Newly diagnosed with Rosacea

[Nanablue]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this community and have just been diagnosed with Rosacea, I've thought for a while that may be what was causing redness but over the last week or so my face is bright red, blotchy and spotty as well as very rough. I look an absolute mess and am due to return to work tomorrow after being on leave and just don't want to go out. I don't wear make-up so have no idea how to cover it up or what to use and not use etc. I've been put on a 3 month course of doxycycline antibiotics today but the GP said they'll take approximately 8 weeks to even start to work. My self-esteem is at an absolute low. Any help or advice and someone in the same position to talk to would be great.

[DolaChangingFacesUK]

Hello Nanablue, welcome to the Changing Faces community and thanks for sharing about your Rosacea. It sounds pretty hard that you are due to return to work tomorrow when your self-esteem is so low and you don't want to go out. Changing Faces offers a Skin Camouflage Service that you could consider if you are based in Scotland or England. Unfortunately this doesn't help for tomorrow but perhaps for the future? You can check it out at changingfaces.org.uk/skin-c.... They have skilled practitioners who can colour-match your skin, as well as show you how to apply products yourself. Hopefully other members of the community will offer other options you can consider as well.

Take care,

Dola@ChangingFacesUK

[Nanablue in reply to DolaChangingFacesUK]

Thank you, I will take a look and refer myself.

[Priestly6]

Ive got facial psoriasis so happy to talk further if you want to message me. I feel exactly as you describe all the time. My advice just now is take one step at time.

[Gorgonite in reply to Priestly6]

do you have a layer of dead skin on your face when you get out the shower. I only ask because before I was told I have rosacea I was told I have psoriasis. My dad has it too. I have to use cleansing wipes after a shower to help get rid of it. I don't think my doctors know what they are taking about to be honest. They want me to try all sorts of creams that just make my skin worse before even discussing referring me to a dermatologist. Its ruined my life. You'd think they would refer me straight away considering how its affected me mentally.

[Priestly6 in reply to Gorgonite]

No I dont get that - been in and out of dermatologists for a long time now so im pretty sure its psoriasis.

Yes they are keen on the creams but then I still use them out of desperation. Now have scarring from one of them. Not a great feeling.

Yeah my psoriasis is all over my face and can get extremely bad so it does pretty much destroy most thats good about life

[Gorgonite]

hi. I have rosacea too. I hope you can get it sorted soon as I've suffered for over 2 and a half years now and its just getting worse all the time. I've been on lymecycline antibiotics for 5 weeks now and epiduo cream for a few months. I wish I never started the cream. Its brought broken blood vessels to the surface on my nose and cheeks but apparently that's common anyway with rosacea sufferers. I don't think I'll ever get my confidence back as rosacea is incurable, only manageable. I used to consider myself good looking and now I hate myself. Try to see a dermatologist asap. Most doctors seem reluctant to refer people so if you can afford it it's best to go private to be seen quicker.

[dixieden]

Hello Nanablue,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Rosacea and the way you are feeling. This is a great forum for emotional support.

I have unhealed wounds on my face due to a botched dermatological procedure and subsequent procedures by the same over-confident doctor to try and fix it. If you want to get some makeup as a quick fix before going to see a dermatologist or the Skin Camouflage specialists, I have a few suggestions.

I went to a dermatologist who recommended me Vichy foundation which she says is safe for use on very sensitive skin including healing wounds and raw skin fresh from lasers, so that might be good for you.

I was also recommended Heliocare oil free compact by a plastic surgeon as good to use on the sensitive wound areas. It is also a sunblock SPF 50 which seems great for people with skin issues, and has very good coverage.

Both have several outlets/ stockists across the UK, and in other countries too. The Vichy is cheaper than Heliocare, but does not have as much sun protection.

Feel free to message if you ever feel you need someone to talk to.

[Lauracottrill44]

I have rosacea diagnosed by a dermatologist. I've been on prescription oral meds and they only helped minimally so I stopped taking them. I bought dermalmd rosacea serum basically because I turned 30 and thought it was time to start some for future wrinkles. What I didn't know is how much it would help the redness on my face. It is so much less red than what it used to be with fewer red bumps as well.

[Veggarden in reply to Lauracottrill44]

Hi Laura can I ask if you are able to buy dermalmd serum in the UK? Many thanks