I've never posted on anything like this before but now it is time.
For 8 years now from 15-23 I've suffered from flushed and very red skin around my cheeks (just either side of my nose) going up between my eyebrows, as well as on my temples and chin, but is slightly milder.
On top of that the affected areas get very dry kind of bitty/flakey bits of skin, and a lot of moisturisers tend to irritate the redness in getting rid of the dryness.
I've visited my GP in the past who diagnosed me with acne rosacea for which he prescribed acea gel. Which didn't work. To be fair I only tried it for like a couple of days But when applying it after washing my face it really stings, and then drys my face up so I have to use moisturiser again which in turn irritates it.
I then visited Sk:n, who diagnosed me with seborrhoeic dermatitis. Prescribing me with Elidel Pimecrolimus cream, along with using alphosyl and nizoral shampoos. This felt like the thing that had worked the best and I felt great about my skin.
Unfortunately time passed and it came back. And I couldn't afford another £100.00 trip to a private dermatologist so went back to the GP.
Every time I go to the GP and try to explain the above they say that the only thing that they can do is prescribe the medicine they see fit - not elidel - so now (for the past 48 hours) I've been using acea gel again and Epimax moisturiser. Again I feel like this is wrong but I'm going to give it more time. Luckily and finally the GP has referred me to the dermatologist, as urgent, due to the way it effects my working and social life, which it does, massively. No one understands what it feels like to be constantly looking at other people's faces on the train thinking 'they are so lucky'. Looking only at people faces in the area where I'm affected, thinking they're only looking at my affected areas thinking to themselves 'wtf why is this guy so red'. Family, friends and girlfriends have told me that 'it's not that bad', 'don't be so silly just forget it', 'don't think about it be positive and happy', all of which I agree with but it's not that easy. Every time I look in to the mirror I don't look in to my eyes, at my hair, anything really apart from my skin. I know I'm suffering from a deep anxiety about it and I feel helpless and hopeless and alone.
My skin is super flushed right now and I had to miss work on Monday to go to the GP because my anxiety was so bad after the flair up. (I believe the flair up was caused by using dermol which I don't usually use).
I guess I just want some advice on things to do to help it. Advice on medical products or even my symptoms and a diagnosis. If anyone wants me to send pictures I'm happy to. I've got some reaaaaal disgusting ones waiting, ones that I actually sent my boss to try and convince her I'm not just being silly haha. Anyway I digress, all comments are welcome thanks for reading my sob story.
Yours skincerely (see what I did there)
Nick
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Taylor_maurice
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please insist on the products that suit you (politely) i went with information that I had done a lot of research on my GP gave me the antibiotics that I wanted and also the cream. i have been given creams that almost took the skin off and made me much worse and obviously sore.. so that is why I did a lot of research to try and help myself.. no point in using anything that is wrong for you..If you can buy BIODERMA MICELLAR WATER AR( = ANTI REDNESS) TO CLEAN YOU FACE AND BIODERMA BB CREAM EITHER CLEAR OR TINTED they are suitable for even the most sensitive skins I use them and the skin feels comfortable and free of soreness but it will take a little bit of time to see results. I would say clear of cream for you as you are male but for ladies the tinted cream is brill as covers the redness gently . we have to be careful of what we use and most cleansers/moisturisers have 'stuff' in that irritates. i will be happy to answer any questions . (it looks like Roscesa to me.) keep out of the sun ... easy at this time of year ....and don't eat spicy foods for a while . good luck
Whilst skin is particularly troublesome I use Bioderma''s 'Sensibio Forte' for reddened sensitive skin. It is an amazing product. Instructions on tube 'in cases of intense redness and/or heat, apply 2 or 3 times a day to skin, after cleansing with Sensibio H2O or Sensibio Cleansing Milk.'
it looks like rosacea to me and if you are still unsure I would recommend you ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist. If it rosacea a friend of mine swears by proskin rosacea. I recommended mama nature to her and she keeps thanking me for it.
I was referred to an NHS dermatologist a few years back and was told that I had BOTH the conditions you mentioned on my face (which could well be the situation for you) at the same time alongside psoriasis. Ironically at the time my skin didn't actually look that bad!
Now though the conditions are creeping steadily all over my face and as soon as I get a little bit warm my face burns so much I can feel my nose pulse!!
