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Here's to Your Health:  Rosacea  |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 14 2006 : 2:02:57 PM
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Had anyone had to live with rosacea?
Mine was absolutely nothing to deal with until this last year. Now it just keeps getting worse.
The dermatologist justs want to prescribe what I consider toxic medications. Scary & expensive high tech pulsed light treatments have also been suggested, but some of the side effects (if it doesn't work right) look horrific.
I can't believe there isn't a better way. Can someone please help?!?
Thanks so much!
Melanie |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2006 : 7:59:38 PM
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Hi Melanie,
I have heard that Caffeine makes it worse. You may need to cut way back if you are a caffeine drinker. Sorry I couldn't help more.
Tina
The dogs own the house but the people pay the mortgage!
www.kennelcreations.com |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2006 : 9:01:03 PM
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Hi Melanie,
Primrose oil taken 3 times a day is supposed to help, it is a healer for many skin disorders, also vitamin A and a B complex. A diet of raw veggies and grains and avoid fats, caffeine, chocolate and spicy foods. Maybe fast once a month. Do NOT use topical steroid creams. I sure you know there is no known cure but we as nutritionalists do believe in eating well and we can conquer anything.
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
Edited by - Marybeth on Nov 14 2006 10:28:04 PM |
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susan kate
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
susan
Western Washington
109 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2006 : 9:01:59 PM
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Melanie, I need to look into this also since I have it. I have heard about laser treatments but need to research this. Send me a private email if you want to.
Susan |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2006 : 9:39:27 PM
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Thanks all for your kind replies!
I have also heard a little about evening primrose oil, so I'll definitely look into it.
And I agree: absolutely no steroid creams. Or anti-fungals, either. Which, BTW, both were suggested by doctors.
From my research, it seems important to not do anything to help dilate the small blood vessels in the face, & to in general maintain an anti-inflammatory diet & lifestyle.
I can see I'm going to have to cut back even more on the caffeine & chocolate  . It will take some effort!! I'm still hoping to hear if anyone else has made some significant progress with this condition - & just what she did. It has become a real problem in my life, affecting both my professional & personal life. (I used to give a lot of seminars for other Nurses, but am now too embarassed about the glowing red face that can suddenly develope out of nowhere.) And it doesn't seem to be directly correlated with my level of stress/excitement either. Sometimes a little sets off a huge response, other times excess stress has a barely noticeable response. And of course, no more wine or beer outside of the privacy of my own home. From what I've been learning, I will probably have to give it up completely. Sigh.....
Anybody else out there who can share her story?
Melanie |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2006 : 10:38:03 PM
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Melanie -- I have it too. No caffeine, no chocolate, no spicy foods, no alcohol. Rose, lavender, chamomile, and calendula are very soothing. Rose hip seed oil is also good.
Handmade purses and bath delights at www.rusticcottagecreations.com
Visit my blog! http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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LauraH
True Blue Farmgirl
305 Posts
Laura
North Creek
New York
USA
305 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2006 : 04:51:50 AM
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Melanie-
I have also read it could be a wheat or dairy allergy. So they recommend not eating these foods & see if it improves..also borage cream dr. shikai (sp?) makes it.
Hope it helps
LauraH
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2006 : 04:54:12 AM
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I don't know if this is helpful, but will share my story. I was diagnosed with rosacea about 20 years ago, was on metrogel then, and various other topical meds until last winter. My skin, however, never looked bright red, and I haven't drunk any alcohol for 20 years, stay away from hot spices because hot pepper and I don't get along--but I do drink two mugs of coffee every morning and eat chocolate just about daily. Last winter was the worst ever for dry skin--we heat by woodstove, yet my pores were always clogged up. I went for one session of microderm abrasion, was told I don't have rosacea, but very sensitive skin, and to use ph balanced products... and no harsh cleansing products. A month later I still wasn't happy but can't buy into a monthly microderm session (expensive). I did however get a second opinion with a mini facial at another facility, resulting in new products (dermlogica brand). I have good skin, now. Neither dry nor enlarged pores. I am told that the dermatologists around here always diagnose rosacea when skin is simply sensitive-- and of course, you can become sensitive at any time. You, however, may truly have rosacea.... but do use ph balanced products, anyway... and try dermalogica which is sold over the internet if you don't have products you absolutely trust.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 09:37:36 AM
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Hello again, & continued appreciation for your input. The info makes me wonder (LOL) if the things I like - hot baths at night, coffee every morning, & a bit (well, maybe more than a bit!) of chocolate several times/week, & a good glass of wine with dinner - have actually caused this problem, or have just made it that much worse. Gee.....why does it have to be all of my favorite vices?!? What else can a single Mom find to do? :) And I REALLY need that coffee to get going @ 5:30.
