Rosacea awareness month - Gabby's story

"People don’t realise the impact your skin can have on how you feel about yourself.

"I began to notice my rosacea during secondary school, when many girls were starting to care about their looks and experiment with makeup. My skin looked different to theirs and this made me feel quite isolated.

"My skin flares up on random occasions, turning red and blotchy all of a sudden, and I can’t cover it up or hide anywhere. It feels like my whole body is on fire.

"I lost count of the number of times somebody said, 'Your face is so red', or 'Are you embarrassed or something?' I felt like nobody around me would understand what I was going through.

"After my diagnosis, I wasn’t offered any mental health support. It added to the feeling of isolation. It was only after finding a support network in Changing Faces, and other people with rosacea, that my confidence grew. I now feel comfortable in my own skin.

"I wish I could go back and tell younger Gabby that she isn't alone in having rosacea. There are always people there to support you if you need it."

Gabby's story can help those new to their diagnosis of rosacea: bit.ly/3uPUwMy

[Strayc]

It must have been so hard to accept that at such a young age. I am 48 and a nurse and I find the change in my face very hard to accept. It affects my nose especially and I have never liked my nose anyway, because is very bent and big. Now it is red and covered in thread veins too and it even hurts, it burns so much when it gets red.

There is no support from the medical professionals. The psychogical side of it is neglected. There is no cure and is not easy to control it. I have had lots of sleepless nights over it, lots of anxiety and panick attacks.

I am now calmer after joining a group of people with rosacea online, but still, I feel depressed ovet it. It is quite recent diagnosis. But it definetely helps to know that I am not alone and people like me feel the same about living with rosacea.

[EvaChangingFaces Partner in reply to Strayc]

Hello Strayc and Welcome to the Changing Faces Community. Thank you for posting your thoughts on here. It sounds like things are difficult for you at the moment and that you have been through a lot trying to manage your skin condition. I am very sorry to hear that there is not much support available from the medical professionals, and that you are struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. There is a lot to consider and deal with in terms of a skin condition and it could all feel frustrating and overwhelming at times especially if you haven’t received some clear guidance or emotional support. It’s really positive that you found a supportive group online that sounds like it’s been helpful. Hopefully, as the community grows, you'll find more people to connect with and get some additional support here.

Take care,

Eva - ChangingFaces

[Strayc in reply to EvaChangingFaces]

Thank you Eva.