentioned in earlier post is not an anti biotic but an amino acid and I buy it as a Health Supplement. I think it really helped me. Having said that I am currently following the nutritionist Patrick Holford’s advice from his Skin Solution Book and am taking a Fish Oil, Multi Mineral and Multi Vit plus Vitamin B. I don’t think it is the complete solution and still need to use the Finacea.
I have been on Doxycycline and Tetracycline and both are very good but I do not want to be on them long term. I managed to stay off antibiotics for over a year now.
I have Rosacea and have been battling it since i was 18//. I am now 35 and its got to the stage where I am permanently red. I was a very handsome guy and now i cannot stand looking at myself. I hate who is looking back at me. Ive tried everything. Right now I am on Bi-Mycine and Protopic (for serb derm which I also luckily have)… These seem to control the dry skin and large Death Stars (boils) that I am lucky enough to get right on my face but my head is still red and there is a line on my neck where the redness starts and continues up to my head (below that is lovely lovely lovely skin). Its so frustrating. I can still see the person I should be but unfortunately that person looks like theyve been badly burnt, slightly swollen and very sad. There is nothing left for me to try now. I have tried every drug for it, hypnotherapy, allergy, natural drugs (I even tried puttin manuka honey on my face and mositurizin with coconut oil-surprisingly this worked incredibly well for awhile), etc, etc… I avoided perfumed goods, drinking, going out, eating certain foods even eating altogether. I am at my wits end…. Its as if Nature is screwing with me. Nature is bored and is just messing with me for the craic. Rosacea + serb derm is like a sick cruel or torture that even the sickest Despot wouldn’t use. Just look at what brings it on. Drinking hot / cold Drinks, Spicy Food, Chocolate, Tea, Room Temperature, SUNLIGHT ffs, Exercise, etc etc and STRESS…… STRESS !! WTF??? Really so I should avoid getting stressed…. well I wasn’t stressed before I got this red fupping face… The triggers for Rosacea are all the things you do while LIVING… Its as if my own body hates me and no matter what I do to try to control the redness, my body finds a way around it… ie my current treatment (mycine+protopic) seems to control the boils + dryness but now my face is continuously red and I have suddenly started getting these crazy red flushes… I just got one right now so i had to leave the room of people to go home as my head looked like it was about to explode and kill everyone… Thats great.. ahhh life. My body’s punishing for me for attempting to fix it.. Its all related to the immune system IMO …Its over sensitive and this is the result.. It thinks its helping me by doing this… I really don’t know what the numb sculls in my immune system think they are preventing by giving me a bright red face.. If my body was a company then they’d be the first people fired… idiots. .. I have lost the will to live now… I really dont want to go for another 30+yrs like this… I hate what looks back at me in the mirror and i hate the word CHRONIC…. Its a cruel joke and I never thought this would happen to me… I rather have a terminal desease and my old skin back… At least then I could actually live out my remaining days without this badge of honor on my face… nothing works long-term for me with this… Anywhoooo hope this cheers everyone else up .. Just thought I’d share… !!!!! …………….. I wish I could be my true colour just for one more day
Mr. Happy, your comment about losing the will to live has me very concerned. I am dealing with the worst bout of rosacea I have had since ’96 and this time around it is caused by the stress of being jobless for a year. I also have seb dermatitis and have had “dandruff of the face” as I call it since I was a kid. I spend most of my time trying to hide both conditions. I am 56 and after finally beating acne at age 40 using Proactiv, this has devastated my sense of self so I can totally relate. BUT I don’t plan on killing myself.
Right now I am treating my rosacea with metronidazole and if you have seen my other post, you know that I had to go out of the USA to get my meds without breaking the bank. I also found that a line of products from Rosacea Care, while not a cure, is definitely soothing to my skin.
As a female, using makeup is a given for me but have you considered a foundation for your redness? It may just help your state of mind which in turn could help your skin?
Please do respond so that we can commiserate.
All the best,
Barbara
hi,
I am 21 yr and my rosacea started at 18. I, however took care and i still do and my rosacea is controlled and my skin looks perfect and is in fact very beautiful that people keep complimenting me on my flawless complexion. however, i restrict myself to many things like walking in the sun that i used to love, eating chocolates and cafeine drinks etc.
i learned many things with time and i have managed to control and heal my rosacea with patience and without consulting dermatologists etc. i wash my face once in the morning and at night and i herbal facewash. i use aleovera with tea tree gel on my face at night and this is a controls flaking of skin and repairs the sun damages.
in the morning i use a calamine lotion with aleo moisture which soothes the skin.
