Before and after

[Daisy]

Hi there, I've finally managed to get some photos online so I hope this link works :wink:

http://preview.dk413.photosite.com/~site/Scripts_PhotoSiteOnlineTool/PhotoSiteOnlineTool.dll?CMD=CMDStartOnlineTool

The photos were taken last March (5 months ago). Back then my skin was hot, itchy, stinging, red and spotty. I went to the dermatologist, gave her €200!! and she gave me 2 months supply of Deoxycycline and advised me to change over to a brand of cosmetics called Rosaliac by La Roche Posay. I hated the idea of taking antibiotics long-term but I finished the course. I was wary of buying this brand of cosmetics too (cleanser and moisturizer) because I always wonder if Dermatoligists get commission or something for recommending them. Anyway I bought it and I got makeup by the same brand.
Results:
Ok, the redness, itchiness, spottiness etc more or less went away after the 2 months. I still had one or two spotty patches. I found the products by La Roche Posay lovely and mild and moisturizing (because my skin was SO dry too). I have stuck to these products because I have had no reactions since I started using them and my skin is fairly clear and no longer red and angry.
Could this be because of the antibiotics? Well, I was supposed to go back to the Derm in June but I decided not to. I wanted to see how I would get on without the antibiotics first.
Now, it's August and my skin is almost back to normal with just the odd little blemish if I get stressed or eat junk.
What else have I changed? Not much. I get a lot more fresh air, I try to keep my eating fairly simple and natural (nearly always prepare my own food).
I have totally cut out fruit because I have a feeling it aggravates my condition. Instead I snack on berries such as raspberries and blueberries. These have plenty of vitamin C.
I have cut out spinach. I know that sounds strange but I have a feeling it aggravated my skin too.
I have been taking a iron-free multivitamin since I finished the course of antibiotics just to give my immune system a boost. I have also been taking a couple of Flax oil capsules every day for the past month. These are rich in essential fatty acids and very good for the skin as well as over all health.
I hope this helps some of you. I know everyone is different what works for me may not work for others but it's worth a try. I just hope the red rash doesn't come back :cry:

[Quench]

Thanks for sharing your story. The link isn't working though - it takes us to a login page.

[Daisy]

Ok sorry about that...I have put 2 'before' pictures on my other photos site

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47931138@N00/?saved=1

I hope it works this time!

I don't have an 'after' photo yet...

I'll probably take these 2 down in a day or so coz this is a mountains only site :wink:

Let me know if it works this time

[Twickle Purple]

OK, before I get to your post, I must get this out -- > WOW! Those photos were really interesting! I am fascinate by Mt. Everest ever since I read Jon Krakauer's "Into thin air." Good for you, very exciting!! I could NEVER do it :shock:

Back to earth ... Welcome to the forum Daisy! Those were very harsh conditions that your skin was subjected to. Cold is a huge aggravator for Rosacea. I'm glad that you are seeing relief.

My Derm also recommended La Roche products and they were pricey. My skin was aggravated by the stuff so I discontinued. But, I don't think the Derms are motivated (in this case) by commission, the fellow I was seeing was very focussed on the teaching and learning aspects of skin disease and skin manifestation of disease.

I had always avoided antibiotics, I feel unwell while taking them and they always leave me with a very uncomfortable side effect. But, for my Rosacea, I was desperate and have been taking the Doxy for two over two months now. It is a big contributor to healing my face and eyes. I start my day with 3 probiotics and that seems to keep me feeling fine, with no unwanted side effects.

If you are able to stay off the drugs and stay clear and comfortable that's a plus. A natural approach is always the best and safest.

Twickle Purple

[Daisy]

Thanks Twickle Purple,

Yes I worried that exposure to such harsh elements would have damaged my skin and you might see I am quite weatherbeaten in one of the photos.
So looking at my picture with the red bumps...do you think it's definately rosacea? I had my doubts because I'm not someone who blushes ever but having said that, all that harsh weather could probably have the same effect...
I just thought it weird that the redness and bumps only appeared a year ago and it's 2 years since I returned from nepal. I protected my skin well after that. maybe it was too late by then! Plus I know lots of people who spend a lot more time in the mountains than I do and in worse conditions and they don't have problems with their skin. So the condition remains a mystery. I thought it was maybe a reaction to something I was using on my skin. I have to admit being one of the 'in-denial rosacea sufferers' :wink:
For now it has eased to the point of being almost gone so I'm relieved but I am careful not to let it reappear.

