I’m at my wit’s end with rosacea – help!

I am a 57 yr old female who has had beautiful skin my entire life and look 15 yrs younger than my age. About 6 yrs ago, during perimenopause years (I am now post menop) I was diagnosed with Rosacea which apparently no one can tell me why I have it, what causes it or how to rid my life of it..most infuriating after numerous seeing top specialists. I am at the end of my rope. I understand what exacerbates it, which seems to be EVERYTHING. I have a particular patch and the side of my chin that is constantly flakey and so so red. I use bare escential makeup to cover it and use nothing with a fragrance. I was on Oracea which helped with swelling and some creams which in my opinion do not work. I have an appt end of April to have this patch looked at. Have you had any success at all with Rosacea?

I would say that 99.9% of our patients are completely clear in 6 months with occasional flare ups only.   We, and many other offices, use a combination of lifestyle changes including dietary changes, non prescription creams, prescription creams, and lasers like the IPL and pulsed dye lasers.   We generally avoid long term, chronic oral antibiotic use because although they help in the short term, they cause other problems (like yeast overgrowth and antibiotic resistence) in the long term.  We do use a short course format for occasional flares. We also avoid using any steroids (including over the counter hydrocortisone)  on rosacea like the plague (except for very short 1 week courses) for the same reasons.  Some dermatologist disagree with this.   We also do bacterial cultures at times to make sure staph isn’t complicating the rosacea.   Please see my article on Rosacea in Depth or learn more at AAD.org.   Also, keep looking for a dermatologist who can help you.  Good luck!!!  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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