subject: Living with Rosacea. Don't let this acne get you down [print this page] The purpose of this article is to encourage anyone who has recently developed Acne Rosacea by relating the personal experience of a long time sufferer. This is not a medical tretise and not intended to pass on medical advice or expertise. It is an anecdotal account written in the hope that others may benefit.
Acne Rosacea (rows-aysha) is a skin complaint that causes a reddening of the skin, mainly on the face, often accompanied by eruptions or spots. Typically the areas around the nose, cheeks and forehead are affected; the skin itches and the eruptions can be painful. Women in their middle years seem to bear the brunt of these attacks but men too are affected. It is sometimes called the adult acne.
During mid-winter of 1995 I noticed an itching of the skin on my forehead. Very shortly after, a spot appeared on the end of my nose - very embarrasing as I had trade shows to attend. Within months the outbreaks had grown to a worrying degree. Then, during the summer months the condition seemed to recede and I sighed with relief. I had had to put up with acne as a teenager and thought that this was a small and short-lived re-occurance. Not so.
As winter approached the itching re-appeared and my face became a raging zone.
Immediately my GP saw me he declared 'Rosacea'. I had never heard of the term before so I listened and waited for the cure that I assumed he would dispense. Again not so. He advised that I should avoid sunlight, hot or cold water, and alcohol, all of which I accepted but what I could not accept was the matter-of-fact way in which he told me that I would probably have to live with the condition for always. (I tried to keep up with the avoidances but failed on the alcohol). I took my doctor's prescription and went away.
At first I tried a gel. Applied directly to the affected areas, the gel shone like a beacon and dried to a visible skin. In addition it did not work for me. A lady I know has recently developed the condition in a fairly mild form and has been using a gel called - Metrosa. It appears to contain metronidazole and works for her in that the inflamation is lessened and allows for a make-up application (she is more disciplined about the alcohol too). Please remember, I am not qualified to advise on any medical matters so I pass on this information only as an aide-de-memoir when you talk to your doc.
In my case the only effective control seems to be an antibiotic preparation containing minocycline. I take it as prescribed but the period over which I take the daily capsules seems to be up to me. Somehow, the sun keeps the condition a bay so throughout the summer months I take a little sun each day avoiding a sunburn as the affected skin is prone to burning very easily. This works for me until the sun dissappears - then I start an anti-biotic course for one or two months. This I repeat twice until the sun re-appears. There are also natural remedies available but these seem to have little or no effect on me
Well, there you have it. Rosacea is unpleasant and disfiguring if left untreated. It can also affect the eyes so seek treatment as soon as it rears its ugly head. Control is very much a try and test to find out the best for you - but from my experience, the condition is not insurmountable. Good luck.
Living with Rosacea. Don't let this acne get you down
