My husband is having another round of depression/frustration about his rosacea. He has it on his cheeks, and it’s the subtype that reddens and burns. Indeed, when he has a flare-up, it almost looks like the skin has been burned, and he says it feels like it’s on fire all the time.
He sees a dermatologist about it once a month and has been on several different prescription medications for it; I’m not asking for medical advice for him. What I’d like to hear are the things that have given you relief. The internet is so full of contradictory information, but I’m sure the Dope will set us straight
He thinks he needs to find a moisturizer that doesn’t cause papules. He can’t find one. Alcohol-free aloe vera gel is all he can find that doesn’t hurt his face.
He’s given up running, getting much sun, and alcohol.
He washes his face with Cetaphil.
I just suggested to him that he try taking loratadine every day, because he also has a tendency to skin allergies (poison ivy, mangos).
I’d check the recommendations for rosacea skin care by Paula Begoun (wrote “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me” and has studied skin care products for years), and use her website to find appropriate skin care items that fit your budget. She offers her own line for sale but also heavily tests and rates other products, and has reviews posted on her site. I don’t have rosacea but did fight acne, and her advice has been spot on.
It’s funny you mentioned that he gave up getting much sun because I always get it in the winter and if I can lay out in the sun, it goes away within a couple of days. That’s just what works for me, though.
Instead of buying post-processing aloe vera in processed plastic bottles, you cuold try growing your own. When I was a freshman in college, my aunt gave me an aloe vera plant to keep in my dorm. Nothing like going right to the source. They thrive indoors near a sunny window, and they can get really big! So it’s hard to run out
I have killed every plant that I’ve come within 5 feet of since childhood, but even my dumb ass can keep an aloe plant alive. The key is to only water it just before it starts to dry out (once a week or two weeks as needed). You can gently squeeze the bottom of the plant near the soil and tell whether it’s getting thinner. If it is, add some water! You’ll have some fat juicy aloe leaves to break off and rub his skin with before you know it
Also, Cetaphil isn’t just a soap, it’s also a moisturizer. Has he tried it?
I have no advice for what to do, but definitely avoid loratadine (brand name Claritin). It’s been proven more worthless than a placebo in recent clinical tests. I learned this from my brother’s allergist during his last visit. Allegra or Zyrtec are best. Link
“Allegra is almost as strong as Zyrtec, but far less sedating. Claritin is the least effective of the three. Claritin may be non-sedating, but is barely more effective than placebo”. Not a problem if you pop your Zyrtec before bed (as is recommended). Zyrtec is darn cheap as an OTC generic now (the generic part is recent).
I had an outbreak once and was told by my doctor to use a strong selenium based shampoo and just apply it like a cream to the area. The brand I used was Selsun, not sure if it’s available in the US or if you could use it on your face. Worked for me.
Has he considered the laser surgery? I had laser treatments about 10 years ago which helped tremendously. Combined with stopping smoking and drinking, the rosacea has all but disappeared.
I have rosacea and I know that burning! For me it’s all around my nose on my cheeks, like little stabbing needles.
Two things I discovered helped quite a bit. I had fewer outbreaks when I was on Atkins and when I had the burning blistery rashes a dab of coconut oil eased the pain and I think made the redness go away faster.
