[shezbut]

I feel like I am too old for this crap I've always tried so hard to take care of myself, but I seem to be vulnerable to skin issues or something.

I've been fighting rosacea for 15+ years and things have just erupted! A specialist had to take me off my antibiotic (which controlled my rosacea rather well) a month or so ago and my skin is freaking out. I look like I'm 15 or something. It's horrible! I cannot stand to see my face in any way, because it's so disappointing. I find myself doing everything that I can, but things are only getting worse. HELP!!!

I'm using Purpose bar soap twice/day. No moisturizers. No make-up (which really sucks!!). And my skin cannot handle the dang metro gel nor the other topical prescribed. I am *so* tempted to re-start my antibiotic, because I just don't know what else I could possibly do.

To make matters worse, I'm on MA, so they have limits on what is covered. Meanwhile, my low self-esteem is quickly dropping even lower. I can't stand it.

fyi: The antibiotic was stopped because it was dropping my low blood pressure to dangerously low levels, along with other medications that I've either dropped or lowered intake.

[shezbut]

Thank you very much for the hug, tealBumblebee. I have been *so* upset about this lately, and felt so alone. As though no one understands what I am going through. The hug reassured me that at least some one cares!

I must admit that I am pretty disappointed though. It is hard to believe that so many people read this and couldn't relate, didn't care, or didn't have time to respond in some way, etc. Pretty crummy statistics.

How are your eating habits? There is a very strong correlation between what's going on inside your body with what is showing up externally. Too much sugar? Wheat? Soda? Processed foods? Food sensitivities? Are you getting enough non-fluoridated water? Good fats?

Too help calm your skin externally, you could try apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil+witch hazel, argan oil.

[Raindropvampire]

Just stumbled on this and I'm probably only going to give you information that you already know so I apologize in advance

there is emerging evidence that a gut bug may play a role in rosacea. It's called H. pylori and usually causes stomach ulcers. A friend of mine has suffered with subtype 2 papulopustular(sic???) rosacea for years. She went to a new dermatologist who had her checked for H. pylori and worked in tandem with a gastroenterologist and she had great results.

Needless to say it is not the case with everyone. My uncle had subtypes one and three and they never could find anything but light therapy to help him AND the light therapy barely did any good.

I hope you explore all your options and you find something that works for you

Hi, I have Rosacea too. Do you know what your triggers are?

I don't drink red wine anymore, wear sunscreen and avoid getting overheated. I use sensitive skin products with no fragrance and I get facials.

[shezbut]

My eating habits are definitely up & down. Some days I eat very well....others, I struggle. I will have to eat well (just to be good anyway) regularly, maybe that will have a positive reaction with my skin.

Thank you

[shezbut]

I know some of my triggers ~ chocolate, extreme temp's, perfumes. But, I don't think that's everything. Although, living in MN sure as heck doesn't help me!

[shezbut]

Worth looking into, raindropvampire. I hadn't heard of the H.pylori bacteria being linked to rosacea. Thank you!

[shezbut]

Oh yeah ~ before I forget again....is stress a major trigger? I have been very stressed out/worried since Christmas & my break-out began 3 weeks ago. Could that be a possibility??

[notz]

Shez, my spouse has Rosacea. Diagnosed about 10 years ago. First I noticed the redness and the small blood vessels that would come and go. She kept getting these massive acne looking pimples, they were huge! It took some nagging but she went to a dermatologist and got the diagnosis.

Triggers seem to be stress, excess sun and hot showers mostly. She used to use Metrogel and take doxycycline until it got so expensive. She's not taking anything right now and is doing pretty good. Very few flare ups.

[Raindropvampire]

stress can be a major trigger for some people. I don't know if you'd be interested but Rosacea.org | Home of the National Rosacea Society › is a link to some great information on the most common triggers and recent studies that are being done. They also have a form for a journal so you can try to keep track of your triggers and what helps and what doesn't.

[shezbut]

Thank you very much for responding, notz. Glad that your spouse has found relief, mostly by avoiding her triggers. That is great! <3

[shezbut]

Awesome, raindropvampire. Thank you so much for sharing that link! I have been looking for an online resource to help me, but I just haven't had much luck until now.

[CRJSAHM]

I wish I knew something about this so I could help you. All I can say is to keep working with your doctor. If she/he does not listen then get another opinion.