Ann, how did you end up on metrogel? What was it like? Metrogel is the first thing the derm mentioned to me. How long did you use it, & what made you finally stop?
And most of all: did it really do anything? I've always been a super all-natural type of gal, & am reluctant to use this kind of thing, especially long term.
THANKS SO MUCH for everyone's help!
Melanie |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 10:42:01 AM
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Melanie, I just wrote a long message and the computer took off this page... grrr. I agree with you about the coffee and chocolate--if they really had to go, okay... but not without a fight.
20 years ago my then--dermatologist determined I had rosacea--some small red vessels on the sides of my nose. He prescribed Retin A first, which made my skin bright red and itchy. Therefore, he switched to Metrogel, which had no recognisable side effects but also didn't seem to make any difference in my skin. During the 15 years I used it, however, my pores enlargened and my skin broke out. At this point, I'd switched doctors to a woman in the same practice. She prescribed Noritate, which to my understanding is metrogel with an antibiotic agent. It made no difference in my skin, however. Melanie, last winter, my skin was flaking terribly, and still breaking out. I was 52! In trying not to aggravate it, I used moisturiser for sensitive skin, but no makeup. A friend (who does have rosacea herself but looks great) told me about Dermalogica products, and where I could find them locally, at a salon. I signed on for a mini-facial, and the woman (now a dear friend, Stephanie) told me I did not have rosacea! She was the second woman to tell me adamantly that my skin is sensitive, but not rosacea. I bought a ph- balanced non soap cleanser at the Vitamin Shoppe, as well as Dermalogica's ph- balanced toner and moisturiser--and stopped using Metrogel/Noritate. My skin looked great soon after, and that was nearly a year ago. I see no need for metrogel, and cancelled this year's appointment with the dermatologist.
If you DO have rosacea, I'm not saying you shouldn't use Metrogel--but I would urge you to locate a local salon which sells Dermalogica products, where someone is trained by the company itself (the products are developed by dermatologists), and have a mini-facial... and ask questions. As an aside, Stephanie does say that too hot water is going to cause a reaction in sensitive skin. But maybe you won't have to give up ALL your fun!
XO,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 4:24:05 PM
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I just got diagnosed with rosacea about two weeks ago. My skin had been bothering me for years, and I finally got fed up and made an apppointment. I was prescribed metronidazole cream (I think its a generic of metrogel). I think it's helping, although it's a little early to look for real results.
At the risk of sounding like a total heathen, what's the reason to absolutely not use topical creams or gels? Is metrogel or metronidazole one of the ones that you guys are scared of? Why? |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 5:59:37 PM
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Amie, hi! You don't sound heathen to me, and if you are helped by the metrogel, that's good--to my way of thinking. I am skeptical of any drug used topically because I know how easy it is for some drugs to get into the bloodstream and organs through skin...(I use hormone cream which gives me thought about all the unintentional things that have been absorbed through my skin)and there often isn't much known about long term use of a given drug. Then, there's my experience with being incorrectly diagnosed and using topical drugs for nearly 20 years on my face, five of which included an antibiotic--the Noritate--which may mean killing off good bacteria as well as making me resistant to bad bacteria. However, I feel that when a drug is needed--and I am convinced of the need--I will take it, hopefully knowing of, and accepting any risks. As for Metrogel, I do NOT know of any risks, but neither have I looked into it... I just don't know. Again, if you're helped by it, good. And if you decide after a while you don't really see any gain, then I'd talk to a non medical skin specialist to try to find a different answer.
I certainly can empathize with your frustration with years of skin problems....whew. I hope you're on your way to well behaved skin.
XO,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 7:16:34 PM
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Amie, I agree with Ann - if it is helping you, then good. As always, it is a wise thing to have a full discussion with your Physician about rosacea, & get the whole scoop on treatment options. First off, to answer your question about Metrogel:Metrogel is the same thing as metronidazole. It is, BTW, the same thing often prescribed for vaginal infections. And anytime you put a drug on your face, there is what is called "systemic absorption." It varies from drug to drug, & is generally minimal, but it still happens. And yes, I am concerned about it. Especially if I were to need it long term. The same goes for any antibiotics that are also prescribed for this condition - especially if they are to be taken orally. Now that is something I would definitely NOT do for more than 10-14 days. My situation is getting pretty bad, & I really have to do something. Lifestyle changes only seem to be doing so much (although maybe I need to do even more!). The bad news is that rosacea can't be "cured," and it is progressive. Therefore it is best dealt with early on. Which is why I need to be making some decisions very soon about what path I'm going to try for treatment. That's why I thought I would see how some Farmgirls might have dealt with this condition. It is surprisingly common, so I've been thinking there has to be more of us here. In my experience as a Nurse, when a really nasty or annoying condition develops, most folks just hop right on the medication train - usually without getting the whole story. And with medicines/drugs, just as in life, there is no such thing as a free ride. The risks may be very small, but they're there. And so much of what we put into our bodies has potential problems....... so I always try the least invasive approach first. It I can do it "naturally," that is the first step I always take. Obviously, since I am a Nurse, I am not a fanatic about natural vs. traditional medicine - I just try to learn everything I can before making decisions. And with rosacea, it seems sad, but true, that this is going to be a very long road. Hopefully there will be some other Farmgirls who will kindly add the story of their experience with this nasty condition. The more we know, the better!
