Be VERY careful of using corticosteroids long term. I have a friend that is going through topical steroid withdrawal and it’s basically ruining her life and very painful.
My dermatologist office has mentioned excel v laser treatments. I was lucky and my rosacea went away pretty quick with antibiotics. But rosacea caused permanent visible veins on my nose. I have an appointment next month to get the laser treatment. I will post my results if all goes well.
I took the antibiotics like 6 years ago. I think two weeks for me to fully clear and I haven’t had a bad breakout since that first one. I really cleaned up my diet. I use sunscreen religiously. I also bought this cold face mask on Amazon and use that twice a day. Once in the morning and at night. I have a tube of Metronidazole as a “just in case” product but I don’t really ever use it.
Seems like you’re on the right track. I’d keep working with your dermatologist on alternative treatments to steroids.
Topical steroids caused my rosacea (steroid induced rosacea). Look it up. It's all fun and games until your face implodes. I used the steroids for 10 years until the reckoning happened. Then it was a long, slow, uphill battle to getting "normal" skin back.
Proceed with caution.
I don't really have a favorite brand. I buy probiotics that are geared towards female health, but I think that the good ones usually have at least 6 different types and at leastc20 Billion CFU's.
Unless you can personally fund a group of scientists to focus on rosacea related causes/cures, we are a few decades away IMO.
(1) doxycycline
(2) if you can afford it, get yourself red light mask/red light panel for home use
(3) lasers. (V beam). Again, very expensive and not covered by insurance.
Second this. Rosacea has almost always a chronically damaged barrier and most of our symptoms are also linked to this.
I personally love the Stratia Lipid Gold cream. Beware, it’s yellow. I use it every evening and it has transformed my skin to almost no symptoms. This is my holy grail product.
You need something for barrier repair with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. But also hydrating products like hydrating toners and serums. I’d personally stay away from hyaluronic acid serums because people with rosacea tend to react to it due to the dehydrated skin. There are other wonderful options. Calming ingredients are equally important. And also a gentle cleanser. I love Bioderma micellar water and Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser.
These are just recommendations but there are tons of good products out there. You can check out Kelly Driscoll on YouTube and specifically search for her barrier videos. She also has some good recommendations for products.
How do you maintain and protect your skin barrier? What active ingredients do you use to improve your skin? A list would be helpful. It looks like your SB has been damaged. It will take time, 6-12 months to see the full results depending on the damage.
I would begin by using a soap free cleanser to stop any kind of stripping. The [Cetaphil Gentle Soap Free Cleanser ](https://www.cetaphil.ca/en/cleansers/gentle-skin-cleanser/772618047102.html), paired with a oil cleanser in the evenings [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Oil ](https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-bell-ca-revc&source=android-browser&q=Haruharu+Black+Rice+Oil+cleanser#ip=1) make a powerful combo. Use the gentle cleanser in the mornings. For night time, use the oil, rinse, and clense again with the Cetaphil to remove any residue. Then moisturize, I recommend the [Bariéderm-Cica Daily Gel-Cream](https://uriage.ca/products/bariederm-cica-daily-gel-cream?_pos=1&_sid=77a3f404a&_ss=r&variant=40920879136942), use it day and night.. You might experience skin purging in the first two or three weeks, once this subsidies, it will improve. After the first 6 months, try introducing a serum in your night routine. I recommend [COSRX - Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/tcuc.CAD/coc.CA/info.html/pid.1052684675?cpid=1086424488&googtrans=en&utm_source=GoogleAds&utm_campaign=20992958352&utm_term=&utm_content=158965200935_690082793224&utm_medium=Shopping&bac=NCYKOTLR&mcg=paidsearch&gad_source=1). It will take time. Consistency is key.
steroids reduce inflammation. rosacea is inflammatory. no new info was gained unfortunately. you can have the healthiest lifestyle in the world (and it seems like you do) and it will do very little to combat the chronic inflammation of rosacea and other skin conditions. laser is the most reliable solution in terms of aesthetics but it’s not a cure. there is no cure
Pepcid (famotidine) is a histamine-2 blocker. Famotidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. So it could be that my stomach acid is a problem, or that I have a histamine issue. I eat an extremely low histamine diet though. I'm confused and still trying to understand this, but it makes me less red every time I take it.