When i first had rosacea i thought my life was doomed but with time i managed my rosacea and i felt i needed to share my routine with other fellow sufferers so that they too will be able to control their rosacea and live normally.
PS: check yur diet, limit spicy food and drink lots of water and eat onions. it helps.
Hi fellow Rosacea sufferers,
I was so ashamed, I hated to have my husband be seen with me. Everyone eles was having fun but me. People just don’t know what we go through, they survey your face when they talk to you. My face has calmed down alittle now (knock on wood) but I still have bumps that have yet to reached their full size. ( why do they always start out so small and grow so huge!) Anyways, I’m still on Sulface/sulf and Minocycline and praying for a remission. Maybe this flair up was due to baking and cooking over the heat, Maybe it was from eating chesse and nuts, Maybe it was the stress of the holidays, in any case, I wish it would go away!!! 
Hang in there everyone!! Pray for a cure!
I too have been cursed with this on going problem! Mine started in my 30′s and now I’m 56. I went through a period of complete remission for about 5 years. During that time I only used sulfatol gel once a day on my face and of course avoided the sun,wind,cold,and heat. sulfatol gel is sulfacetamide/sulfur. I was so happy! Until I needed a refill last year and learned they do not make sulfatol gel anymore nor do they have plans to start. believe me I did my research. So my Dr. prescribed Finacea. Look out! My face exploded! For 6 months I suffered!!! I also was taking an antibiotic. So finially through asking numerous Pharmacists I located a company that makes Sulfacetamide/sulfur and discontined Finacea. after 6 weeks on the old faithful my skin was looking pretty good, Until this Christmas eve. One horrible bump after another started to appear! Some as big as a quarter! Red and swelled all over my face, I hid throughout the hoildays
So sorry that the Finacea has not worked for you Sequoia.
I have heard that the Malin & Goetz range of skincare is helpful although I have not tried them myself one of the developers of this range is a fellow rosacea sufferer.
I also read an article in the Daily Mail about a rosacea sufferer who had been prescribed ROaccutane, very powerful and very expensive. They don’t ordinarily use this in UK but do prescribe it in France. Again i don’t know if this is always successful.
As I said in a previous email, I have also found taking the amino acid L-lysine x3 a day helpful. You buy it in health food shops. I think a previous comment misunderstood this as an antibiotic.
Best of luck.
Thanks Jo, I plan to buy the L-lysine at the GNC and give it a try. I’m open for any suggestions at this point. Sometimes I think changing Dr’s might help but I’ve been with this one for 30 years, I’d feel bad. But I plan to write down any info I read to show him and maybe we can figure out what works best. Right now he told me to stop taking minocycline for a week and take zithromax (zpac) thinking this might calm it down. What exactly is L-lysine and is there any side effects? Also can you buy the skin care products (malin and Goetz) here in the US? And what have you heard about Roaccutane? If it works, I’d give it a try, no matter the cost!
Thanks for your help,
I have been using Mario Badescu’s calming cream for the last couple of weeks and it is soooo soothing and has calmed the redness. My metrocream still has not arrived from Planet Pharmacy so I have been unmedicated for at least 6 weeks and if not for the Badescu products (I use the cleanser also) I am sure it would be much worse. There is a line by Rosacea Care that also has wonderful products and great customer service.
I am going to try some L-Lysine too.
Oh, and Pur Minerals makeup is a great line for hiding that nasty redness!
L-lysine is an amino acid. I would stick your Doc if he has been helpful. I know when my rosacea has gone out of control Tetracycline has helped me. It seems different treatments work for everyone. Malin & Goetz is made in US so you should be able to get in any of the big stores, you can google it. They sell it SPACE NK Apothecary over here. I am using AVENE anti redness extra gentle cleanser and moisturiser and Mineral Powder makeup which helps confidence.
I have also noticed if I drink bad quality wine, particularly white with sulphites then the little red bumps seem to appear!
Roaccutane is a retinoid and used for Acne. It can only be prescribed by a consultant dermatologist over here, as you need to have monthly blood tests to check for liver function and it strongly contraindicated in pregnancy. You could try googling the Daily Mail online to read about Laura Tennant and Eve Cameron and how it helped them.