I was given an ointment that cleared the flakes and gave me soft new skin, but that was so tender even holding a cup of coffee to my mouth would make my nose and surrounding area feel like it had been scalded!
So I gave up on that method and family life got in the way and I've done nothing since.
However I noticed in December that I was getting what looked like acne. The GP said it was my rosacea and to put some E45 on it!!
I guess I'm responding to your message to say I share your pain & frustration... But I think the only way forward for both of us is to insist on a referral to a dermatologist!
If in the interim you find a soothing remedy... Let me know!
Yes! I feel like I might have both as well but wasn't sure if that was even possible. How lucky are we aye! Nice to know there's someone feeling the same way. I've been referred so I'll let you know the outcome. At the moment I've stopped using the acea gel because of how much it burned my skin on application. I've continued to just use the epimax moisturiser that can sting a bit on application but I don't think it shows any inflammation after. Not in the way the acea gel did. With regards to your flakeyness I recommend highly hat you try using alphosyl shampoo. Apparently (according to a dermatologist I saw about a year ago) the flakeyness is very similar to dandruff of the scalp. So letting the shampoo run down your face and leaving it for a couple of minutes can help. If you then use a moisturiser after it can make a big difference. Other than that try asking your gp to prescribe elidel, it really was the best thing I've used.
I had something very similar and I had IBS. To treat the IBS I went on the fodmap diet, this diet also made a huge difference to my skin. I use coconut oil on my face.
Hiya nick I too feel exactly the same as you, I have had a flair up tonight and I only washed my face,heat,water, any moisturiser whatsoever aggravates my skin,affects my confidence, my work, I don't want to go out,people notice it, everything from docs has failed,I'm seeing a dermatologist next sat I'm depressed and a hermit and single, if you have Facebook, look for rosacea groups on there,very good for support, I hope you get it sorted, if you do tell me how cos my face is on fire
I have to wear make-up sometimes to cover the redness and I'm a man. Funny enough the powder on the skin seems to help. Might try Calamine lotion which basically cools and is also like a powder. My wife likes the heating so hot but it often affects my face.
Hi Nick. I have an autoimmune condition and sought this group out for information and support after finding a thyroid nodule. Living with skin flare ups is very hard. I taught High school and remember lots of teens seeking support and having image issues. The topical items you mention have hurt my skin too. I use a lighter cortisone cream with a flesh tone color and an aloe spray overnight that has a skin recovery serum too. Dermatologist can recommend. Sometimes the simplest works. Not too much hot water or harsh soap. I use a face towelette with witch hazel for cleaning and a baby soap for lathering. Humble toilette has great products. The soy may irritate but you can try it. All over body products from Humble.
My daughter has rosacea and she sought out a skin regimen to aid her skin. Rodman and Fields unblemish is the line she used. It helped her on the path to better management of flare ups and resurfacing area of irritation.
Jane
Hello Taylor I too am suffering from Rosacea. i have had laser treatment and it really helped after being refered by GP. You have to ask after taking antibiotics and creams, if they don't work ask to be refered to an dermatologist . I also use diprobase cream to clean and smooth the skin on my face and body, again ask your doctor for this. Good luck.
There is a lot of evidence to show that the bacteria we have in our gut have not only an affect on our skin but our levels of anxiety and depression too.
All skin conditions are intrinsically linked to a disharmony in the gut and Rosacea is no different
Basically what is at the root of your gut problem is that the bonds between the gut epithelium are not as close knit as they should be and are not producing sufficient mucus to protect you .
That means that the food you eat, if not extremely well broken down in the stomach and predigested by stomach acids , bile etc are finding there way across your gut barrier into your blood system where they set off an inflammatory response which becomes chronic
So the best help for you is to heal your gut as much as possible and then look at ways to support your immune system and bring the inflammation down
How?
Consume food in its most easily digested state
Betaine hydrochloride is essential for the stomach to get the correct level of stomach acid which is your bodies best and first defense mechanism and necessary for B12 absorption ( closely linked to stress levels ) and as a result, your Rosacea
Take a digestive aid with extra enzymes to break down food
Add ox bile as this not only digests fats but also helps, by keeping the correct ph in the upper small intestine
Eggs and fish protein are your best protein option or meat that has been brothed.
