Here are some photos of some rosacea flare ups from the year 2000. At that stage I was trying to work out whether they were caused by being too experimental with new treatments or trying to cut out the antibiotics too quickly. Being mostly fair skinned, a rosacea red nose stands out a mile away. Many people mistake this redness as sunburn, acne, or may even call it acne rosacea, but in reality, you need to understand rosacea as separate disorder in order to treat it.
Until I was formally diagnosed with rosacea, I could never answer the question – Just why is my nose red? and Why do I get acne on my nose at my age? Perhaps you, too, would like to answer these questions.
Almost everyone who gets diagnosed with rosacea is shocked that what looks like a teenage skin problem comes to visit them middle aged or even as a senior.
As you can see, my rosacea symptoms include acne, papules, pustules, red nose, mild swelling and flushing. These kind of symptoms would last for several days, and even more papules and pustules would take over as current ones healed. I convinced myself that new acne bumps and lumps would grow overnight ; each morning more would be there.
I would say that I had these rosacea symptoms for about 15 years or so. It was very frustrating for sure.
This is some of the worst rosacea pictures of me that I have photographs of. Like most rosacea sufferers, I didn’t like my photo being taken, so I don’t have records of any more `impressive’ symptoms than these.
See also my successful rosacea treatments for more information about how I’ve become symptom free.
Update: I recently wrote an article titled How to cure a red swollen nose. I hope that this also helps you battle your red nose !
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129 Comments over 3 pages ↓
Hi there fellow (red faces)…..I’ve suffered with a red,hot face and acne for years(cystic in my 20/30s)…I’m 51 now……My redness extends all over my nose,both cheeks all the way to the jawline & a bloody deep red CHIN in an almost perfect circle…..with growing bumps on it.Looks like I fell in beetroot….I was constantly on”the tetrocycline group” etc….always had thrush…etc etc…The pill Brenda helped..but I had to stop taking it last Jan,& now it’s getting worse…….the heat that comes with the blushing & flushing is rotten.I always carry a fan in my bag!!!!! Yippee…now I have menopause to look forward to…..It was suggested that I use ROSEX….haven’t tried it yet…..MINERAL POWDER IS THE BEST FOUNDATION TO APPLY ….covers very well and doesn’t irritate.Never heard about the mites ….so I’ll google it…Good Luck & God Bless to all…….I feel a lot better after sharing…..
Hi Y’all- I am just realizing all the chat regarding sea buckthorn oil is in one of the
other categories. I just bought some (the seed oil-not the flower). I added it
to the Benzaclin topical treatment my new dermatologist gave me. Overall, after
2 weeks of the Benzaclin and oral dose of red clover (strenthens capillaries), I think
the sea buckthorn oil has settled my nose down the most. I only got it 5 days ago.
I was able to apply it several times during the day under my makeup. It was hot
and humid and my nose didn’t do the usual spot fizzle sensation that indicated another welt. Just wondering which brand of mineral foundation is good-I have
had some success with dropping my old brand and going with a cheap one with no
sunscreen or retinyl palmitate. Many of the newer foundations are full of things
for antiaging such as the retinyl palmitates, vitamin e, etc. The less of these “anti-
aging” ingredients, the better for my nose. Are we allowed to name makeup brands
here? I love Bobbi Brown’s stuff and the L’oreal color match (C-1 shade is such a
great color!) However, I have decided to keep them off of my nose! I just use old
fashioned regular Cover Girl (the regular) and the red welts seem to be less aggravated. Meanwhile, I am sooo thankful summer is over!!
The problem is the fat type and the pressure on the stomach, plus fat amount and fluid amount. It will help you in the long run if you only drink water when you need it, and if you drink beer, then drink Wheat beer(the protein in the beer or the unfiltering is good), if you get pressure on the stomach, and with unstable fat(The socalled healthy oils, sunflower oil, canola oil an so on) before sleeping, then you will be sure to get that nose the day afterwards. The stable fat, which is good for your nose in small amounts of course, is: butter, chocolate (real chocolate from powder(The best thing to cure in a short periode is drinking chocolate with suger and hot water, nothing else(if you can’t, then use very little milk))
The things you eat will get the nose result 2-3 days afterwards, that is why you should be very observable to see any connections between the things you eat and then see some days afterwards. The biggest mistake is to judge the same day on the food or the fluid to fast. The result will always appear much later than you think. And when you start changing your diet, then it will take from 6-10 days before you will see chances, and when you have done it for 3 weeks, then you really see the result. The most dangerous thing is to eat burgers or drinking 10 normal beers or something, then the result will be 7 days with that nose, for 1 days stupidness. Especialy the wheat beer helps with the nose.