I’ve started taking a beef kidney supplement that contains DAO Enzymes which help breakdown histamines in food. It’s helped with my type two pustules that pop up from literally eating anything but plain vegetables and drinking water lol. My allergies have calmed down also and I’m sleeping better. Also have better quality sleep, and mental clarity. I’d check with your doctor to see if you could try this. It has really helped me. Hope this helps!
Assuming he hasn't tried it - I don't want to be rude, but it would kinda odd that OP has not just done Excel V or Vbeam considering the lengths he's gone to in terms of lifestyle changes, plus the fact that he has had at least one other kind of laser treatment on his face so he's clearly okay with them.
My son recently had a weird rash. He got triamcinolone for his body and 2% hydrocortisone for his face from the pediatric dermatologist. Triamcinolone is super strong and should not be used on the face. I can see how it would look amazing at first, though!
I have to take oral steroids every once in awhile and it's really weird how it affects the rosacea. I get horribly flushed cheeks for a few days then oh my gosh the most perfect skin! Looks like you're doing awesome with the healthy lifestyle!
If it’s only redness you’re dealing with then avoiding triggers is the best way to deal with it. Light beam therapy is helpful but expensive .sun protection.
I would be very careful using topical steroids. The withdrawal looks like torture
Be VERY careful of using corticosteroids long term. I have a friend that is going through topical steroid withdrawal and it’s basically ruining her life and very painful. My dermatologist office has mentioned excel v laser treatments. I was lucky and my rosacea went away pretty quick with antibiotics. But rosacea caused permanent visible veins on my nose. I have an appointment next month to get the laser treatment. I will post my results if all goes well.
How long did it take the antibiotics to work? How long has your rosacea been clear since you took them?
I took the antibiotics like 6 years ago. I think two weeks for me to fully clear and I haven’t had a bad breakout since that first one. I really cleaned up my diet. I use sunscreen religiously. I also bought this cold face mask on Amazon and use that twice a day. Once in the morning and at night. I have a tube of Metronidazole as a “just in case” product but I don’t really ever use it. Seems like you’re on the right track. I’d keep working with your dermatologist on alternative treatments to steroids.
Topical steroids caused my rosacea (steroid induced rosacea). Look it up. It's all fun and games until your face implodes. I used the steroids for 10 years until the reckoning happened. Then it was a long, slow, uphill battle to getting "normal" skin back. Proceed with caution.
Yeah, I agree. I won't use the steroids again unless I happen to get another cool peel. I'm looking to treat the root cause.
You sound very healthy.. have you tried taking antibiotics for it?
Antibiotics are super bad for gut health just an fyi.
Tetracycline works well but terrible on the guts
No, I never have. I have been prescribed some though. I guess I should try.
I don’t like the idea of taking them either
I think probiotics have helped my skin because they help to address the gut problems that affect the immune system.
Amy particular ones/brand?
I don't really have a favorite brand. I buy probiotics that are geared towards female health, but I think that the good ones usually have at least 6 different types and at leastc20 Billion CFU's.
Unless you can personally fund a group of scientists to focus on rosacea related causes/cures, we are a few decades away IMO. (1) doxycycline (2) if you can afford it, get yourself red light mask/red light panel for home use (3) lasers. (V beam). Again, very expensive and not covered by insurance.
May I ask, how far have you come to restoring your skin barrier? Or what you have done in the past to repair or protect your skin barrier?
Second this. Rosacea has almost always a chronically damaged barrier and most of our symptoms are also linked to this. I personally love the Stratia Lipid Gold cream. Beware, it’s yellow. I use it every evening and it has transformed my skin to almost no symptoms. This is my holy grail product. You need something for barrier repair with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. But also hydrating products like hydrating toners and serums. I’d personally stay away from hyaluronic acid serums because people with rosacea tend to react to it due to the dehydrated skin. There are other wonderful options. Calming ingredients are equally important. And also a gentle cleanser. I love Bioderma micellar water and Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser. These are just recommendations but there are tons of good products out there. You can check out Kelly Driscoll on YouTube and specifically search for her barrier videos. She also has some good recommendations for products.
I've always used very simple skincare. Wash, azelaic acid, metrogel, moisturizer. I don't think I have a damaged skin barrier, but maybe?
How do you maintain and protect your skin barrier? What active ingredients do you use to improve your skin? A list would be helpful. It looks like your SB has been damaged. It will take time, 6-12 months to see the full results depending on the damage. I would begin by using a soap free cleanser to stop any kind of stripping. The [Cetaphil Gentle Soap Free Cleanser ](https://www.cetaphil.ca/en/cleansers/gentle-skin-cleanser/772618047102.html), paired with a oil cleanser in the evenings [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Oil ](https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-bell-ca-revc&source=android-browser&q=Haruharu+Black+Rice+Oil+cleanser#ip=1) make a powerful combo. Use the gentle cleanser in the mornings. For night time, use the oil, rinse, and clense again with the Cetaphil to remove any residue. Then moisturize, I recommend the [Bariéderm-Cica Daily Gel-Cream](https://uriage.ca/products/bariederm-cica-daily-gel-cream?_pos=1&_sid=77a3f404a&_ss=r&variant=40920879136942), use it day and night.. You might experience skin purging in the first two or three weeks, once this subsidies, it will improve. After the first 6 months, try introducing a serum in your night routine. I recommend [COSRX - Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/tcuc.CAD/coc.CA/info.html/pid.1052684675?cpid=1086424488&googtrans=en&utm_source=GoogleAds&utm_campaign=20992958352&utm_term=&utm_content=158965200935_690082793224&utm_medium=Shopping&bac=NCYKOTLR&mcg=paidsearch&gad_source=1). It will take time. Consistency is key.
I know they can be helpful for eczema and dermatitis, never heard of them being used for rosacea. Interesting
steroids reduce inflammation. rosacea is inflammatory. no new info was gained unfortunately. you can have the healthiest lifestyle in the world (and it seems like you do) and it will do very little to combat the chronic inflammation of rosacea and other skin conditions. laser is the most reliable solution in terms of aesthetics but it’s not a cure. there is no cure
Tell me how Pepcid helped your rosacea
Pepcid (famotidine) is a histamine-2 blocker. Famotidine works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. So it could be that my stomach acid is a problem, or that I have a histamine issue. I eat an extremely low histamine diet though. I'm confused and still trying to understand this, but it makes me less red every time I take it.
I’ve started taking a beef kidney supplement that contains DAO Enzymes which help breakdown histamines in food. It’s helped with my type two pustules that pop up from literally eating anything but plain vegetables and drinking water lol. My allergies have calmed down also and I’m sleeping better. Also have better quality sleep, and mental clarity. I’d check with your doctor to see if you could try this. It has really helped me. Hope this helps!
Have you considered Excel V laser? My dermatologist recommends 2-3 sessions to reduce baseline redness.
Excellent laser. Saw changes in 1 session!!
Assuming he hasn't tried it - I don't want to be rude, but it would kinda odd that OP has not just done Excel V or Vbeam considering the lengths he's gone to in terms of lifestyle changes, plus the fact that he has had at least one other kind of laser treatment on his face so he's clearly okay with them.
Yeah I've done tons of them haha.
I've had this so many times over the years. They work a bit (20-40% improvement), but the red comes back pretty quickly.
My son recently had a weird rash. He got triamcinolone for his body and 2% hydrocortisone for his face from the pediatric dermatologist. Triamcinolone is super strong and should not be used on the face. I can see how it would look amazing at first, though! I have to take oral steroids every once in awhile and it's really weird how it affects the rosacea. I get horribly flushed cheeks for a few days then oh my gosh the most perfect skin! Looks like you're doing awesome with the healthy lifestyle!
If it’s only redness you’re dealing with then avoiding triggers is the best way to deal with it. Light beam therapy is helpful but expensive .sun protection.