[Quench]

Thanks for the pictures Daisy.

I don't feel qualified to say whether the rash is rosacea or not. Do you have any spider veins on your cheeks?

Well done on finding a lifestyle that suits your skin. Hope things keep looking good for you.

[redhotoz]

Thanks for posting your photos Daisy. You are a beautiful young woman indeed!

When you get your after photo up, I would love to see that too. Can you put them all into PhotoBucket or something and just put the link here in a post? That's the only way I know how to do it.

I also got good relief from inflammation with Doxy but unfortunately the sides effects were too much for me to handle (still dealing with them 3 months later! Agghhh!)

You sound like you are in control with what you are doing and that is fantastic! I do sooo hope it was just some sort of passing rash and not Rosacea. Keep abreast with it, continue your healthy eating and using skin care products for sensitive skin and hopefully it won't come back.

Best of luck and please do keep us posted!

Jen

[pontypool]

Thanks for posting your photos Daisy. You are a beautiful young woman indeed!


i agree

[slippy]

Oh my goodness. You are beautiful !!

Damn, pity you didn't live in Ireland! :-)

[Daisy]

[quote="Quench"]Thanks for the pictures Daisy.

I don't feel qualified to say whether the rash is rosacea or not. Do you have any spider veins on your cheeks?


Hi Quench,

No I don't have any spider veins on my cheeks. There was just that red bumpy rash which is now practically gone. The dermatologist said it was Rosacea but she gave that diagnosis is about 2 minutes and didn't ask me anything about my lifestyle, family history, health history etc. I find that strange because I think all of these things are important. I also believe that Rosacea can be triggered by stress. This has been my experience anyway. I also think it's awful that a doctor can say "you have rosacea, there is no known cure and no known cause" without taking a while to reassure the patient. I have seen this far too often. I know that not all doctors are like that but unfortunately quite a few are. It's not 'life-threatening' so it's nothing to get bothered about as far as they are concerned. They don't seem to realise the psychological impact of being told you have an incurable condition that may or may not get worse. I remember feeling very panicked about it.
That's why this forum is great. It's a place where people can come and discuss their worries and fears with kind and understanding fellow sufferers. Most people on the forum are not qualified doctors from what I see but you are all able to share your own personal experiences and thoughts. This stretches far beyond what the medical profession can provide with regard to this condition and I think it's invaluable.
Thanks

[Daisy]

Hi,

I have taken the 'rosacea' pictures down from the website above so you won't find them there anymore..

I will try to set up a separate site

thanks
D

[pontypool]

[quote=Quench]Thanks for the pictures Daisy.

I don't feel qualified to say whether the rash is rosacea or not. Do you have any spider veins on your cheeks?


Hi Quench,

No I don't have any spider veins on my cheeks. There was just that red bumpy rash which is now practically gone. The dermatologist said it was Rosacea but she gave that diagnosis is about 2 minutes and didn't ask me anything about my lifestyle, family history, health history etc. I find that strange because I think all of these things are important. I also believe that Rosacea can be triggered by stress. This has been my experience anyway. I also think it's awful that a doctor can say "you have rosacea, there is no known cure and no known cause" without taking a while to reassure the patient. I have seen this far too often. I know that not all doctors are like that but unfortunately quite a few are. It's not 'life-threatening' so it's nothing to get bothered about as far as they are concerned. They don't seem to realise the psychological impact of being told you have an incurable condition that may or may not get worse. I remember feeling very panicked about it.
That's why this forum is great. It's a place where people can come and discuss their worries and fears with kind and understanding fellow sufferers. Most people on the forum are not qualified doctors from what I see but you are all able to share your own personal experiences and thoughts. This stretches far beyond what the medical profession can provide with regard to this condition and I think it's invaluable.
Thanks

My derm did exactly what you described . I wasn't sure if I had rosacea despite my GP saying I did, because of some other unusual symptoms I had. but when my derm finally diagnosed me after inspecting my face closely, and my back and scalp. he told me it was incurable and they don't know what causes it, however they can try to control the symptoms. He then gave me rozex cream and tetralrsal , which annoyed me anyway because Ive had plenty of similar topicals and anti biotics, I was hoping that a specialist would be willing to try something new. and then he told me some usual triggers like the sun heat and stress and mentioned that some foods was a trigger.. He then stood up and walked towards the door as if to politely show me out. And I remember asking him specifically what foods I should avoid, too which he mentioned tomatoes and strawberries and handed me a website address to the british dermatology giving more information about rosacea. I just felt like I was being rushed out of the office and he didn't care about me at all, he just wanted to hurry his appointment up for his next client.

I got out of the hospital because I just felt confused, I was hoping that he would at least shed a little light on my condition but he didn't tell me anything I didn't already know anyway and thats 125gbp including the prescription down the drain
not to mention the fact that he didn't even know that accutane could be used to treat rosacea, and he didn't beleive that niacin causes you to flush (when i asked him about it)
As you can probably imagine, it feels like you have been cheated when your derm seems to know less about your condition than you do.

[redhotoz]

My derm did exactly what you described . I wasn't sure if I had rosacea despite my GP saying I did, because of some other unusual symptoms I had. but when my derm finally diagnosed me after inspecting my face closely, and my back and scalp. he told me it was incurable and they don't know what causes it, however they can try to control the symptoms. He then gave me rozex cream and tetralrsal , which annoyed me anyway because Ive had plenty of similar topicals and anti biotics, I was hoping that a specialist would be willing to try something new. and then he told me some usual triggers like the sun heat and stress and mentioned that some foods was a trigger.. He then stood up and walked towards the door as if to politely show me out. And I remember asking him specifically what foods I should avoid, too which he mentioned tomatoes and strawberries and handed me a website address to the british dermatology giving more information about rosacea. I just felt like I was being rushed out of the office and he didn't care about me at all, he just wanted to hurry his appointment up for his next client.

I got out of the hospital because I just felt confused, I was hoping that he would at least shed a little light on my condition but he didn't tell me anything I didn't already know anyway and thats 125gbp including the prescription down the drain
not to mention the fact that he didn't even know that accutane could be used to treat rosacea, and he didn't beleive that niacin causes you to flush (when i asked him about it)
As you can probably imagine, it feels like you have been cheated when your derm seems to know less about your condition than you do.

Hey there Anthony

I can relate to that! I no longer go to the Derm who visits my town every quarter (or any other Derm). He compared horrific head injury cases from car accidents to the dangers of taking antibiotics (I said that I didn't want to take antibiotics and hoped he might have another idea for me). I've posted this before but he also said that it was ok for me to be upset and cry because he wouldn't want to be seen out in public looking the way I did! He said that his 'job' was to prescribe me medications (antibiotics) so if I didn't want to take antibiotics, what was the point of seeing him?! Arrgghhh!!!

So, yup, that's why I do all of my research on-line! He challenged me to prove that using red lights as well as a natural approach would help. He said that I could sit under his commercial red light unit whenever I wanted to as it would certainly not do any harm but he had no idea if it would help. Unfortunately, it's a long way to the city from where I live, so I got my own. So, since he was such a [&%*#!] to me, I would so love to write to him with pictures and info files to prove that Rosacea can be controlled by things other than antibiotics! Perhaps educate him a bit about Rosacea!

I think what Derms need is feedback. If someting doesn't work and someone changes the Derm they see...let the previous Derm know, so that next time they may be able to help another Rosacean.

Jen

[Daisy]

I spoke too soon! the spots are back! Do any of you ever feel like you're being punished by this thing or is that just me?
I'm putting this flare up down to 'hormones' - I always have an excuse :wink:
So I have to accept it's here to stay. I suppose there are good days and bad days and that's how it works...but I still live in hope...

[redhotoz]

Sorry to hear that Daisy. Yes, Rosacea can be a real rollercoaster ride!

Jen

[Daisy]

Sorry to hear that Daisy. Yes, Rosacea can be a real rollercoaster ride!