GoodLuck
Thanks Jo and Barbara,
I started using the z-pac yesterday and it seems to be working although it could be that my bumps are disappearing on their own and gearing up for another attack. lol
(really not funny) Anyways I looked on line about L-Lysine and it seems to have alot of positive things about it, including helping your bones. But the drawbacks are kidney problems and it could interfere with meds I’m already taking. So I’m going to call the doc tomorrow and see. I went to GNC today and bought a bottle anyways.
I talked to the woman who works there and she said alot of people buy it for cold sores, which I already knew, But she also said an elderly woman bought Alpha Lipoic Acid and said it helps to control her rosacea. Did you ever hear of that?
I have been using the following lotions and potions for years and through trail and error found they work the best for me: Basis sensitive skin soap, Aveeno ultracalming foaming cleanser and Aveeno ultra calming daily moisturizer. and I couldn’t live with out Mary Kay extra emollient night cream. It actully isn’t a cream, more like vaseline, but where I live we have very cold winters, so I use it day and night. For some reason it takes the redness, even the swelling down on my face. love it. I do know I can’t use any of these new products wih pro-retional ( for wrinkles) I haven’t figured out what I’m suppose to do about looking younger! Oh Well, Thanks again, let me know if you’ve heard of Alpa Lipoic Acid. Bye.
I think that Alhpa Lipoic Acid is Omega 3 which is in Fish Oils. It has anti inflammatory. I already take fish oil supplements which i think include Omega 3, 6 and 9. On its own I don’t think it helps the rosacea but because I think generally I have inflammation in my body which is a contibutory factor with rosacea I think, then I take these supplements too.
Glad your skin seems to be improving fingers crossed.
I asked my Dr. about L-lysine and he said to give it a try, couldn’t hurt. So I’ll start taking 1 aday? They are 1000mg. Maybe 2 aday if that doesnt help. Thank’s for all the info and support! This is has been my first time emailing a support group and even though there’s not much anyone can do to take Rosacea away, It really does help to know I’m not the only one going through this. I think thats what always bothered me before, not knowing a single person who had it too and could understand what I was going through. Thanks… Have a great face day!
hi fellow suffers!
i am still confused as to whether i have rosacea or not! its really upsetting to have rosacea i e if it is! i want to have a free life! i am still in college, i still have my part of enjoyment left but i spend days hiding in my room when my friends go out and enjoy! i am sad! i wish i didnt have it! sob sob! whats a pretty face with rosacea?
Sorry to hear that it’s getting you down. Be patient and just try some of the suggestions given above. The best thing you can do is treat yourself to some mineral face powder and a good brush. Something like Bare Escenscuals or Jane Iredale or Bobbi Brown. It really can give good camoflage much better than foundation creams, and is not aggravating to rosacea. Get out there and enjoy yourself the best you can. Most people don’t notice it as much as you think and we as individuals are much more self conscious about it. Drink plenty of water and try not to be sad. I always console myself with the facts that other people have much bigger problems. Has your doc diagnosed Rosacea? A 3 month course of anti biotics should help it and then you can try and keep on top of it with some of the prescribed topical skin producats and rosacea skincare products. Good Luck
Dear Yag, I know where your comming from and I sympathize!! It doesn’t help when your in collage and have to walk from class room to classroom outside. Jo gave good advice, find a doctor, preferably a dermatologist, one who knows what your dealing with. Find one thats reliable because if it’s Rosacea, you’ll be seeing him/her for years to come. Just remember, Rosacea is a trial and error kind of condition, what works for some may not work for you. Be gentle to your skin when washing and I found that in the summer months my rosacea improves 100% as long as I always wear sunscreen and a visor to shade my face. In the winter I always wear a scarf around my face, making sure nothing but my eyes are showing,because the wind and cold is the worst! And stay away from Hot drinks and soup, I found that really makes it flair up. I just bought a cream that is approved by the National Rosacea Society. Its called Eucerin redness relief, you can buy it at any drug store and it doesnt cost alot. When it comes out of the bottle it’s green but once you apply it, the green goes away. it works really well,seems to take the redness away right away. Believe me I’m a hermit because of Rosacea, but take heart, there are better days ahead. Once you get it under control and know your triggers there will be days you forget you have rosacea. But always take care to baby your skin and protect it. So for now Calm down, and know your not alone.