Newly diagnosed with Rosacea

[Lizziedrizz]

Just been diagnosed today with Rosacea on my face which causes me to get horrible pus filled lumps mainly across my forehead and cheeks plus flushing and incredibly dry skin on both my face and scalp.I have been using Aveeno calm + restore cleanser and moisturiser but my GP says I need to change the moisturiser to one which is paraffin based as my current one isn't working. Can anyone help with a suitable moisturiser please as I'm at a loss for one that might help my really dry skin?

I have been prescribed Metronidazole to help the spots but other than that I have to get on with helping myself on my own as my GP wants to see how the Metronidazole helps first before trying something else to help the flushing

[Sudoko]

Hi, I too have rosacea and use ' simple replenishing rich moisturiser'. It is for sensitive skin.. Give the prescription cream time to work can take several weeks. All the best

[EvaChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Lizziedrizz ! Welcome the the Changing Faces Community and thank you for posting your thoughts on here. It sounds like you've got a lot to consider in terms of treatment and what's available and understandably that can feel a bit overwhelming. Hopefully, as a member of this community, you'll find people to connect with and to share your thoughts as you go through your journey of finding what works for you and what is helpful.

Take care,

Eva - ChangingFaces

[MaveB]

Hi there Lizzie,

I'm also a longstanding rosacea patient, and in my own case an unusual sub type (see my bio). I'm not able to help with the moisturiser, as my skin area affected is the polar extreme to yours, overly oily T zone.

However, what I have learnt is to only use products that are fragrance and alcohol free, as both these have the potential to aggravate inflamed skin. Brands like Cetaphil and Cerave can be helpful and not that expensive either. Also, I had a sore scalp too. So shampoos without silicone or parabens and also fragrance free have helped.

In relation to the flushing, of which I had significant symptoms, have you tried tracking down any potential triggers, which can lead to changing things favourably. For example, I worked out that mine were: caffeine, giving this up dropped flushes considerably. Sun also is a trigger. So I stay in the shade, use factor 50 daily, and wear a brimmed hat in bright weather. This has also helped. Wine, which I only drink occasionally, sets off flushing too. Stress, flushing is my body's response to stress, and when in place, I run 'hot' for the period. I'm a natural internaliser, so don't shout or slam doors, I keep it all inside, a bit like the swan on water analogy, it's all going on beneath the suface!

You could also ask your doctor if he thinks you're suitable for 'soolantra' cream. It's expensive, so GP's can be reluctant to prescribe it. But, it works on the demodex mites that live on our skin, believed to be overly active in Rosacea patients, and one possible underlying cause.

Hope that's helpful, good luck!

M

x

[Lucky747]

If metronidazole does not work topical ivermectin for your type of rosacea (kudos/bumps) is gold standard and very successful for putting rosacea into remission. It takes min 12-16 of use.