Rosacea, what's the next step?

[KnobJockey]

I have rosacea that mostly cleared up while pregnant last year, but it's come back now. I have a patch on my cheek, where I get the odd blemish and have a red stripe, and my nose is constantly red.

The doctor prescribed metrogel, which had no effect. I have tried soolantra in the past, with little effect. I am currently using a mix up from dermatica, which involves ivermectin, metronidazole and niacinamide (I appreciate the first two are active ingredients of the above, but hoped a combination might be better). This has improved the quality of my skin in general quite effectively, and less blemishes, but hasn't affected the redness, which is my main issue.

Skincare- I've found skincare stuff that works for me and doesn't irritate (neutrogena hydra boost. La Roche posay makes me sore after a while).

Lifestyle choices don't seem to affect it- yes I go red after a hot bath, and it's sensitive to lots of products, but I very rarely drink, etc, and chopping anything out has no effect. The only thing I haven't persevered with is dairy, because life without milky tea is unbearable! But I'm considering it. Stress IS a big trigger, but I avoid that as much as possible.

What's my next step? What else can I try? Anyone else been at this point and still won?

How long did you use Metrogel for? It worked for me but took quite a few months to improve. You then have to stay on it permanently- Rosacea doesn't go away - you can only keep it under control.
Also use sun cream like Riemann sun cream that lasts the whole day - other formulations don't last long enough. The sun really is your enemy.

I found topical creams from doctor didn't work. I took oxytetracycline for ages when it was bad and that did work. I don't need it at the moment and use neals yard wild rose balm as a night cream and dermatalogica dynamic skin recovery during the day as it is factor 50 which helps.

@MuddyWalks that's interesting to know- the doctor seemed to think that 6 weeks would be enough to see some change. I can't remember how long I tried it for, probably after 2 months when I would have expected some improvement.
I do need to introduce sunscreen on a daily basis, but as of yet I haven't found one that doesn't break me out in spots or give me a flare up.

@lowbudgetnigella thank you for that, I think oral antibiotics might be the next route to try, but I'm not sure if they'll prescribe them as it's quite mild at the moment. Still there though, as always.

I'll look into the dermatologica too

I have used the Jan Marini products before when my acne was bad and it really helped.
They do this product
www.jmsreurope.com/product/rosalieve/

I am having laser treatment after trying to live with this for years. I have had one session and it is much better and will have another in a few weeks, nothing else worked and it got particulary bad and was really getting me down.

Dermatology can prescribe you accutane for rosacea, I took it for cystic acne and it worked really well.

How long did you use soolantra for? My course was 4 months and cleared up even the worst broken pustules which were scabby ☹️

It’s worth persevering with Soolantra. I found this worked much more effectively and moe kindly to skin than the brutal course of Roaccutane I’d had with a previously bout of rosacea.

I found Soolantra to be a game changer but it took about 2 months to kick in.

Soolantra changed my life but there was a purge that lasted 3-4 weeks then every 3 weeks another purge (21 days is the life cycle of the demodex mite)
Did you try it for long enough?
you could try red LED mask - buy one to use from home as does reduce redness.

Lymecycline was a game changer for me. I have it prescribed now and take it for flare ups only

Lumecca IPL for a permanent fix?

I've been using my current treatment, which is a mix of ivermectin (soolantras non brand name) and metronidazole (metrogels non brand name) for almost 2 months now, but it sounds like I need to give it longer. The leaflet said I should see results within 6 weeks.

I don't think that I would get sent to the dermatologist/ prescribed strong medication, as it's not too bad in comparison with what some people have to suffer. It's just that it's always there, it just doesn't go, I try with it but I always have a stupid red nose and a patchy cheek.

@Humphriescushion are you having the laser treatment privately or NHS? I assume private, so can I ask how much roughly if that's not too personal please?

Privately, a session is about 150 euros ( not in uk) so around 130 pounds. I need two sessions spread over almost two months so the cost is manageable. Paid for the inital consulation which was 50 euros. Very happy with the consultation and with the result so far, it is much better and not nearly so raw red.

That's not too bad- better than I thought, thank you.

@supercatlady was that through the GP or a dermatologist?

Soolantra for me, but I have this on a repeat prescription. Typically use up a tube, then stop using for a while, but gradually my skin worsens again so I begin again. It is the only thing that has made it any better.

Was through GP but he did have a dermatology background. I went to see him for a medication review for my antidepressants and he said “Oh your Rosacea is flaring up I see” - I’d no idea that’s what it was.

Lymecycline tablets from the GP cleared mine up.

Try the kalme range OP it’s excellent