nose flushing

[tarky]

my nose keeps randomly getting warm and turning red. Is there any way to stop this happening? it's officially driving me insane...

it also feels congested and stuffed up, not enough to blow it but i've been sniffling for about the past 4 months.

any advice would be much appreciated!

[Melissa W]

Sorry this is happening Tarky.
Have you tried antihistamines? If you are congested antihistamines or allergy meds may help.

[Mistica]

Hi,

I have the same problem. My nose is my worse area and yes, it drives me nuts too.
I also get the stuffed up feeling, but personally I don't believe this is due to allergies.
When the vessels dilate enough, the breathing passages become smaller. I awake during the night and in the morning like this. During those times, my nose is hot, red, slightly swollen and flushes, albeit not as dramatically as prior to my high dose vitamin D regime. It is also almost completely blocked, particularly the left side and I can't breathe through it. It takes about 20 minutes of walking around the house with periodic applications of an ice pack to bring this down.
I find sucking on ice cubes during the day very helpful for nose symptoms in particular.

I too take an antihistamine, but can't say it helps much. It can't hurt to try though.

[MasK]

I had that problem during the last year, and when I cut flour (especially white flour), it disappeard. My nose as runny too.

[snuffleupagus]

Nose flushes are the WORST! The throbbing oww... i just put an icecube on my nose (through paper towel of course) or go outside in the cold or sit in front of a fan.

[MissD]

I know the feeling, it's horrible. Nothing has helped me with nose flushing besides Vbeam, so if you have the financial means it might be something to look into (assuming allergies aren't causing it).

[solutionquest]

Dear tarky,

I am going through the same thing myself. I have been having to go through job interviews all this week so it has made it tough. Today I took one anti-histamine, Benadryl, and it did help keep the skin calm.

This effect has always interested me. I have read many threads about anti-histamines. I find that if I take them long enough for the quick cure they begin to lose there effectiveness.

One thing I would like to say real quick: I read in a Chinese medicine book that scallions are supposed to be good for flushing. The book was full of old Chinese remedies. Naturally, I looked up stuff on Rosacea. It did not have anything on Rosacea but did have information under Red Face and Flushing.

I have yet to read any one else post anything about scallions yet. I eat them all the time now though and they are good and green....laugh:

[maria_moi]

I’m a 27 year old female. My main problem is my nose: it is constantly red, swallen, greasy, with huge pores... I have flushes (that’s the worst part).

It wasn’t allways like that. It all started 2 years ago.. I don’t know why? My whole life I had a sensitive skin, but never ever I had problems like this.

Earlier..when it all just started, my nose was swallen, red, inflamated..from time to time, but now it is like that 90%of the time. It doesn’t reverse. It’s constantly red and inflamed and swallen (it is bigger..at first I tought that it’s growing, but I suppose that it is because it is swallen all the time, so it looks like it has grown). I have a large pores that (at this point) doesn’t shrink back. Other than that, my skin is clear, I do not have problem with acnes, papules or pustules.. It’s just that my skin is more greasy now than before, especially my nose.

I’m desperate! And it doesn’t have to do anything with the weather or my emotional state. I wake up with it, I go to bed with it, it’s always present.. Sure, it is worse during hot days..but that doesn’t mean that when I’m home alone in an unstressfull enviroment (exp.I’m reading a book), it will not be flushed and red.

I’m already eating healty, avoiding something I know can be a trigger (warm/extremely cold enviroment, direct sun..).

And this is not just the matter of estetic..it’s not just the fact that it looks so strange (especially because I’m so white and pale that my red nose is the first thing that people take notice off)..this is something that is so hard to bear emotionaly and mentally. I can’t stop thinking about my condition (even if I want to) because of the constant burning of my nose remindes me to it. At this point, I’m so desperate that I don’t even care how it looks – I just want this burning to stop! I can’t stand it any more.

I’m so tired of this. For these past 2 years my life has changed so much..my self-confidence is locked up in the basement. I barely talk to anyone. I just want this all to end.

