Rosacea ruining my life

Post your rosacea-related questions for our experts here.

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Bobbyboo55
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Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 1:36 pm
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by Bobbyboo55 on Thu Sep 01, 2016 3:37 pm

Rosacea ruining my life

I have tried creams from the doctor and I currently take Clonidine 75micrograms twice a day but nothing has helped. I constantly have a red face and neck. Is there anything else I can try? I use camouflage makeup but it doesn't cover the redness for long. It feels like my face is constantly burning. It has severely affected my mental health in that I rarely leave the the house. I really need some help. Thanks.

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Dr Jonathan Bowling
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 11:21 am
Location: Oxford & London
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by Dr Jonathan Bowling on Thu Sep 01, 2016 6:36 pm

Re: Rosacea ruining my life

Hi There,

Although systemic antibiotics have routinely been used for a long time for rosacea, over the last 12 -24 months there has been an increase in topical treatment options for rosacea.

From what you describe it may be worthily considering a trial of Mirvaso gel, which can help with the redness flares, which may help reducing the redness and giving more confidence to get back outside the house.

Additionally Soolantra 1% cream can also help, not only with the redness but also with the 'spot's that may also affect rosacea.

If topical treatments are not helping then seeking a GP/dermatology opinion for assessment and consideration of systemic antibiotics, plus or minus systemic isotretinoin may be worthwhile considering.

Best of luck

Jonathan
Dr Jonathan Bowling FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist
Oxford

http://www.mydermatologist.co.uk
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... owling.php

Bobbyboo55
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 1:36 pm
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by Bobbyboo55 on Thu Sep 01, 2016 6:43 pm

Re: Rosacea ruining my life

Thank you so much. I will try anything.

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Vanessa Jane Davies
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Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:41 am
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by Vanessa Jane Davies on Thu Sep 01, 2016 8:02 pm

Re: Rosacea ruining my life

Good evening Bobby,

Skin camouflage will always work as long as there is a colour difference but it can be a challenge. It may be worth seeking some practical help with the application by booking an appointment or getting advice over the phone.The skin camouflage service is available on the NHS and privately and you will be advised across all the prescribed brands.

Remember to cleanse before the application, avoid moisturiser other wise the products will 'slip'. Apply the cover creams in thin layers and build the colour up until you have the coverage you require, ideally do this when your skin is partially red.The pigments in the cover creams will have sufficient coverage to conceal the Rosacea at all stages of the flares. Apply your setting agent which will ensure the application becomes water resistant and durable. If necessary, touch ups can be applied but don't forget to powder.

Just one other thought, it may be worth trying both creams and fluids to see which you prefer.

I hope this helps.

Vanessa
Vanessa Jane Davies MEWI LCGI
Skin Camouflage Consultant
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... davies.php

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
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Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
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by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Fri Sep 02, 2016 11:12 pm

Re: Rosacea ruining my life

Hello Bobby,

I agree with my colleagues. It is helpful I guess when experts agree. I would clarify that Mirvaso gel helps with redness and /or flushing of face and Soolantra helps with spots of rosacea. In rosacea skin is usually very sensitive so Cetaphil moisturiser and cleanser are believed to be the best (available on a prescription and over the counter). You can read more about rosacea and available treatments on my website.

I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff CCT(Dermatol) FRCP(UK) FAAD FRSM
Consultant Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer
Member of British Association of Dermatologists
De Montfort University, Leicester Spire Hospital, Leicester Nuffield Health Hospital, Bedford BMI Manor Hospital
www.alexandroff.org.uk
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php

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Dr Anjali Mahto
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Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 12:23 pm
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by Dr Anjali Mahto on Tue Sep 06, 2016 7:29 pm

Re: Rosacea ruining my life

Dear Bobby,

Thank you for leaving the time to post on this forum and I am so sorry to hear about how rosacea is affecting you on a day-to-day basis.

People that suffer with rosacea often have a combination of redness, spots, flushing, and skin sensitivity to varying degrees and most treatment approaches need to address each one of these factors. It is important to use skincare (cleansers and moisturisers) made specifically for sensitive skin. Skincare is very personal and not every product will suit everyone. The French pharmacy brands are usually very good and reasonably priced e.g. Avene tolerance, La Roche Posay Toleriane).

Secondly, the most common trigger for most people with rosacea is sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is therefore absolutely vital that you are using a daily sunscreen SPF 50 on a daily basis throughout the year. I cannot emphasise enough how important this is.

There are a variety of tablet treatments that can control the spots that come with rosacea including tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. lymecyline, doxycyline) and stronger medication derived from vitamin A known as isotretinoin (roaccutane).

Clonidine is often given for flushing associated with rosacea and you are on a reasonable dose of this. Sometimes other medications can also be tried such as propranolol but this would need be given under guidance of your treating dermatologist. Not everyone is suitable for this and it does depend on the rest of your medical history.

The redness caused by rosacea can be covered with camouflage as described by Vanessa. Additionally, redness can also be treated by lasers and light devices. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and pulse dye laser (PDL) can be used successfully to treat redness. Often, though, multiple sessions may be required and maintenance treatment is needed.

I also agree with my other dermatology colleagues with regards to new topical creams that have become available to treat rosacea and maybe these options should also be explored with your family doctor or dermatologist.

I hope this helps. If your rosacea is affecting your self-esteem and confidence, I strongly urge you to seek help from a specialist.

Best wishes,

Anjali
Dr Anjali Mahto
Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... _mahto.php

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Dr Mark Brewin
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Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:39 am
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by Dr Mark Brewin on Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:53 am

Re: Rosacea ruining my life

In reference to Anjali post, I would always recommend PDL rather than IPL. We find it quite effective on our laser clinic.
Regards
Dr Mark Brewin
Dr Mark Brewin
Clinical Scientist - BSc (Hons), MSc, MIPEM, PhD
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... brewin.php

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