Diagnosis

Post your questions about Rosacea here.

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Polly1966
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Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2017 5:29 pm
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by Polly1966 on Tue Apr 11, 2017 7:07 pm

Diagnosis

I was diagnosed by my GP a couple of years ago with acne rosacea and given various creams and things to try, more recently I have been prescribed lymecycline which I have been taken for the last 6 months or so. I wondered how long you would recommend anyone taking this medication? I have never seen a dermatologist regarding this and just try and manage the best I can with cover up make (which makes it worse). All I was given was a leaflet from the GP about it and to be honest it didn't give me much hope for what can be done. My condition is mainly spots on forehead and nose and very red and inflamed. Any help would be appreciated.

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Dr Emma Wedgeworth
Posts: 154
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2017 11:26 am
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by Dr Emma Wedgeworth on Thu Apr 13, 2017 11:16 am

Re: Diagnosis

Hi Polly,

Sorry to hear that your rosacea is still active.

People often get disheartened to learn that rosacea is a chronic condition and can't be cured. However, I think by targeting different aspects of rosacea in different ways, we can actually manage people really successfully, so definitely don't lose hope!!

Rosacea is thought to be half genetic and half lifestyle, so it's important to optimise your lifestyle to ensure you are doing everything possible to manage your condition. Sun protection, healthy diet and lifestyle are really important. Your skin care is also important, so think carefully about what you are using on your skin to ensure it doesn't irritate or clog pores. Gentle cleansing (avoid harsh products and exfoliants) and non-comedogenic (non pore blocking) moisturisers are a must.

There are many different medical options. For the spots, oral tetracyclines (antibiotics) such as lymecycline can be very helpful). The way I tend to use them is in pulses. I'll use them for 3-6 months to try and get control and then I will switch to topical therapies such as topical antibiotics, azelaic acid or newer creams. I will keep going with the topical agents. I find that many of my rosacea patients may need a course of antibiotics every so often to maintain good control, but the day to day maintenance I aim to do with creams. If the oral antibiotics and creams aren't enough, low dose isotretinoin (roaccutane) can be very helpful.

For redness, laser done by a specialist laser dermatologist, can be extremely helpful.

I hope that helps and you feel a bit more optimistic!

Best wishes,

Dr Emma
Dr Emma Wedgeworth
Consultant Dermatologist & BSF spokesperson

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

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