Please, some advice.. what do you recommend? I have never had any laser treatments (no one has recommended me that).. What is your opinion..which one is the most helpful?

My derm is totally against any drugs or steroids or lasers or hormon therapies. He only prescribes some creams made by his recipes (I know they contain Dapson..)..but since I don’s see any results (it is getting worse).. I want to look up to some other solutinos.

Thank you.

[Melissa W]

I’m a 27 year old female. My main problem is my nose: it is constantly red, swallen, greasy, with huge pores... I have flushes (that’s the worst part).

It wasn’t allways like that. It all started 2 years ago.. I don’t know why? My whole life I had a sensitive skin, but never ever I had problems like this.

Earlier..when it all just started, my nose was swallen, red, inflamated..from time to time, but now it is like that 90%of the time. It doesn’t reverse. It’s constantly red and inflamed and swallen (it is bigger..at first I tought that it’s growing, but I suppose that it is because it is swallen all the time, so it looks like it has grown). I have a large pores that (at this point) doesn’t shrink back. Other than that, my skin is clear, I do not have problem with acnes, papules or pustules.. It’s just that my skin is more greasy now than before, especially my nose.

I’m desperate! And it doesn’t have to do anything with the weather or my emotional state. I wake up with it, I go to bed with it, it’s always present.. Sure, it is worse during hot days..but that doesn’t mean that when I’m home alone in an unstressfull enviroment (exp.I’m reading a book), it will not be flushed and red.

I’m already eating healty, avoiding something I know can be a trigger (warm/extremely cold enviroment, direct sun..).

And this is not just the matter of estetic..it’s not just the fact that it looks so strange (especially because I’m so white and pale that my red nose is the first thing that people take notice off)..this is something that is so hard to bear emotionaly and mentally. I can’t stop thinking about my condition (even if I want to) because of the constant burning of my nose remindes me to it. At this point, I’m so desperate that I don’t even care how it looks – I just want this burning to stop! I can’t stand it any more.

I’m so tired of this. For these past 2 years my life has changed so much..my self-confidence is locked up in the basement. I barely talk to anyone. I just want this all to end.

Please, some advice.. what do you recommend? I have never had any laser treatments (no one has recommended me that).. What is your opinion..which one is the most helpful?

My derm is totally against any drugs or steroids or lasers or hormon therapies. He only prescribes some creams made by his recipes (I know they contain Dapson..)..but since I don’s see any results (it is getting worse).. I want to look up to some other solutinos.

Thank you.

Hi maria,
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I hate it when my nose swells and turns red and burns terribly. There are a number of treatments you can try though so don't despair.console:

First of all, I would try and find a derm who would not dismiss your concerns and refuse to think outside the box because clearly the derm you are seeing is not helping you.

You could try low level light therapy as it can calm inflammation and burning and redness for many who do it. Check out the stickies in that section.

Some here have also found some success with certain drug combinations such as antihistamines and/or Quercetin and Bromelain. Here is a thread to get you started:

http://www.rosaceagroup.org/The_Rosacea_Forum/showthread.php?t=17226&highlight=quercetin

There are other meds you can try and some have experienced success with nose inflammation by taking Oracea. Another more invasive option is to consider Accutane if nothing else is successful.

Also, read the Q and A's by the laser doctors at the top of the laser/IPL section.
Laser/IPL may be helpful in achieving relief from your symptoms.

Best of luck and hang in there...you will find what works for you it is just a matter of trial and error and time. Please go slowly and only try one new treatment at a time in order to see what is working and what is not. It is safer that way and patience is key as many treatments take time to work.

Best wishes,
Melissa

[maria_moi]

Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for this quick replay. It is very helpful.. you have given me places where I can start searching for possible solutinos. I don’t know..I obviously have a problem in finding some doctor that is open minded, someone who will introduce me to all the posible solutinos.

Not to mention that your words that my condition may be improved mean so much to me.. I have been struggling with this so long and it’s not getting any better..and lately, I hear people telling me that maybe it is time for me to accept that nose swelling and flushing and redness as something that is part of me, something that can’t be changed and to try to move on with my life..and it will be ok.

And I simply can’t do that.. it’s easy for them to tell me that, but for me these are just empty words. I suppose they don’t know how unpleasent this feeling can be. I never know how my day is going to be..my condition can change 15 times durning one day, and it all affects me..because my mood enterely depends on my nose flushing.

Ok..so I will start with my research.. Once again, thank you..for giving me a place to start and for being compassionate.

[Melissa W]

Hi Maria,
You're very welcome.
I totally understand how you are feeling and all the emotions associated with having your nose swell and burn at any time. You will find relief so don't let it get you down. Best of luck with finding a caring and knowledgeable doctor and we're here for you if you have any questions or need any support.sidehug:

Best wishes,
Melissa

[maria_moi]

So.. I had the worst couple of days this week. Today I’m fine.. but these last few days I thought I was loosing my mind. I had constant burning and redness on my nose. It wasn’t like I was having occasional flushing through the day – NO! It was red, swollen and burnt all day long.. I felt so sorry for my skin. And you cannot ignore that. I feel my nose burning and when ever I reach to touch it I can feel how very warm it is.

Also these days I noticed that broken capillaries started to appear on my nose (I haven’t had those on my nose.. although I have few on my cheeks). It’s perfectly logical of course.. whit all that burning and constant dilatation. But it also makes me sad because my condition is definitely getting worse and I don’t know how to help myself, how to stop all this.. When is this going to stop? I want to stop this nose burning before it becomes purple.

I started the Failsafe diet this week, trying to see whether the food is causing all this. Also, after a devastating and worthless visit to my dermatologist this week, where he has told me again that “it’s not that bad”, “there are thing worst than that”.. although he had seen how desperate I am and how much of a problem this is for me. So I decided to shift to another derm. I will be tested to demodex bacteria to see if maybe that is causing the problem (God, I hope it is).

This all effects me so much. I had a job interview scheduled this week but I had to cancel that. I’m becoming anxious. Now, even when I have a good period, I can’t relax and enjoy because I’m scared of new incoming flushing. I’m always afraid, always expecting. When will it strike again? when will the burning start?
So exhausting..

[Melissa W]

Make sure your derm is affiliated with a major teaching hospital and has a good background regarding rosacea. It is so important to find someone who knows their stuff.

If you could eat or drink something cold like ice-cream that may help break a long lasting flush. Whenever I eat something cold that takes me a while to eat it cools my whole body down including my flushy face. And the effects last for a while at least. Something to try.

Good luck Maria console:

[solutionquest]

I just read your posts. Let me ask a few questions because a case with no pimples and good skin for the most part always interests me.

What do you do?
How active are you?
How old are you?
How sensitive is your face to the sun? Are you wearing a hat or sunscreen?

You could be fixing to turn it all around. It might be right around the corner. Deep breaths, stretch those legs and stomach out too!!!

[Auburn]

Now, even when I have a good period, I can’t relax and enjoy because I’m scared of new incoming flushing. I’m always afraid, always expecting. When will it strike again? when will the burning start?
So exhausting..

Maria, my dear, I know that this is easier said than done but you must relax. You really, really have to do whatever it takes to control the anxiety otherwise it will control you and your skin will reflect that.

From now on, when your skin is calm, allow yourself to enjoy it. You know that it may not last more than a day or a few days but that's OK because you are working for it to get better and, in time, it will.

Having to reschedule a job interview has got to be upsetting, no doubt. However, right now, and until either the failsafe diet or something else starts producing results, your skin is in roller-coaster mode and relaxation techniques (http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=1205) are your best weapon because you won't always be able to reschedule appointments and life must go on... console:

I've been trying to find failsafe toiletries available closer to you, with no luck, unfortunately. So earlier today I emailed the founder of The Food Intolerance Network (http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/), here's our exchange:


Hello,

A friend who lives in eastern Europe has started the Failsafe diet (she suffers from rosacea and is trying to find out if the elimination diet will help pinpoint her triggers). She's doing alright with the diet, so far, but has had no luck in finding failsafe toiletries in Europe.