Lots of resistant starch to grow good gut bacteria as this controls the balance of bacteria throughout the gut
The small intestine should be pretty sterile but in your case there is a propensity for bacteria ... The bad ones ... To migrate into the small intestine and set up some pretty unpleasant gut disbiosis
AND SUGARS fed to bacteria where they shouldn't be are a recipe for disaster
So My prescription :
Natural yogurt ...raw if possible
Raw yogurt or better still Kefir ...
Colostrum for the lactoferin : buy a packet of Jump Start at Farmlands
Take 1 Tablespoon and stir into your breakfast raw yogurt
Or porridge or scrambled egg whatever...
Linseed : 1 cup full blend with some water add 1 liter of water stand in the fridge over night strain the goop which is very high in mucin which is soothing to the gut, plus high in omega 3 oils, important for your entire body but particularly your skin
Stir it into anything and everything ...it has no taste so is easy to add eg;
Fruit shake / cereal / whatever you make for dinner eg stir a big dollop into mayonnaise Add yogurt and lemon juice to balance the flavor plus some Mediterranean herbs savory or thyme etc and voila you have a super good for you dressing oh you can add a good teaspoon of turmeric anti inflammatory for good measure 😉
Bone Broth
Chicken or beef bones
1/3 of a full celery including leaves
Beetroot leaves if you can get ( handful) Nitrous Oxide
Huge bunch of parsley chlorophyll / iron /
2 carrots
2 onions
1 full garlic head
Season with salt and herbs thyme/ oregano / bay leaf
Sauté bones and onion
Add veges and allow to sweat for 10 min
Add 1 litre of water allow to simmer for a minimum of 2 hours ...longer if possible
This produces raw sulphur in a format that is easy for the body to use to ; fight inflammation, build connective tissue, repair gastric epithelium
Enjoy at least 1 cup of broth a day . You may purée the veges once bones are removed if preferred or drink as broth tea
Vit D3 supplement easy to get from doc or cheap to get yourself
The prevalence of bacteria in different parts of the GI tract appears to be dependent on several factors, such as pH, peristalsis, redox potential, bacterial adhesion, bacterial co-operation and antagonism, mucin secretion, diet and nutrient availability.
Therefor:
Probiotic with colonizing cultures of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus the highest quantity if you can get one that includes Lactobacillus paracasei (very good for blocking peptides that cause inflammation) , Streptococcus thermophilus (a species found in most yogurts, can increase ceramide production) some good multi strain probiotics carry it but you won't know for sure if it's in the yogurt you buy
These are the good bacteria with known benefits for skin conditions and will help to keep other bacteria under control/ balanced
Betaine Hydrochloride with ox bile AND
Pancreatic enzymes ( see if your Dr will prescribe this long term ...it is on the national prescription registry)
There is proof that this controls SIBO / small intestine bowl overgrowth / linked to Rosacea ... Very high incidence...I can send you articles to prove the claim for Drs
Cod Liver Oil ...just get it down ...best to take on an empty stomach first thing in the morning....chase with a little hot peppermint tea not toooo much as it must get through the first stomach quickly so it doesn't repeat on you
Because this oil is a natural source of the omega-3-fatty-acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among their many benefits, omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in your body. This oil also contains natural levels of vitamin A and vitamin D.
Other helpful protocols for Rosacea
Wear undergarments that are moisture wicking and keep your temperature constant
Bamboo fibre is a good option
Sheets and pillowcases made of cotton or this bamboo material
Do not use softener and where possible use natural soap such as Castile or sunlight soap grated ..,rinse all clothing well
Once a month add borax powder to the wash to kill mites ( because your skin turnover rate is much higher than the average person you are more prone to mite problems)
Hang washing in the sun, air bedding particularly pillowcases in full sun often.
Dermalogica Close Shave Oil
Rose water and Witch hazel spritzer with a drop or two of tea tree oil
Jojoba Oil is great ...also reduced neutrophil infiltration, as indicated by decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.
Beating Rosacea II: Treatment Advancements for Facial Rosacea". Dr Nase
Joining this thread late. But I want to add that this answer is excellent, thank you. I have similar symptoms to Nick (Some doctors say its Rosacea, others say Seborrhoeic Dermatitis). But the common theme was what I ate. After an evening out eating foods like pizza, alcohol, or sugary desserts, the next morning my face would be so irritated and red. Because I never suffer from IBS/digestive problems, I naturally didn't think I had a problem down there. But after enough research and times I can say a red, flaky face is heavily influenced by what we eat. Thanks for all the tips, there is a lot of them, I am not sure I will be able to implement them all, but thank you again
Hi Maurice--I used to have bad dandruff and rosacea too,but now find a simple regime keeps it at bay. For the dandruff ,just remember it is mild scalp infection and it responds to washing with diluted johnsons baby shampoo ( 25%) at least every two days. As this will tend to remove natural sebum on your face , just apply Bio oil ( or similar) after shampoo.I am also strict about my diet and prefer to avoid bread. Other carbs are fine e.g.rice potatoes, oatmeal. You could spend a fortune on going gluten free and buying branded moisturisers that are in the end merely emulsified paraffin oil. Keep it simple !!
