red face

[Sandra]

Well here I go again..You know I really didn't have any info on what Rosacea really was. I read a lot from the net, but just now got a shocker that made my stomach upset and boy do I ever want to cry,but I'm trying very hard to hold it back in fear of making my face redder if I do so.. I didn't know that there wasn't really anything that can be done about the redness on your face other than having laser treatments. I can't afford to have those and getting even more depressed because of it..I guess I have no choice, but to start buying things that many viewers have told me that say that can help. I was leaning toward xin fumanling cream or rosacea care system.. If anyone out there have any suguestions for me please inform me and let me know of any products that I can use.. My face burns on almost anything and I can't even use the metrocream that my derm told me to use..Right now my face is tight and red,,I actually just called my Derm and was told there was nothing more he could do. He said stop everything I was doing to my face and wait two weeks and if nothing changed to go and see him. I made an appointment for sept.. I am hoping he will at least sit down with me and talk with me about it.. I wish I could have talked to Dr.Nase who at least has gone through it all and could give me real hope. I have heard about sanrosa so I am crossing my fingers in hopes that that will be some kind of relief to some of us some day,, anyone heard anymore about it,,like when they may think it will come out??.. Bless all who has this skin disorder and so glad that I have a place to go and let it all out. waiting anixously for any and all to reply..
Sandra

[Mermaid]

Hello Sandra,

I think all of us can relate to the 'pit of the stomach sickness' that you feel. As you will know, there is no cure but there are so many things that you can do to make your life a little easier. All of us have had to stumble in the dark and try and find what works for us as individuals because the really frustrating part is that what appears to work for some, can make it worse for another, which is why I am always reluctant to be more specific.

Please don't panic, although I know how hard that will be at this early stage. Without question, educate yourself about every facet of this disorder and better still don't just concentrate on what can be done, but also understand the pathology of rosacea and why it affects us as it does. If you haven't already, please buy Dr Nase's book 'Beating Rosacea'. It is the most accurate and comprehensive resource at your disposal along with these forums.

As wonderful as the news about Sans Rosa sounds, I believe from what I have read that it could be anywhere from 1.5-2 years away give or take, so it's important that you do all that you can in the mean time.

You will find many recommendations with regards to skincare, medications, sunscreen etc from all of us but I can clearly tell you that the only way to know how beneficial they are to you, is to try them unfortunately. Many of us have bathroom cabinets filled with thousands of dollars of wasted and irritating topicals. So read everyone's stories, educate yourself about potential irritants and take it one step at a time.

Rosacea requires a multi pronged approach, and as most of us will attest to, we probably know a heck of a lot more than any derm or doc out there. It is daunting and it is scary but you need to be pro active in educating yourself or you could fall into the hands of some derm who prescribes topical cortisone for example. Instinctive feelings will eventually lead you to a derm who knows how to treat rosacea and if that gut feeling is giving out strong signals, then find another derm.

I remember when I first received Dr Nase's book, I was so depressed, scared and hopeless, that I just couldn't read it because it was so overwhelming and it sickened me to think that my life would never be the same. I used to get my mum to read the bits that scared me so at least one of us could be educated thoroughly. As I improved, I did read the entire book, several times now and refer to it often. So please use that as your starting point.

It sounds like your face is very irritated at the moment and when this happens, it is best to just give it a rest and leave it alone. At the very most, perhaps bathe it with distilled or spring water, but if you are already reacting to topicals, best to give it a rest. Perhaps suggest Noritate at your next visit as it is supposedly the gentlest consisting of about 80% water.

Educate yourself about potentially irritating ingredients found in many skincare and makeup products, consider adding rosacea friendly supplements to your diet to strengthen blood vessels, perhaps modify your diet, consider asking your doc for meds which can be really helpful in cutting down on the severity of your flushes etc.

Only try one thing at a time and don't be tempted to do everything at once. Add one new thing at a time otherwise you'll just get confused as to what is working and what isn't.

Warren has also put together a fantastic search engine which will allow you to search and query specific topics. This is what Warren says:

The rosacea search engine is now the most comprehensive search available. The _whole_ of the rosacea-support archives are now indexed as well as other support groups and many websites. http://www.rosaceagroup.org/cgi-bin/search.cgi

There is some more info and also details of how to added a search box to your site at: http://www.rosaceagroup.org/wiki/The_Rosacea_Search_Engine
Please spend some time to test it out and any feedback will be welcome.

Take one day at a time. Listen to your face and body. Don't fight through any irritation no matter how adamant your derm feels about this, attack rosacea from every angle and save some money to have IPL/Laser in the future. IPL has been the single most effective procedure in reducing the intensity of my rosacea dramatically. Having said this, when the time comes, make sure it is someone you have thoroughly researched. No matter how great the machine, ultimately it is the user who will get you back on track.

I'm sorry that I can't specify a particular regime because I don't want to recommend a product that may worsen your condition. You will find your way and when you do, throw those ideas to the board and then you will be able to get a balanced opinion about other people's experiences. I hope this helps a little and have faith that when you find things that work for you, it won't be so scary.

Mermaid

[SpencerK]

I wish you all the best, and hope you/we find peace with this orrible condition.

Take care, and hey.. atleast its not life threatning. My auncle has just been diagnosed with terminal C.

Spence.

[Searah]

I feel for you in regards to the lazer treatmeant I can't afford that either. Although your diagnosis sounds more intense than mine, Still I sympathize for you

Best of luck

[Kris Jacobs]

Hey Sandra,

Hang in there.

As mernaid said, we can all relate to this as most of us have been there before.

The good news is that there are many exciting treatment options on the horizon. And many physicians now accept insurance for IPL.

There are also many things that you can do now that may help alleviate the facial burning.

When I was at my worst, I found that Clonidine and a healthy diet helped me. I would also occasionally take an anti-antiety drug.

Browse the forums and educate yourself as to what may work best for you.

and remember: "This to shall pass" (even though sometimes it doesn't feel like it)

warm regards,

Kris Jacobs

[thursday]

sandar - huge sympathies with how you are feeling. many of us have been there and it's really horrible.

just one thing to add really. i also have the very red face and "we can't do anything else for you" diagnosis from the dermatologists. i am now trying ipl. however, just a coupl of things to suggest from my experience may help you get some soothing relief, if not help reduce redness:
- vaseline as a mousturiser helps relieve the tightness you describe. very cheap so well worth a try.
- a chillow to sleep on http://www.chillow.net/ can help reduce heat overnight so at least you don't start the day as hot as you ended the one before.
hth a bit

very best
caroline

[irene]

Hi, Caroline,

Thank you very much for Chillow pillow advice. This sounds really great. I am going to order it right away.

Thank you all for sharing.

[IowaDavid]

The Chillow is quite helpful for sleeping, I've found. Just be careful if you have cats--I've had to patch both the Chillows I have a few times with rubber cement because of claw holes. :wink: