Help with differentiating Seb Derm and Rosacea

[Eric]

Hi,
i have both and can tell them apart when the seb derm is just scales and flakes.
However, on my forehead, i get every day pus-filled bubbles (pustules?) that itch like mad. I don't know how to treat this as one doctor tells me it's seb derm while the other tells me it's Rosacea.
Which one is it? Does seb derm cause itchy pustules?
cheers,
eric

[Buster]

Hi Eric,
I am not sure about this, but I can make a few suggestions.
One of the main symptoms of seb derm is increased sebum production followed by inflammation in these areas. There can be scaling, but for instance myself, I do not have it. The nflammation can cause itching and redness. I do not have rosacea, apart from a spider vein on my nose, so I am a little more unsure about the signs. But I know that pastules and papules is common and also inflammation causing redness and problem with the blood veins. The cause of the inflammation is different from seb derm.
In both cases I think that hightened sebum prodution in no surprise, and both conditions can also be accompanied by the common acne outbreaks.

There are a couple of treatments that will work for both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. The first, and perhaps the most potent one is low dose accutane. At low dose, the chances for aggrevating the rosacea is small, in stead there will be pleasant benefits like reduction of skin temperature and reduction in inflammation. Sebum production will go down and acne will also go away.
The side effects are barable, but if you are into sports and for example lift weights, you will notice that accutane really is a poison (a-vitaminosis). Dr Nase has posted about a new and improved version of the accutane drug that has fewer side effects. He has also mentioned the development of 0.5 mg capsules of accutane. Certainly this is to be preferred as the side effects are greatly reduced.

Further, I would mention the lotions Cutanix DRL (sensitive or extra strength version) and the CCC fro Dermadoctor. The CCC specially deveoped to combat rosacea, and in tandem these two lotions address the different inflammation pathways of the contitions.

I would also mention the bark of an amazon trea. This product is called pau d`arco in Brazil, but is known under several names. It has anti-fungal properties on par with ketoconazole, and also anti-inflammatory effects. Certainly interesting for both rosacea and seb derm.

Some people with rosacea find relief in anti histamine tablets. They are harmless, so no risk in trying them. But I dont think they do much for sem derm.

Finally, diet and exercise. Diet first, as there are foods that will increase or rather disrupt the endocrine system and other systems of the body. I would say dairy fat (at least when it comes to sebum), sugar, coffee, smoking and too much saturated fat. And maybe pesticides and such in fruits and vegetables. Use common sense.
Protein whey powder and creatine powder was very bad for my skin.
Exercise is important both mentally and for the body. It is not to be underestimated. maybe it wont cure a skin condition, but it will defeat or at least help depression. It is something I can not live without.

[Eric]

hi,
thanks a lot of your reply.
Low dose accutane is always on the back of my mind but want to wait a bit longer before i try it.
Aah, Cutanix. I tried it on Monday and turned red and broke out on the forehead (perhaps it is a sign that it is working?). How disappointing. i really didn't want to be in the 5-10% who can't use this product as i had heard so many good things about it. I was about to return it and decided to keep it. Maybe i will give it another chance, a few weeks from now.
CCC sounds good but i am currently trying to evaluate that against a jojoba/aloe combo.
Finally, my diet is as good as it gets. I have been off sugar, gluten and dairy for about 8 months now. It helped at first but not a the moment. I am also experimenting with High Protein and the Acid/Alkaline diets to see if any of these 2 make a difference. I must say that so far, i seem to have slightly less P&Ps when my body is more Alkaline. But i have to do it longer to see if it really make sense.
cheers!
eric

[Andy]

Eric,

An alternative to Accutane, which Dr Nase has his eyes on, will soo be available. Check the "Genereal rosacea questions" section for more info on Rambazole.

[Eric]

thanks Andy.
I've got my eyes on that one and everything else that Dr. Nase is kind enough to keep us informed of!
cheers