Hello~ I am new!

[joellelee]

Hello,
Let me introduce myself...My name is Joelle, I am 37 years old and have had rosacea for approx. 10 years or so. My father also has it badly and takes oral antibiotics w/ much success. I, however, refuse to take antibiotics. I use to use metrogel and Noritate and it only helped a little. Lately, I have noticed my rosacea has gotten worse. My nose tip is red with bumps as are my inner cheeks. I wouldn't say I have a severe case, it's just enough to have to cover it up w/ makeup and it does cause me some emotional frustration! I have been watching this forum and researching and I am wondering if anyone here has heard about Leaky Gut Sundrome being linked to rosacea? I don' t know if I have the syndrome, but I do have digestive problems.

My food triggers are definitely caffeine/coffee....and also stress and heat!
It's very hard for me to give up my coffee as it's my only savior...I don't drink or smoke and I enjoy it in the morning so very much. Sometimes I wonder if rosacea is definitely trying to tell us we have toxins in our body and if we don't quit the food triggers...will it eventually hurt us in the form of another disease? In other words, if we just take medications to hide the symptoms and not remove the triggers are we helping ourselves or hurting ourselves?
I know, I am babbling...I just have so many concerns...Thanks for reading!
Joelle

[joellelee]

Oh! I'm sorry...I guess I should have posted under the Newbie section. I just saw it now....

[IowaDavid]

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor--though it does ratchet-up sympathetic nervous responses. Coffee, in and of itself, as far as I know, isn't a problem for rosacea. It's the heat associated with having a warm coffee that can cause problems.

I drink coffee everyday, but, I brew it, mix it with a half cup or so of cold vanilla-flavored soy milk, and then add ice.

Of course, everyone reacts differently a given stimulus.

"Your mileage may vary."


David

[redhotoz]

Hi Joelle

I haven't done any research on Leaky Gut Syndrome but it is my belief that there may be some connection with Rosacea and the stomach in general. The possibility of the presence of Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria in the stomach is one theory. I was tested and did not have it, so I guess I can rule that one out. But it may be present in other Rosacea sufferers and possibly cause a problem.

I do truly believe that there is more to Rosacea than just what we see on our red faces and feel that it has a lot to do with the internal workings of our body in general.

I quite like the approach of the Naturopath or Homeopath who believe in a whole body approach to health, rather than just focusing on the face. If you are not keen on taking antibiotics, you may want to try that avenue, if you haven't already done so.

[joellelee]

Thanks so very much for your help and responses!...I wish I could believe that caffeine doesn't affect me, but I believe it does...
As far as the "natural path' with my diet etc...I have switched to mostly organic foods and I just ordered Calendula oil and I am adding Fish oil and flax oil to my diet! We shall see...My husband and I are also trying to start a family, so Lord knows which path that will take me down concerning my redness!!!

[redhotoz]

Hi again Joelle

As you are no doubt aware, but thought I would say this anyway, be really careful about what you decide to take when trying to get pregnant. Even some of the natural stuff can have a negative impact. I remember reading that something as simple as Parsely wasn't recommended! But then again, I guess you have to weigh up the percent of possibile negative side effects to decide if it is worth trying something or not.

As far as being pregnant and your Rosacea, it can go both ways. That is, your face can get better or can get worse. With the increase in body temperature whilst pregnant and the raging hormones, one would automatically think that Rosacea would go out of control but it doesn't appear to do so for everyone. You may just find yourself with a beautiful pregnant glow face rather than an obvious Rosacea glow! I have read that more find their Rosacea takes a downhill turn after having the baby. But maybe that's to do with the new stresses in your life with a new baby?

Best of luck!

[vesna]

Hello Joelle,
I've just joined this board officially myself and you can read my story in my intro. You've mentioned that you might be trying to get pregnant. I wrote that my rosacea has been worse during and after pregnancy (and getting worse) but that might not happen to you. I have a friend who's had a mild rosacea before she had her 1st. It did not get any worse or better for her during or after. In fact, she had a second child, who was born w/a serious medical problem which, understadibly, causes a lot of stress to her and their whole family. Incredibly enough though, she's been in a year-long complete remission since giving birth. Miracles do happen!
I hope you stick around and good luck
Tanya