Any help you could provide is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Auburn


Re: Failsafe - help with finding toiletries in Europe‏
From: H D
Sent: Sun 2/07/10 3:36 PM
To: Auburn

Hi Auburn

I've copied your email to our contacts in Europe to see if any of them can reply direct to you.

Howard Dengate BSc PhD

RE: Failsafe - help with finding toiletries in Europe‏
From: Auburn
Sent: Sun 2/07/10 8:57 PM
To: confoodnet

Thank you so much, Howard, for the prompt reply. Let's hope someone can help us out.

Kind regards,

Auburn


I'll let you know the minute I hear back from them, Maria.

Hang in there, sweetheart. Things will get better, you'll see. sidehug:

[maria_moi]

Make sure your derm is affiliated with a major teaching hospital and has a good background regarding rosacea. It is so important to find someone who knows their stuff.

If you could eat or drink something cold like ice-cream that may help break a long lasting flush. Whenever I eat something cold that takes me a while to eat it cools my whole body down including my flushy face. And the effects last for a while at least. Something to try.

Good luck Maria console:

You guys, thanks for being so supportive.

Melissa, unfortunately this trick just won’t do for me. I tried chewing on ice cubes when I first read that this has been helpful for some of the people from community. But is simply doesn’t effect my nose in any way, it doesn’t provide relief. Damn thing keeps on burning.

As for dermatologist, maybe this will sound strange to you, but unlike in your country we do not have dermatologists that are experts for rosacea. They all treat everything (or at least they are supposed to do that)..and I haven’t found anyone with some references and some success regarding healing patients with rosacea.

The way I see it, it is pretty much of a lottery how good, dedicated and compassionate your derm is going to be.
But IMO rosacea is definitely not getting much of an attention here in Serbia.

[maria_moi]

I just read your posts. Let me ask a few questions because a case with no pimples and good skin for the most part always interests me.

What do you do?
How active are you?
How old are you?
How sensitive is your face to the sun? Are you wearing a hat or sunscreen?

You could be fixing to turn it all around. It might be right around the corner. Deep breaths, stretch those legs and stomach out too!!!

Hi Solutionquest! Thanks for taking an interest.
I’m 26 years old. Very fair skin, green eyes. I developed this condition approximately 2 years ago.
My main problem is my nose, although I blush easily and do tend to have rosy cheeks sometimes (when it’s hot or when I’m excited)..but that’s OK. I can manage that because at least I know what causes that (warm environment, excitement..) and by avoiding those triggers I can reduce those flushes.
But with nose, it’s totally different story. I can’t relate those flushes with anything. Don’t know how to prevent them or control them.. how to help myself.

I have been using some creams that my (ex)dermatologists prescribed me. They are made based on his recipes and I know they contain sulfur, dapson.. and I’m not sure what else. They have an effect on skin exfoliation. But since I’m not getting any better I’m wondering is there any use of this.
Since I’ve developed this I became super sensitive on warmth. I can’t stand being in some warm environment, not to mention the sun. Before this has happened, I enjoyed sun and sunbathing regularly. But now, when there is 25C degrees outside, to me (on my face) it looks like it’s 60C degrees. I avoid sun as much as I can, stay indoors and I started wearing hat. So, right now, for me summer is most hated season.

[maria_moi]

Auburn, that is the sweetest thing that you’re doing. I know I need to relax and need to stop thinking so much about my condition. Past few weeks (maybe even more) this is the only thing that is on my mind. I am not able to talk to people about anything else but this. It’s like I’m obsessed with this. It’s all I can talk about, it’s all that I think about. I’m stuck and can’t move on with my life. I put everything else on hold, I’m holding my breath and waiting for all this to pass. But the problem is - it’s not.

Lately my family is trying to talk me into seeking some professional help.. some psychiatrist. But I keep telling them “when my face is fine – I’m fine. And that’s got nothing to do with psychology”.