Referring to the Julie post–what is the Brenda pill? And the next post regarding
diet is confusing. I don’t drink any beer (wheat or otherwise) and I don’t eat chocolate fat. Any other suggestions?
I keep my Roscea under control by not eating anything red, or too acidic, or too rich. If I think oh it hasn’t been too bad lately I will make the mistake of having another go at say a tomato, eating lots of lvoely things at a family gathering and then next day out it pops. I found that Azclear is the best cream to use, especially when the spot has it’s own pulse and is very painful. Azclear can be bought over the counter at any Pharmacy. Hope this helps.
Hi is there anywhere in watford that people can meet? im 39 and would like to see others thanks gary
My husband is 61 and has that horrible rudy red bumpity nose that I have been reading about, and it was diagnosed to be “rhinophyma”. Surgery is recommended, but it is considered to be cosmetic surgery and insurance will not pay for it. He is very tempted to just cut it off himself! I know that would not be a good solution, but we need to hear from someone that has “the” answer! I read one article that suggested X-Ray’s treatments. Someone please advise.
Hi,
I’ve found that the only thing that helps my rosacea (besides avoiding anything red– I wonder what it is about tomato sauce, red wine, even bbq chips flares my rosacea?) is something called OPC-3 Beauty Blend, which is made by Market america. It has pycnogenol in it, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory- I’ve found it helps to keep the redness down. You can find it at http://www.shop.com/cutting.
Good luck!
Rose
Thank you Rose and all that help share information. My husbands Rhinophyma is just huge and only on his nose. I did not know that the foods he eats effects his nose! I shared that with him… I’m hoping to hear from someone that has had some kind of surgery to remove it, whether your insurance paid for it or not. We have B.C./B. S., and how your results are working out for you.
Has anyone found a home remedy like bleech or something that will kill this aweful growth on his nose that he himself says:” it stinks”.
Hi Joyce,
The best non-surgical options is probably accutane. Even this will likely only offer limited benefits though.
If the growth is severe then there isn’t really another option than some kind of surgery. This surgery can be expensive, painful and will have other down sides based on what sort of procedure is chose. Sadly I think you need to shop around surgeons to weigh up which option might suit your husband best.
Xray treatments are experimental, but there are options like Erbium YAG/CO2 Laser and also other options like Microdebrider + Floseal and Photodynamic Therapy.
dp.
Hi Cyndi…Brenda is the generic name for the more expensive pill DIANNE.Contraceptive pill that helps eliminate acne.Hope this helps.
yes I have the red checks and red nose and 2 or 3bumps my nose…But does anyone have a itchy and i mean itchy itchy nose…I can’t stand it?? Linda I do use metrogel 1mg..I am wondering if there is a stronger gel than 1 percent
Linda, i’ve been using Sulfacet-r for the past year or so and have good results. It doesn’t do much for the redness but does keep the eruptions under control. It is by prescription 2x daily just on the affected areas. They vary a bit but come up in roughly the same places if I dont use it regularly and when it is quiet it is easy to forget! Not sure about the itch as it seems to be indvidual lesions rather than the whole nose but that is inclined to swell a bit at times. Metrogel has never worked for me neither has Finacea. for me the 2x daily cleansing with a gently cleaner such as Cetaphil is essential for keeping things down to a dull roar and I use cosmetvs sparingly, Mind you I am quite old so I have the luxury(!) of not caring too much and take the comments of my children with a pinch of salt! Take heart one of these days there will be something that works —for everybody. There’s money to be made isnt there!!
hey guys try homoeopathic medicines , they are world class efficient in curing these ones! i have seen rosacea and vulgaris as well being controlled and cured upon with minute doses… xoxo
i take tetralysal twice daily and i have read all your comments. i would be greatful for any advise that you can give me. i have tried to hide it and am feeling depressed over it. best wishes doris
Doris- The BEST thing to do is not eat dairy. That stopped the huge red burning welts. At this point I only let warm water in the shower on my face. No soap and
only a little Covergirl makeup (get the Regular Covergirl and not the Sensitive Skin
or the Oil- Free!!!). The Sensitive Skin Covergirl burns. I eat alot of nuts for
carbohydrates rather than crackers and breads. Too much flushing niacin in the
ingredients.If I go to bed with a full stomach of carbohydrates such as cookies
or cereal or cake-my nose really swells. i now eat nuts for a snack.
