Community Chat

[lousandi]

At 67 I have a nasty case of Rosacea and can't get rid of it!

Metrogel did not work, Finacea did not work, my Dermatologist sold me Avene Cleansing Milk, Avene Day Cream and Avene TriAceneal and that did not help either.

Has anyone used anything that has worked?

[gloriajean]

Basis Soap is what works for me - and I'm 73. I use it all the time.

You can buy it at Walmart, or any store that has soaps. I used it for acne when I was a teen, and it helps me now too.

At a health store I use this for a cream - Kiss My Face - do what comes naturally - Vitamin A and E

Anyway this works for me as I cannot afford to go to a Dermatologist.

[Tyak]

Sorry to hear nothing seems to have worked for you. I had great luck with metrogel, used it many years ago.

[kittymomNC]

Sorry to hear of your problem - Finacea usually works for me. How long have you had it, and have you taken any oral medication? When I was first diagnosed, I had a terrible time. I had never had any problem with my skin, even when I was a teenager, so I didn't know what to do. Have you had any problem with dry eyes, eyes burning/stinging/watering? That's why I first went to the doctor and it's a symptom of the rosacea in some people. I could hardly open my eyes. I think it's an antibiotic that I took, but it's been a long time ago--I took it for a month until we got it under control and now I just use the Finacea. The doctor told me if I started having a bad breakout or problem, I could take the oral medication again for a while. I do have to use cleansers and moisturizers for sensitive skin, like Olay or Neutrogena - and lately have tried and like Purity from Philosophy. For clogged pores, I've had some success with Garnier "The Radiance Renewer Cleansing Gelee" and Neutrogena "Deep Clean Cream Cleanser". Hope this helps!

[RedTop]

My 35 year old daughter has rosacea, and has been seeing a dermatologist for 2 years. She uses Finacea, takes doxycycline, uses a prescription facial wash, and switched to Clinique makeup, all of which have contributed to much clearer skin.

[serenity4ever]

There are times when I was younger I had to take an antibiotic for rosacea because I was having a flare where it was in my eyes. Topical medications often don't completely clear a really bad flare up.

The only other time I had a very bad flare up was when I tried Bare Essentials makeup. It had bismuth in it and it really irritated my sensitive complexion. Check out all your cleansers and makeup and make sure they are not the culprit.

Best of luck....and let us know how you are doing.

[lousandi]

Thanks everyone for all your great advice, I am printing this thread.

I have had a few minor flare-ups through the years where I would get 3-4 red spots and Metrogel got rid of them.

I feel this BIG flare up was due to too many "happy hours" at our local condo Rec. Hall! Alcohol does cause a flare-up but I have never had it this bad. I stopped "Happy Hour" 3 months ago but the Rosacea keeps getting worse.

I also do not use hot water on my face. I think at this point I will probably have to go on oral medication. I have also been told that IPL (Laser treatment) will also help. I know IPL will not be covered by insurance because Laser treatments are considered "cosmetic".

Thanks again........................butterfly

[ROMARY]

I had a short bout of rosacea about 10+ years ago. Use unscented liquid laundry detergent on your sheets and especially pillow cases. Anything else is an irritant. Make sure your pillow cases are very soft and smooth fabric. Darker colors/prints may have dyes that are irritating to the face. Can't go wrong with white and/or older softer pillowcases with a smooth surface.

[ROMARY]

p.s. Yes, unscented cosmetics such as Almay, Clinique, etc., etc. There are quite a few that say 'hypoallergenic', unscented, etc. Fragrances in soaps are irritants, too.

[cotton4me]

Metrogel did nothing for me either. Prosacea is the only thing that ever worked for me. It's an over the counter medication. I usually order it online. I also avoid sugar, too many carbs and fried foods, all of which make it worse for me.