Any updates on your skin? I found your pic online and my skin looks exactly the same. Dr said it is seborrheic dermatitis and gave me an antifungal cream. Just started using it so im not sure how itll go but i also want to share that this only happens when i have a poor diet that includes processed carbs, sugars & dairy. When i meal prep balanced meals that include sweet pots, oats and rice and exclude bagels and tortillas my skin looks better. When i eat yogurt regularly my skin and tummy look/feel better, too. I strongly believe diet is linked and im happy to repost in 30 days to share. If anyone else changes their diet and hrts results id love to know!
Hi, my sincere sympathies for your skin problems. Seeing your photo I immediately recalled reading about what you describe as ‘butterfly rash’ and googled it again...
“Lupus Symptom: Butterfly Rash
A tell-tale sign of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other common skin problems include sensitivity to the sun with flaky, red spots or a scaly, purple rash on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, and arms.”
If, having read up about it, I sincerely hope this will lead to the healing of your skin condition.
Hey Taylor ive just read your post, i know its been a while since you posted it but i just so can relate to every single word you said. I dont know if i have rosacea or dermatitis either. 2 dermatologists diagnosed me with contact dermatitis and rosacea, allergologist diagnosed me with dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, no rosacea. I really dont know at this point. Ive tried all meds for rosacea like rozex, finacea, soolantra, doxycycline. They never helped just made things worse, plus dermol caused a bad flare up just like u said. Its like a nightmare that I cant wake up from. I look at the people with healthy skin and dying of jealousy. I just wanna wash my face and go out without any struggles. Funny enough i always had an amazing skin and never used make up until the age of 31 and now im almost 32. This shit was driving me crazy for the last year. I still cant believe its happening to me. Maybe we can chat about our issues ? Email me on vozdushnaja@list.ru
Hi people new to here I been suffering from roscaea like symptoms and it really hurts itches every day is painful . To nick I would say you have the same as me it's the dry itchy hard not to touch when you do it just goes red and if you leave it you have excess dry skin all over the face ? the antifungal thing sounds more like the answer than roscaea as that is an over growth of yeast which can spread to your face and form patches like the butterfly effect etc. Does it flake in your beard line too . I believe you have the same as me seborrheic dermatitis I think that's how you spell it . I have shampoo which apply to my scalp as that's where its started from and also to the patchy areas like side burns, forehead, moustache and nose butterfly area key it soak in for a minute and then rinse clean . Repeat process 3 times a week . My seemed to start clearing up after initial couple of washes . I have also took dairy out my diet as much as possible as these can cause flushing but I think in my case it's more to do with shampoo .so the shampoo is called dandrazol apply to the scalp and nourish in and leave for a minute and also apply too the face like mentioned all your red patches I nourish into my beard line ,moustache and butterfly effect area etc also leave on for a min before rinsing off . When drying i would still patt dry your face .your skin will feel a bit dry but will not be flakey like before just add a little moisturiser I use johnsons babay cream in pink tune lol seems to help . When hair is completely dry also use a product called beta cap again I got this at chemist not sure if you can buy it over the counter got both mine on prescription, apply to scalp only. I dont use this on face but not sure if suppose to it like a lotion and just let that soak in and leave . I think a lot of people are possibly misdiagnosed with roscae as in my case because the treatment I was given for this did not do anything but this diffinetly works for me . Complete this procedure i would say 3 to 4 times a week for at least 4/5 weeks to clear up if you have any antifungal infection on scalp/skin this will hopefully help you as its helping me.it sounds like you did the right thing before but maybe didn't clear up completely as you said it came back. Good luck with it any questions just ask me . I'm not saying this is the cure for everybody but its worth a go as I dont think this medication can cause any serious side effects . If you suffer from quite bad dandruff I would say it's this research it
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