I got a hold of some low dose Accutane (generic Rotin it is called 20 mg) I took it
for a week and then once a week. That has helped but good luck getting your doc
to prescribe it. Keep everything else off your face until it heals. Sunscreen (all types) burns my skin and so did Metrogel. I also stay away from the milk substitutes (soy is the worst) and Almondmilk only because it contains vitaman E
which causes welts for me. Otherwise, almonds are fine. I have been dealing
with this for 7 years and can say it is now limited to one side of my nose and
a bit of swelling on the tip. You can get it under control with diet. If you eat
before bed, drink a glass of water too. I also sleep with my head and shoulders
on three pillows. I spent $50 on pillows but it helped! Good luck!
I agree with the above post about Accutane (low dose). There are ways to get it
-it’s called the internet!
hello,
please can someone tell me if you have tried Marina Chicet’s products? I like the idea that they are all natural.
Please let me know before I waste my money, I am considering reading your reviews the rosacea ltd, I am very desparate and with so much out there I don’t know who to believe at this point, it is very frustrating now that my rosacea is getting worst!!! nothing seems to work!!!
Thanks
All natural means nothing when it comes to rosacea. I am down to pretty much
nothing on my face and my rosacea is just now on one side of my nose where I have two
red papules. Will do another round of amoxillon again since I can’t afford Oracea and
it really didn’t work. I heard a post on another site about using Nasalcrom nasal spray (cromolyn solution) It seems to help if I use it topically even though it is a
nasal spray. Unlike the prescription ones this one is NOT a steroid. I bought it at
Walmart where it was the cheapest. I leave as much makeup off my nose as possible and forget any sunscreen or soaps because they ALL aggravate it.
Haven’t had dairy, fruit juices or much of breads (very limited) in weeks. I am
now thin and not an ounce of cellulite as a bonus. I am looking into a new topical
as well called Aczone discussed on the Rosacea Forum and will talk to doctor about it and see if it is something he
could prescribe. So far the topical Nasocrom is the best but not totally bringing
down the swelling on my nose tip which is still there every morning.
Started with Aczone (topical dapsone gel) about 3 weeks ago under a new doctor.
I was happy that at least he was interested in something new for my nose. It worked great worked
first week but now I am swelling again but it is just patches on my nose that are
red. I really
don’t have the money for these IPL treatments but may try again. If you need
many it is so expensive. My nose currently is similar to the one in the picture
only a smaller bump. David, are you still running this site?? I am wondering
how you ever got rid of that or do you still have it? Should I try the discs? Also,
I may inquire about liquid nitrogen for this. Has anyone tried it?
Hi Cindy ,,,Brenda is the cheaper form of Diane…..a contrceptive pill used to treat acne.It worked with minimizing facial hair for me as well.
Good luck.Jule
Had rosacea now for 10 years. My mum suffered with a red for years. It used to be a nightmare for me going in any room that had central heating. I would feel the heat rising. I never got the spots but just my face would be red nearly all the time. The pain of the burning face too was awful. Then I saw a poster from the red cross in a chemist advertising camouflage make up by Dermacolor. This was available on prescription. I wore it for years. It did the job of covering my face but it was very heavy and mask like and in summer it wasn’t very comfortable. The last few months I’ve discovered putting mineral make up on instead. Much lighter and doesn’t feel so heavy. I also started taking a zinc tablet each day and putting zinc and castor oil cream on my face morning and night. I am pleased to say that my face looks ‘normal’ now. Haven’t had a hot flush since I started using the zinc. Its such a relief to be able to go to work and not have to worry about the heat etc. Its also nice to not have to wear make up all the time, I used to look like a beetroot!
Good luck everyone
Hi there,
I’m new and a little confused about how to navigate the site. I’d like to post in the forum section but can’t seem to find an option that lets me. Alternatively I could simply ask my question here.
I have rosacea, only on my nose, and very noticeable. I have excellent skin but my nose is pink to blue deep purple depending on the situation. I don’t flush, blush, have pimples or papules. I simply have an ever swollen, oily, nose that is riddled with enlarged pores, black heads and a maze of broken veins. The veins at the sides of my nose being large and noticeable. I am not affected by heat but cold is a major trigger. My nose itself is always constantly cold to the touch. I do not have cold hands or feet. This problem is persistent and I often find myself in a warm room with a cold nose.