[Melissa W]

Maria,
Interestingly enough, ice cubes don't help me. Eating something that takes a long time to eat that is cold is what helps me. I am not sure why...I feel that it changes my temperature control in the brain or something but it does provide relief (for me). I wonder if you can just try eating something cold like ice cream or sorbet slowly so it takes at least 10 minutes and see if it can provide your nose a bit of flushing relief also. Here's hoping it can help you!

Melissa

[Melissa W]

Lately my family is trying to talk me into seeking some professional help.. some psychiatrist. But I keep telling them “when my face is fine – I’m fine. And that’s got nothing to do with psychology”.

I totally hear you on this but perhaps what therapy can do is help you better come to terms with having a chronic condition that has flares and remissions so you can better deal with the flares emotionally. Psychiatry won't change the fact that you are dealing with this but it can help you accept and deal with this fact better. It's not easy I know but it can help.

[Auburn]

Lately my family is trying to talk me into seeking some professional help.. some psychiatrist.

You don't need a psychiatrist but you could use a behavioral therapist.

But I keep telling them “when my face is fine – I’m fine. And that’s got nothing to do with psychology”.

Well, but that's not really the case because, remember that earlier in this thread you said that "Now, even when I have a good period, I can’t relax and enjoy because I’m scared of new incoming flushing. I’m always afraid, always expecting. When will it strike again? when will the burning start?"

For your own good, you just can't allow this to continue, Maria. Regardless of what your family thinks, you know you've reached a point where you can't function.

Anxiety is your worst enemy and it may be causing many of your skin symptoms. Follow this link to learn about what anxiety can do to your skin/body: http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms.shtml.

[solutionquest]

Maria Moi!

Good to get a response back! I am 25!

I used to love the sun! No more! But I don't take it personal!!! I used to though! I sneak a little time in some mornings... but... oh... watch it Solutionquest.... that big ball of fire ain't so friendly to you!

So, what is your current program for your face, from morning to night?

It's going to get better...

[Auburn]

OK, Maria, I just heard from Jan, the very kind and helpful lady from the Yahoo Group failsafeuk. Here's the email she sent:


European toiletries
From: Jan
Sent: Wed 2/10/10 5:23 AM

Dear Auburn

Below is what I have found on the failsafeuk yahoo group. I asked the group for their recommendations and got a disappointing response - ie none - everyone is busy this week it seems!

Personally I highly recommend some natural alternatives - not only are they guaranteed natural, and so we don't have to worry about them changing the recipe etc, but they work very well - in my opinion better than products, and I wish I'd found them years ago. However they are a bridge too far in alternativeness for some people and I quite understand that. The company I would recommend is natural spa supplies - http://naturalspasupplies.co.uk/?page_id=5. there she can buy rhassoul clay ( the best soap and shampoo I have found, though you have to get your head round washing in mud!), alum crystal deodorant, and soap nuts for laundry washing. I use all these materials for my cleaning, and having tried everything else on the market I would say they are the best.

More info from the group below - and please welcome her to our group failsafeuk, where she can 'meet' us - a quiet, but supportive group

Kind regards

Jan



Laundry Washing Powder – “Surcare” is unscented, very gentle but effective. www.surcare.co.uk

Dishwashing Liquid – “Ecover” brand with chamomile and marigold is only mildly scented (“scent is hardly noticeable even by us supersensitive – Lyn”)
- "Surcare" brand have an unscented dishwashing liquid.

Ecover do many other cleaning products including laundry powder but many have rather strong lemon or pine scents. www.ecover.com

Surcare www.surcare.co.uk The Surcare range includes automatic washing powder, laundry tablets, concentrated laundry liquid, fabric conditioner and washing up liquid. products are unscented, Non-biological, perfume free, No added colour.

Laundry Soap Beans - originally from India, "crush them up in a muslin bag and put the bag in the wash"

unscented Soap block - Suma homemade brand, avail from wholefood shops.

