Please give me advice( pics included )

[maver1ck]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and was really hoping to get some advice.

I'll start by giving alittle background information about me. I first noticed permenant red complexion on my face after getting sunburnt while using Benzoyl Peroxide about a year and half ago. Up to that point I had gone through probably a dozen or more different topical and oral products for acne. Last summer I went back to the dermatologist, after giving up on prescription treatments for the year and trying the regimen on acne.org, and he said it looks like I have mild rosacea. I blush ridiculously easy, and my face gets flushed whenever it's colder/warmer than usual so I'm pretty convinced I have rosacea. I know it's pretty mild, and at the least I just want to prevent it from progressing. Right now I'm taking Solodyn( new product similar to minocycline ), and using differin( only on the areas that don't seem affected by my rosacea -- not on my cheecks and not on my chin ) and using Plexion clensing clothes(Sodium Sulfacetamide and sulfur) everynight before I goto bed. I also use a handheld acnelamp( which I use on the red/blue setting ). I've read on here that grape-seed extract and pycnogenol are really good suppliments to have so I just ordered this (http://www.vitaminlife.com/product-exec/PNAME/Proanidin_50_Pycnogenol_Proanthodyn_Complex/product_id/6352) today.. Also, I should note that I try to workout(life weights) three times a week and swim twice a week. I take some protein powder for that. I've been thinking about IPL or VBeam, but the only thing offered around here is VPL. I'm pretty scared of doing a laser treatment for fear that it could make my condition worse, or they could mess up and burn me. Anyways, that's pretty much it. I would really appreciate some feedback on my regimen and recommendations for things to do. Thanks in advance.


http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/yt99/PA110007.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/yt99/PA110002.jpg

[bentherebefore]

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you.

Your case looks very similar to mine. In high school, I sat in the sun a lot and used benzoyl peroxide. Not sure if that's what started my condition or not. I have some diffused background redness on my cheeks. I blush very easily, and flush easily in heat. My ears especially get bright red to anything, contact or heat or anything.

I just started solodyn as well, we will see if it helps.

I have never gotten laser or IPL treatment. I'm very scared of it. I have read a ridiculous amount on it, and would urge extreme caution. It is a big gamble... expensive and could be very helpful or harmful.

Lasers seem to be more effective but have big downtime. IPL usually requires many treatments to get the deep redness, if it ends up working at all....

I encourage you to get very involved in this forum and others. You will learn and a lot of others will benefit from your experiences.

[claudia]

Welcome! Your case is also similar to mine. I used benzoil peroxide for years (Proactiv) and also tried the acne.org regime...which interestingly gave me the WORST p&p flare-up I'd had in decades! I think people with relatively mild flushing often do more harm to their skin, especially if they have the p&p's too...cause they think it's just acne. It'll take time for your skin to calm down. Took months of using the regime below to get my skin clear and calm. Hang in there and be sure to stay away from any harsh products designed for acne!

[Twickle Purple]

Hi maver1ck,

Welcome to the Forum!

You have been wonderfully proactive with your skin, and you are wise to want to nip the Rosacea in the bud. I am not able to comment on your regime because my Rosacea and skin type are different, but many other folks here can relate and give you input. You may also want to try the search link at the top of the page (under the logo), it will do searches across this forum and other sites as well. Very handy.

Hope to see you around.
Twickle Purple.

[redhotoz]

Hi Maver1ck

I clicked on your thread and read your post before moving down to see your photos. I could see your forehead only and was soooo hoping that I wouldn't see Rosacea. Alas, I see it and although I wish you a warm welcome to the Rosacea Forum, I would much rather say that you didn't have it and bid you farewell. :cry:

What is "VPL"?

Jen

[phlika29]

Your rosacea is very similar to mine. I have found the best help for the flushing is through taking prescription drugs-propanerol. In addition you can also take clonidine or moxonidine.

When I visited Dr Chu he informed me that the key to the breaking the cycle of rosacea was to cut down on the flushing.

I would recommend that you speak to your doctor about this. I would try these things before you consider the laser treatments as I think they may well help. You may also benfit from anti-histamines especally if you still suffer from acne aswell.

You also haven't mentioned diet, is this an area that you have considered?

[GJ]

What is "VPL"?



http://www.topdocs.com/display_procedure.php?id=versapulse

..in this context.

[redhotoz]

Thanks GJ. I should have Googled it, huh! :)

Jen

[natalja]

Hi Maver1ck

Welcome to this forum, firstly. I agree with Jen that it is unfortunate but based on your pictures it does look like you have mild rosacea. Like phlika29
suggested: try how medication affects your face first, before thinking about IPL or lasers (in my opinion). I've been to Tony Chu (London dermatologist) as well, and he put me on propranolol (beta blocker) together with the moxonidine I already took (blood pressure lowering medicine) and because I am a very bad flusher he prescribed me mirtazapine (or Remeron) as well: it's an antidepressant that has a great track for some in dealing with the facial flushing. It helps for hot flashes in general and had a strong anti-histaminic effect, which is involved in some sorts of facial flushing.

My face went from flushed and red 24/7 till a much more bearable case of rosacea, although still severe. I had IPL as well and the first round made things MUCH worse, while the second round a year later with Dr. Crouch did have some effect luckily, although both he and mywelf are very careful based on my hypersensitive skin.

Before thinking about IPL or laser I would really try how medication, diet and natural herbs like grape seed extract affect you. Diet can really make such a huge difference.. try to eat less foods high in sugar, histamine and salycilates for a while when you have a problem with facial flushing. Also try to avoid gluten and dairy for a while perhaps.

And try not to drown in all this new information...LOL.

brst wishes, Natalja (Holland)