Jen

Hi Jen and everyone,

Well here's an update. My skin flared up again fairly bad about a month ago so i was very disillusioned as you can imagine. Then, at the end of October I went back to Nepal for nearly a month. Up in the mountains we lived on a diet of noodle soup, rice and steamed vegetable dumplings. It was always so fresh and simple. We drank pots and pots of tea as well and we trekked every day for between 3 and 8 hours, sometimes more. that meant that we were getting loads of lovely, fresh mountain air every day. As a result of all this healthy living i came back with nice clear skin. Now that I'm home I'm determined to keep it like that....so i'll be living on noodle soup, rice and tea from now on. You can see the before and after photos here

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/Daisy_sk/Before.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/Daisy_sk/MeandNiamh.jpg

[Daisy]

Correction...I went to Nepal at the end of September not the end of october...sorry!

[Quench]

Wow - you are beautiful!

[phlika29]

Daisy

My skin looks exactly like my face at the moment. I was beginning to go mad thinking that maybe I'm imagining it. I also try to eat healthily but unfortunaley what with winter and central heating the effect is not quite as good as yours :roll:

[FLYBOY109]

Hi Daisy, I just wanted to agree with the prior post and say that you really are a beautiful girl; even with rosacea. Also your skin looks great as does mine right now and I started to realize it was definately a little seb derm flare; since the summer I would always stay in remission. I hope you stay in remission, but if it starts acting up again I would recommend you test the rosula ns medicated pads as they have put my face in an awesome state like yours is now. I am a big outdoors person and am quite impressed with the Nepal pictures. You seem like an exciting girl. I would use the zinco tinted cream when you are on your expeditions as it really protects your skin from the elements. I use a thin layer only when I go skiing to stop the effects from going from the extreme cold into the warm lodge. It really prevents the blood vessel fluctuations during these extreme temperature changes. Good luck and keep sending pictures of your adventures. They are awesome

[IowaDavid]

Sorry to hear that Daisy. Yes, Rosacea can be a real rollercoaster ride!

Jen

Hi Jen and everyone,

Well here's an update. My skin flared up again fairly bad about a month ago so i was very disillusioned as you can imagine. Then, at the end of October I went back to Nepal for nearly a month. Up in the mountains we lived on a diet of noodle soup, rice and steamed vegetable dumplings. It was always so fresh and simple. We drank pots and pots of tea as well and we trekked every day for between 3 and 8 hours, sometimes more. that meant that we were getting loads of lovely, fresh mountain air every day. As a result of all this healthy living i came back with nice clear skin. Now that I'm home I'm determined to keep it like that....so i'll be living on noodle soup, rice and tea from now on. You can see the before and after photos here

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/Daisy_sk/Before.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/Daisy_sk/MeandNiamh.jpg

What kind of temps/weather conditions were you dealing with in Nepal?

[Daisy]

What kind of temps/weather conditions were you dealing with in Nepal?[/quote]

Hi there,

Where we went in Nepal the weather was generally quite harsh because we spent most of the time above 5000m. At that altitude the air is harsh and dry even when the sun is shining. It was quite cold all the time but never unbearable. I actually kept my face covered as much as possible against the wind and cold. I wore factor 50+ sunscreen every day and reapplied it frequently. The brand I used was La Roche Posay. In the colder weather I covered my face with a warm fleece muff and when it was warmer I wore a bandana over my face. This also prevented me getting a cough from the thin, dry air. Last time I was there I didn't take all of these precautions and I paid the price with very burned and weatherbeaten skin. A little experience goes a long way. I'm home over 2 weeks now and my skin is still fine. I really believe that lots of fresh air helped improve my condition. I know the elements can trigger a flare up but going out in the fresh air with your face a little covered can really make a difference - in my case anyway. It also helps relieve stress which is a very important thing for me because I believe stress is my biggest trigger.

[claudia]

Hi Daisy

I hope your skin is continuing to behave. Earlier you mentioned that flare-ups make you feel like you're being punished or something. I can totally relate to that feeling! Especially in our culture where a woman is expected to look beautiful all the time. Another big problem is that I think it's almost worse if a woman is very attractive and can come close to "model" looks. Then other people expect perfection and the response is worse when the skin does flare-up.

So this adds to the stress of flare-ups! And I agree that flare-ups can happen due to stress. Consequently, I've dramatically changed my lifestyle. I used to be in charge of programs, working long hours, making presentations, etc. But now I work from home and take lots & lots of time for walks and being in nature. There is something so soothing about the pace of the natural world that I believe it's part of why my skin is looking so much better now. Your posts about your experience in Napal seem to verify that for you too.

Good luck! Oh and it's always good to have several close friends who love you despite how your skin looks :wink: