My pictures :-/

[Sophie1204]

Here are just a couple of pictures I have quickly taken to show one of my flushes. These usually happen in the evening when home from work (hence yucky work top!) It can get more violent than this, as i'm typing it's burning even more!





I'm on Anabact Metronidazole gel at the moment...have been for 2 weeks but no results as yet. I think I am mostly heat reactive, also stress and embarrassment can cause a flare up. It especially happens when I go out with friends into pubs or for meals
Any tips or just chats with people who have the same/similar would be really cool

Sophiex

[Melissa W]

Hi Sophie,
That is very similar to my flushes and when it goes on for a while my whole face including my nose becomes bright red and a bit swollen
I am also mainly heat reactive and stress can make it worse as well as lack of sleep, alcohol and spicy foods.I also get those flushes more at the end of the workday as I am tired.
I find protecting my face when outside in the cold helps when I go inside.

What has helped me best so far is VBeam and then RLT comes in second.
The burning is the worst and I empathise. I'm not sure if you have considered getting laser/IPL but it may be worth a consult.

Best wishes,
Melissa

[phlika29]

Sophie you are very pretty

My cheeks also go like this.

I am not sure if anyone has given you this link yet but it really is a great place to read about all the possible treatments:
http://rosacea-research.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

A lot of people do not have much success with metrogel. I only find it useful when I actually get a papules (small raised spot). For me I have found much relief from increasing my water consumption, amending my diet to exclude sugar and things like tomatoes, finding a skin care regime that did not irritate my face (in the end for me that turned out to be just washing with tepid water and leaving my face free from anything), laser treatments, prescription medication (propanolol-for anxiety related flushing) and supplements like grape seed extract.

May I ask what you are using as your skin care regime? How does your skin feel? what mediation are you on besides the metrogel?

Best wishes

Sarah

[Yvette]

Hi Sophie,

Thank you for sharing your pictures. You have very beautiful skin!!!! Though you're cheeks are flushy, many would trade places with you! I'm sure others would agree. My pinkness is a little lighter, but includes my nose and a little on my chin. I also get a little bit of acne or papules mixed in. Melissa is right, you may be a good candidate for the Perfecta Vbeam. I've had two Vbeam treatments and it has lessened my redness more so than the IPL's I had years ago. Antihistimines (Claritin, Benedryl, or Xyzal) could be options for you to look into. I think there are some prescription anti-flushing medications clonodine or propanadol (spelling) but I've not tried them. You can do a search here or the internet.

Let us know how things go with your treatment.

Yvette

[Sophie1204]

Thank you so much for your comments It really is nice to hear from other people who know how I feel!!!
Phlika29 I have a basic skin care range, I stick to warm water and pat my face dry. Using a small bit of foundation and Simple moisturiser....not sure if this makes it worse or not! My skin is quite dry but not too bad most of the time. I am also on beta-blockers to try and keep any anxiety low.
The V-beam sounds really interesting, tomorrow i am going to make an appointment at the Burghley Park clinic in Swindon as I have seen some good 'reviews' on this forum.
Thanks again for the tips and advice, I had no idea there were sooo many treatments available. Maybe there are flush free days ahead...!
Speak soon, Sophie

[Melissa W]

Sophie,
Dr Crouch is the best IPL/laser doctor and no doubt an appt there is your best bet for a consult. Good luck!!

Best wishes,
Melissa

[TheMediumDog]

I'm sure you know this already, but just in case, it usually takes a while before metrogel has any visible effect. Around a month, or even 2.

You also want to be slightly careful since almost all rosacea topicals (metrogel included) contain 'penetration enhancers': chemicals that allow the active ingredients to get into the skin. These - chemicals like propylene glycol - can be irritating; and irritation is a no-no for rosacea. So try to keep close tabs on whether overall it is benefiting you or not. If not, don't be afraid to ditch it.

I too think you would benefit from some form of laser/IPL.

[Jamie1088]

Hiya, my skin is very similar to yours. I also flush on my cheeks and suffer from facial blushing.

I recently had five IPL treatments in Edinburgh and it has helped my flushing immensly, although I have yet to have a full on blush and see myself afterwards in a mirror. Before it my face would break out in the cold, alcohol, excercise etc but now the flare ups are more mellow and less noticeable. Cost me 165 quid a treatment though, seems like every penny I earn goes on trying to find a cure to this

This time of year is the worst! Nights out, alcohol, cold weather. a recipe for disaster, can't wait till it's over with. The sad thing is this should be the most enjoyable time