Hi..has anyone got rosacea like me ...it ruined my social life I lost my self confidence and I don't want to look in the mirror

[Wejden]

I have a skin condition redness,skin irritating,red and white pimples and inflammation

I cant go out I can't even look to my self in the mirror

Every body is looking at me

[NoPreconceptions]

Hi,

I feel your pain. Is this a recent diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with Rosacea in September 2021. It has annihilated my face to the extent that I don't recognise myself in the mirror any more. I have chronic burning/reddening and inflammation, as well as a rarer form of Rosacea on my mid face, mainly my chin, which has caused unsightly granulomatous lumps and bumps which are sadly still progressing. It definitely sends you on a rollacoaster of emotions and hiding from the world can help reduce anxiety, but it won't make you happy in the longterm.

I've been on quite a journey, mentally and emotionally, since my diagnosis. I've had some really dark moments that have forced me to work hard on my mental health. No-one wants to feel as though their life isn't worth living. I now have coping mechanisms to deal with the negative feelings and emotions that accompany this condition. It's not easy, and as well as trying to deal with the Rosacea, we're also grieving the face/skin/person we feel we've lost.

But there is help out there - whether it's emotional or mental, or even guidance on how to camouflage your Rosacea with make-up, if appropriate. My Rosacea is pretty severe so I chose to camouflage it to the best of my ability every morning so that I can function. But that's a personal choice.

Have you explored the Changing Faces website? They offer advice, support and even camouflage make-up tutorials and appointments. You should also speak to your GP about how you feel to explore what mental health support is available for you. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can also help. You may not feel ready for this yet but hopefully in time you will.

Knowing there is support out there is helpful, and now that you've reached out to this community, you'll soon realise that you are nowhere near alone. We all have visual differences and can easily relate to the challenges it brings. It is a journey, it takes time, but you will find your way.

I hope this helps, a little xXx

[Wejden in reply to NoPreconceptions]

Thank you so much for replying me

[TruthmattersAlways]

Hello there , I totally feel for you as I have had the stares and abuse from certain individuals the majority of my life! But I don't know if this will help you but it sure does help me, videos of self love on YouTube for example Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay ❤️☺️, they have totally made me look inside of me and see the true person I am and always have being but I let others tear me apart, so now I still do have to be conscious when I'm out of my plagio and I do wear sunglasses 😎 Alot, but I will never let anyone elses stare or comments get to me, as life really is short and it is totally on those people if they want to be ignorant but I try now to talk to myself in those situations to remind myself what a decent, empathetic,, nice human being I am! I know you are only in your twenties but believe me if you start to look at life like this now, it might hopefully change your whole outlook on life and living every day to the max no matter what anyone says, believe me I wish I had watched them in my twenties ❤️! I hope this helps ☺️💯!

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Wejden

Welcome to the changing faces community. Thanks for sharing about your situation with us, it sounds like things have been tough for you and that your rosacea has had a big impact on your social life and how you feel about your appearance.

I can see you mentioned experiencing people looking at you when you are out in public. Lots of people in our community share with us about experiencing stares when out in the community and feeling self-conscious in social situations.

I hope you find this a supportive space where you can feel less alone in your experiences and that hearing from others about how they have been navigating life is helpful in managing the challenges you are experiencing at the moment.

Take Care

Caroline - Changing Faces

[MaveB]

Hi Wejden,

I hear you! And, I'm so sorry to read how you're feeling!

Rosacea is a common but also often an under rated condition in terms of its impact physically & emotionally, as I've discovered over the years. (personal info in my bio') It presents in a number of different ways too.

Have you managed to access any medical support or treatment so far?

M x

[Pcats]

Hi, just a kind messege to say, I feel what you're going through. I have only just found this forum, and it has already made me feel hopeful, reading everyone's response. Best of look on your journey with this. I bought collagen shots yesterday, a paramedic told me that her friend uses them for her rosacea, and said that they have helped her massively. Worth a try. Sending warm wishes 😁