I’m literally at my wits end. Red cheeks I could cope with but a purple nose? It’s ruining my life.
I’ve had antibiotics which I can’t take more of as I suspect they had a hand in triggering the auto immune disorder I was recently diagnose with.
I had two IPL’s which initially improved things but it came back worse. I also had veinwave which was a dead loss. The same veins that I’ve had for years reappear so eventually. it’s not a case of new ones appearing. I’ve become severely reclusive and wont have my photo taken, have put on a huge amount of weight, have lost all my confidence and am literally in despair.
I fear it’s actually low level rhinophyma and as I couldn’t risk acutane with my Graves disease I’m not sure what to do. The nose is oily, swollen and the slightest thing that touched it causes the redness to worse. At normal colour ion waking it’s pink to rosy. At worst purple. Please help.
Graves disease is a thyroid problem isn’t it? My swollen nose is not at all. I have
red rosacea blood filled lumps. i don’t think yours is the same. Sounds like a
lack or circulation there because it is cold. Mine swells in heat and loves the cold.
My nose inflamed with red LED lights (I got a small bulb of red LED light emitting
diodes) on ebay that I put in a portable light socket with a switch. That was only
a few dollars and I think came from China. I also have a large panel one from
ebay that was for growing plants. Both made my nose worse. If my nose problem
is the opposite of yours, meaning I have too much circulation, maybe the red
LED lights would help yours. Please get back to me and check out LED lights on
ebay to get one. It will either get worse or better. Stay away from all supplements
for now. i say a guy working at a Teavana store with a purple nose and wondering
if all those exotic teas were making it worse. I bought Jasmine flower green tea one
time there and my nose flared horribly. I threw the tea away. I found the same
with grapeseed extract and licorice. Your nose will get better if you experiment
constantly. What is your diet like? Keep removing and then adding things. What
do you mean oily- sometimes it is just shiney from inflammation and looks oily.
I tried alot of fish oil pills that dried my skin out. It is 100 percent tiny sardine
oil capsules with no soy or vitamin E. Vitamin E is a flusher. They dried my skin
out. It is not accutane but seemed to do the same thing. I bought the Rite Aid
brand for 4.99 and took about 10 a day for a few days. Some say this is the
same as doing accutane. Never had any problem. Definitely makes your skin
less oily. You also can get Retin-A topical to see if that straightens out your
nose. That will slow the progression of capillary growth which isn’t my problem
but may be yours. i got mine from an online RX no prescription but your doctor
should give you that if you be firm with them I finally got a prescription for it
which I have as well. My email is cyndipa@comcast.net if you want my doctors
name who precribed it for me.
Correction on my above post: My nose is not at all red. It is swollen on the tip
with 2 red rosacea patches. The swollen tip is not red though. It is swollen in
the morning and with heat. I can’t say it is cold. I believe it is swollen from
an old rhinoplasy job I had years ago and the swelling is causing rosacea.
It is wierd. I am looking into too much iron in my system which can cause swelling.
So far I have eliminated dairy completely as well as cereals and processed carbs.
I do know niacin in these make it worse as well.
MsLux,
I have suffered with rosacea since my teenage years and my mother has as well. My rose has always has a deep reddish color (almost purple) to it, and I’d get these little acne-like bumps on my cheeks near my nose and on my chin. My skin is oily, which seems to make the problem even worse. I’ve been to the dermatologist who recommended EVERYTHING for me with no luck and then he told me to try OPC-3 Beauty blend (don’t ask me what the OPC stands for) but it is an anti-inflammatory and has helped with the swelling. My spider veins on the sides of my nose also seem to be lighter. Has anyone else tried this before? I buy it online at http://www.shop.com/cutting and it’s abut $70 I think. Seems to be worth the investment though and mine’s lasted over a month now. The thing I’ve found is that I have to take three doses a day instead of the one dose it recommends, but my doctor said that was fine because of the natural ingredients in it. Anyway, seems to work for me, and it may for you too.
Hi joyce I just read this article your husband may be in luck
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2143499/How-salt-blasting-surgery-cured-disfiguring-condition-called-drinkers-red-nose.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2143499/How-salt-blasting-surgery-cured-disfiguring-condition-called-drinkers-red-nose.html
http://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/ub/citation/21524328/Coblation_of_rhinophyma_