Shampoo/Conditioner – The Purist Co (Aussie brand) do “Akin” unscented shampoo and conditioner available at health food shops or online from UK shops.

Liquid Hand Soap – “Duchy’s Originals” do a lavender liquid soap that is not too strongly scented. Jason’s Organic do Lavender or Aloe Vera liquid soaps that are OK too but have a sniff before you buy to see if the scent is too strong for you.

Deodorant - “Miessence Organics” (another Aussie brand) do an unscented deodorant which is good. It is available online through UK stockists.

[maria_moi]

Dear Auburn,
thank you very much for all the things you do for me.
As for the Failsafe diet and toiletries, I think I’m going to have to settle with what I do now. And that is being very precautious of what I eat, following restrictions regarding food. As for the toiletries there is not much I can do. The only thing I can do is brush my teeth with sodium bicarbonate (and not the regular toothpaste). But I still wash my hair with the same shampoo as I used to, use the same deodorant and do my laundry with the same detergent. And I’m trying to think that that’s good enough.
Suitable toiletries being available in UK is just the same as being unavailable for me here in Serbia.

Xexe.. listening to you and Melissa talking about seeking some professional help in order to deal with this.. “Psychiatry won't change the fact that you are dealing with this but it can help you accept and deal with this fact better” is just like hearing my sister/mother... Exact same words! I guess when so many people tells you the same thing, there must be something into it.
Especially since it’s obvious I don’t know how to deal with this myself.

Thank you for caring and being here for me.

[maria_moi]

Hi solutionquest!
I used to enjoy sun, and swimming, summer, sunbathing and getting tanned.. But that’s all gone now.
I can’t stand being in the sun. I avoid it as much as I can. I prefer snow and winter.. rainy, cloudy days, low temperatures.
I do not have a problem with my body (I could steel sunbath it), but my face feels like it’s burning, like it’s on fire. It’s unbearable. So, sunny days? – not my favorite.

As for my skin routine, I have been using specially made creams with sulphur and dapson (as I said previously) for a year. They where prepared by my derms recipes. I have recently discontinued doing that. I went to a new dermatologist this week and he told me to use only “Dove” soap, to apply sage compress few times a day and for moisturizing my face he prescribed panthenol cream I’m supposed to use this for the next 2 weeks and than we will see what is the next step.

[Melissa W]

Hi Maria,
You are going through such a tough time and it is very traumatic on not just the physical level but the emotional as well. I certainly don't mean to say you need to see a therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist but only if you cannot work it through with the help of family and good friends that it might be helpful.

Please don't think there is something wrong with you if you need the help of a professional. It could change your whole outlook on things and make you feel much better. However, only you know if it is right for you and no one should tell you that you must see someone. I never felt it was right for me so I am not preaching it is right for you. Only if you cannot come to terms with this on your own (with the help of loved ones) because it is a quality of life issue. There is a saying that is so true. I am sure I am messing it up but it goes something like this "you can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven" and it does have to do with your mind set.
Reading some good books on the topic might be helpful as well. I just don't know any to recommend (sorry) but perhaps others here do. I remember that there have been a few book recommendations on this topic in the past...I'll see if I can come up with any.

As for laundry detergent I use the baby kind (LOL). It is called Free and Clear Ultra and the other one we use is Dreft. I started them when I was diagnosed with eczema which was around the same time I was diagnosed with rosacea and it helped a lot.

Big hugs sidehug:
Melissa

[Auburn]

Dear Maria,

You are very welcome. Too bad the failsafeuk (groups.yahoo.com/group/failsafeUK/) recommendations turned out to be of no use to you. I was hoping that with the UK being closer to your area, the shipping charges would be less onerous. Still, I think it wouldn't hurt to join their yahoo group for it's choke-full of very useful information.

Please do check out the Anxiety Centre webpage (http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms.shtml).

Incidentally, I suggested behavioral therapy because it could produce excellent results in a relatively short period of time.

Wishing you all the best, hi: