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Original poster

Is this rosacea?

43 replies

milkysmum · 31/03/2023 07:55

For about the past 4-6 weeks the skin on my face has completely changed. My cheeks are red, flaky and feel like they are burning. Also I've broken out in quite a lot of spots that I haven't had since teens ( I'm 42). I've switched to Aveeno skin care range but nothing has made a difference. Is this rosacea, and if so what's the best thing I can do to try and clear it up?

Is this rosacea?
Is this rosacea?
OP posts:
Original poster
milkysmum · 31/03/2023 10:20

Bump

OP posts:
Tayegete · 31/03/2023 10:24

It certainly looks like it. I have it too. If you search for old mn threads they have some recommendations for moisturisers that will help. Personally I’ve not found one that really helps but to be fair I’ve never had anything on prescription. The one thing I would recommend Rosalique - you wear it over moisturiser and it really helps to cover it up without exacerbating it.

Tayegete · 31/03/2023 10:26

Mine doesn’t burn though, so maybe worth checking out with your gp to make sure it’s not an allergic reaction or another dermatological condition.

ErrolTheDragon · 31/03/2023 11:17

It may be. It's definitely worth checking with your GP, there are prescription meds which are likely to be more effective than over the counter options alone.

It's worth thinking whether anything in your lifestyle has changed recently - not necessarily obvious, eg getting a pet.

SoundsLikeALlama · 01/04/2023 07:23

Mine looks a bit like that though is all over my cheeks and nose and chin. Mine also burns quite badly. V frustrating and nothing I am putting on is making a difference

I've signed up to dermatica to do a 3 month trial of their prescription cream and will see if it works

Original poster
milkysmum · 01/04/2023 16:16

Thanks everyone. No recent lifestyle changes that I can think of.
Is this something that is worth a GP visit then?
I'll have a look at dermatica, is it expensive?

OP posts:
Tootsey11 · 01/04/2023 16:17

As a sufferer for over 20 years I would recommend just for a while leave it alone. Stop putting different things on it and give it time to settle. Then, look at your diet. Things like fruit and flavourings added to food, along with spices should be avoided. Then no stress, alcohol or smoking, if these apply to you.

Tootsey11 · 01/04/2023 16:19

The main treatment for this is tetracycline, which can be hard on your stomach. Gp will refer you to dermatology first for a diagnosis then treat after. There are gels etc as well.

EmilyGilmoresSass · 01/04/2023 16:19

SoundsLikeALlama · 01/04/2023 07:23

Mine looks a bit like that though is all over my cheeks and nose and chin. Mine also burns quite badly. V frustrating and nothing I am putting on is making a difference

I've signed up to dermatica to do a 3 month trial of their prescription cream and will see if it works

Good luck, I recently had a very bad experience with them over mine. I'd not wish it on anyone, so just be cautious!

Tootsey11 · 01/04/2023 16:21

Just looked at your original post, peri menopause can bring this on for many women.

Chewbecca · 01/04/2023 16:38

Could be. I used soolantra on prescription and it totally resolved mine.

Original poster
milkysmum · 01/04/2023 17:16

Did you get soolantra though your GP Chewbecca?

OP posts:
SoundsLikeALlama · 01/04/2023 18:01

Ooh what happened @EmilyGilmoresSass ?

Tootsey11 · 01/04/2023 18:06

Op, be careful with soolantra if you are going to try it. It doesn't work for everyone.

Chewbecca · 01/04/2023 22:16

I used Lloyds pharmacy online GP, it was during COVID and very difficult to get a GP appt at that time.

@Tootsey11 what care needs to be taken?

Pearl97 · 01/04/2023 22:25

Have you ever used steroid cream?

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 01/04/2023 22:37

I suffer with rosacea and have a Skin+Me prescription for azaleaic acid/niacinamide which is sorting it out brilliantly!

BeetyAxe · 01/04/2023 22:42

I use Soolabtra for mine but it only works for a while. Tetracycline was the only thing that really worked for me but it gave me horrendous stomach cramps so I stopped taking it after 12 weeks. I would second that Rosalique is very good for covering it before putting foundation on.

EmilyGilmoresSass · 01/04/2023 23:14

SoundsLikeALlama · 01/04/2023 18:01

Ooh what happened @EmilyGilmoresSass ?

I followed good reviews on here. Long story short, my skin literally peeled off my face and I wouldn't leave my house. When I contacted dermatica, their suggestion was that I don't even have rosacea, which is nonsense if you see me. And I have seen two private dermatologists, both of whom diagnosed rosacea. I'm praying for others that I'm exception to the rule of people's good luck with treatment through them!

SoundsLikeALlama · 02/04/2023 10:03

Oh no that sounds terrible @EmilyGilmoresSass

I have their azelaic acid cream but I'm being v cautious as I have sensitive skin so I'm only doing half the recommended dose

I'm on that for 3 months and then I'm trying the prescription one next.

What do you do for your skin now if you don't mind me asking?

I haven't seen the GP or a dermatologist yet but I had one of these age 50 health checks where they mentioned they though I had it by looking at my skin

Newyearnewhome · 02/04/2023 10:09

It looks like rosacea to me. GP will confirm.

you are fair skinned and 42- which means you are susceptible.

Id say go for soolantra - it’s amazing. I got it from a dermatologist. You may need to be referred first, GP didn’t prescribe it until I’d been to Dermatologist.

I also tried antibiotics- never really made a difference to mine. In hindsight, I’m annoyed the GP kept me on it for so long when Soolanatra is so brilliantly effective

EmilyGilmoresSass · 02/04/2023 10:17

SoundsLikeALlama · 02/04/2023 10:03

Oh no that sounds terrible @EmilyGilmoresSass

I have their azelaic acid cream but I'm being v cautious as I have sensitive skin so I'm only doing half the recommended dose

I'm on that for 3 months and then I'm trying the prescription one next.

What do you do for your skin now if you don't mind me asking?

I haven't seen the GP or a dermatologist yet but I had one of these age 50 health checks where they mentioned they though I had it by looking at my skin

I don't mind at all.

This happened last month and at times my skin is still now peeling off my face so I'm using nothing at the minute, which is obviously not helping whatsoever. I only leave my house when I have to because people stare at me like I don't know how to wash when it's peeling off. I've not decided a next plan of action yet tbh, I've not yet in 3 year found anything that works and if I go back to my GP they will prescribe me the same rubbish they usually do that does absolutely nothing for me. Or another 16 weeks of antibiotics which also did absolutely nothing for me 🙈

SoundsLikeALlama · 02/04/2023 10:33

I'm really sorry to hear that @EmilyGilmoresSass

The peeling sounds terrible but I guarantee that other people probably notice less than you think!

I can really recommend the moisturising cream Dermalex Rosacea - it's essentially an antibiotic free green tinted base layer but it feels v gentle on my skin. And then the Cetaphil Redness Night Cream, also v gentle.

SoundsLikeALlama · 02/04/2023 10:35

Btw neither of those make mine go away but just soothe the skin

EmilyGilmoresSass · 02/04/2023 14:16

SoundsLikeALlama · 02/04/2023 10:35

Btw neither of those make mine go away but just soothe the skin

Thank you. I really appreciate the suggestions. If anything soothing of it may help right now because the dermatica/peeling has made me feel like my face is on fire. Can be very sore. So may give one or both a go to even help that aspect. Much appreciated:)