Good luck, gratitude & healing to all,
Melanie |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 7:21:01 PM
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Hi, again!
Kay, I forgot to ask you......would you be willing to say a little bit more about how you have dealt with rosacea? How did you use those herbs? Did cutting down (or was it completely out?) on caffeine, chocolate,etc. really make a difference? How long did it take?
Anything you could add would be very much appreciated! 
Thanks, Melanie |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 8:11:00 PM
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Thanks for giving the details about topical creams. I'm not happy about having yet another prescription to use every day for the rest of my life (within the past year I was also diagnosed with asthma and allergies). So i'll be looking into the other options too.
Re: the anti-inflammatory lifestyle, I met a woman once who had had MS for over twenty years and she attributed her good health to a macrobiotic diet, also for anti-inflammatory reasons.
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2006 : 04:51:06 AM
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My dermatologist told me I have Roseacea too, as well as an allergist thougt that I might. I'm not sure that I do.........so this has been an interesting thread. Dermatologist prescribed Metrogel but I haven't filled the prescription yet.
Thanks ladies for this.
Holly
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2006 : 6:03:35 PM
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Hey there, Amie...... I've also been reading links between inflammation & rosacea, so the anti-inflammatory approach makes real sense to me. Even if I decide to do more conventional approaches, I'm also going to start there, too. Have also just (3 days) begun capsules of evening primrose oil.
Holly, how did you come to be seen by the dermatologist? Was your skin beginning to really bother you? I also have not filled the prescription for Metroget yet, either.
But as the days wear on, I just don't know. The docs say that this condition progresses without intervention, so that part of it worries me. What was your experience?
With blessings,
Melanie |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2006 : 7:25:44 PM
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I was being seen for a skin check and specific moles I wanted checked. And he brought it up, when I was seen by the allergist he said he thought it could be. He too told me it will only get worse but I don't really want any other drugs if I can help it. I have to wonder if it isn't related somehow to the fibromyalgia and fatigued adrenals.......?
Blessings!
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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hollybeary
Farmgirl at Heart
6 Posts
Holly
Ronald
WA
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 9:13:36 PM
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I have rosacea too. I have been making my own cleanser, using beeswax, calendulated olive oil, cocoa butter, and german chamomile essential oil. I use a rose geranium hydrosol for toner. It also really helps to spray on my face when I have rosacea flare-ups (coffee addict). I also made night cream with rosehip seed oil. I have very dry skin. These things have all helped a lot . I read somewhere that rosacea is caused by what you put in your body. I have also heard about a Dr. who experimented on himself with anti-inflammatories and won the battle. Jane Iredale makes a very nice face powder which covers up rosacea. It is a mineral makeup originally designed for people who had laser surgery on their face. Definitely check that out. I know how embarassing it is. I get sick of people asking me if I was "out in the sun" too long. If anyone is interested in the cleanser recipe or would like to try it, let me know and I will make some.
Holly |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 6:00:05 PM
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Thanks for those interesting ideas, Holly. I have been using a light moisture lotion from Aubrey Organics that contains rosehip seed oil in it. It has helped a little, but not as much as I had hoped. I will definitely continue to explore rosehip seed oil. BTW, I also recently tried some products from the Dr. Weil line; they were outrageously ( I was desperate!) expensive, & totally useless. I will also let you all know if evening primrose oil seems to help. Has anyone else tried it?
With love, light & healing,
Melanie |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 06:34:14 AM
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Holly, I'd be interested in trying your cleanser and toner. Do you want to post your recipes? Or would you rather do trades for a sample?
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hollybeary
Farmgirl at Heart
6 Posts
Holly
Ronald
WA
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 12:51:43 PM
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Amie,
It doesn't really matter to me. If you would like the recipe, I'd be happy to share with you. But I have to tell you trading sounds interesting. What do you have in mind? Also what kind of skin do you have?
Holly |
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Here's to Your Health: Rosacea |
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Rosacea
