chicago area

[bentherebefore]

I am located in Glen Ellyn, IL. (west Chicago suburb) For those of you in the area, do you know of any good derms in the area who are knowledable about rosacea?

I visited Dr. Kolbusz in Downers Grove, IL. I'm not sure what to think yet. He took his time but prescribed a bunch of knee-jerk prescriptions (finacea, minocycline, some steroid cream). I think I might look for a different derm.

Please let me know your recommendations! Thanks!

[DukeCity]

-- I can tell you who NOT to see in Wheaton and Naperville! - I'm checking out Dr. Taub now up in Lincolnshire, she's a Clinical Instructor at Northwestern Medical University and she has her own office/spa. - But chances are, after I'm done with my Accutane and wait 6-months, I'm taking the drive down to Tennessee to get treated by Dr. Johnson next year..

[IowaDavid]

I would respectfully advise anyone that is considering Dr. Taub to reconsider. Bad News Bears, in my experience.

[DukeCity]

David - Thanks for the heads-up..

[pignolia]

Hi all, first time poster. I'm in the city of Chicago and I need to get a diagnosis so I'm looking for a dermatologist. I've been an intense blusher since childhood, but for the past year I've been having more intense symptoms. For the past 6 months or so it's been commonplace for people to ask me if I have a sunburn. Based on my symptoms I'm pretty sure I've got rosacea and seb derm, but I'd better ask a professional, right?

Does anyone know of a rosacea specialist in the city? I'd love to find someone who will give me a diagnosis without trying to shove prescriptions at me. I'm pretty health conscious, and I'd like to try the self-help/natural route. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I've never been to a dermatologist, so I'm not sure where to begin.

[milton]

I really don't think there are any Rosacea Specialist in Chicago. One thing I had to face up to when I developed rosacea was the reality that many derms do not take this disorder very seriously. So, I learn what I can on here and suggest what I know to my derm. My derm is great at listening to me and we work well together in coming up with solutions. She is also a very well respected laser specialist (Gemini). I have been going to her since May and my rosacea has become much better. Recently I decided to go on Accutane to clear up the pimples that remain, she was game for that and explained to me all the specifics.

However, I wouldn't call her a Rosacea specialist. In fact, I have to come up with most of the ideas about what to try. Like I said though, if you are knowledgeable about the disorder she will listen to you. Honestly I think this is the best scenario most of us rosaceans can hope for seeing that most derms are not very up to date on the treatments.

Her name is Dr. Carolyn Jacob. She is located in the River North neighborhood.

Good Luck

[pignolia]

Thanks for the info milton. I keep going back and forth about whether or not I should even bother with a derm. At this point I'm not interested in prescription treatments. Some days I just get freaked out that I'm trying to treat myself without ever getting a diagnosis. But honestly I don't have a single doubt that this is rosacea, so I guess I should just trust that. If I get to the point of wanting a dermatologist I'll follow your recommendation. In the meantime maybe I can find some more answers in the community here.

[Skywolf]

Pignolia,
There are wonderful people here with lots of knowledge to be gained, this site has really saved my sanity, especially recently as I have been in a bad flare and really down. I reccomend looking at the photo section, see what faces look similar to your condition, its not a substitute for a doctor, but its a place to start. If you want to go natural, Jen, aka Redhotoz has a wealth of info on that, as do many others. The regulars here dont mind a PM asking specific questions, and the search feature (located at the top of the page) will help you as well. Good luck!

Laura

[milton]

No problem Pignolia. Just wanted to add that if you are going to avoid prescriptions make sure you maintain a healthy diet. I truly believe..wait check that..I know that food is my main trigger. Eating healthy has really helped.

If you do go to a derm follow my suggestion. She is a great doctor who is very well respected in her field.

[milton]

Hang in there Skywolf. The holidays with the food and the stress probably kicked your Rosacea up a bit. Things will settle down after this weekend im sure. Well..maybe not in Chicago as we have the Bears to be excited about. GO BEARS!

[Skywolf]

LOl thanks Milton.
And not just Da Bears, but playing Green bay! The midwestersten states of Wisconsin and Illinois are all going to be SO hung over Monday morning, despite who wins. :D

[Skywolf]

One of the times we can blend with the crowd, red faced and bloodshot eyes. :oops: