Sara Colby, MD (retired)

I have been suffering with type I rosacea for at least 20 years, and type II for around 15 years. I had the classic red mask for so long that I didn't even know I could look "normal." But, as time went on, the standard MetroGel, Finacea and antibiotic treatment just didn't control it. My persistent rosacea progressed and I developed large bumps that would come and go. When they were present, my face would be swollen and so, so painful. It would plaster my fast with make-up to try to hide my shame and pain. After years of visits to the dermatologist, my rosacea just never got any better. It went on for years upon years. During pregnancy in 2008, I wasn't permitted to use any of my regular topical or oral treatments, so my rosacea went completely berserk. There are so many photos of myself during pregnancy or, more importantly, while my little girl was a newborn baby in which I can't see anything except my horrific skin. I'm gazing into my beautiful baby's eyes, yet I can't see the joy of the moment. I recall clearly the painfulness of my face and ugliness of my skin. Some time after my daughter was done breastfeeding, I sought out a new dermatologist. Enough was enough. I tried one doctor for about a year, and my rosacea got better, but still wasn't good enough. I wanted to get this WELL under control, and I didn't feel like that doctor was being aggressive enough. So, I kept looking, and found Dr. Colby. Dr. Colby is so well versed in the latest rosacea and related treatments that, after listening to my story, my concerns, and all of the topicals/orals I had tried, she started me on a completely new regimen. Within just a few short weeks, my skin CLEARED UP. I barely get so much as a pimple anymore, and the redness is well under control. I'm able to wear powder mineral based makeups instead of heavy, full coverage liquids. I even feel comfortable going without makeup in public! Dr. Colby has changed my life. Updated on 26 Oct 2012: I don't know why previous doctors insisted so much on using the same damn treatments, just in different amounts or combinations. They didn't work! When I found Dr. Colby, she recognized that I needed to finally be doing something difference. So, we tossed out the Metrogel, Finacea and oral antibiotics and moved on to Atralin and AcZone. She even gave me coupons and discount cards from the manufacturers so my insurace would cover these otherwise not-covered medications. This has helped keep the cost of refills down, considerably. And, inside of two months, my skin was essentially clear! I think that using the same old standard medications for so many years caused my skin to build up a tolerance, perhaps, because I'm sure my Rosacea didn't go into remission on its own. I'm very pleased with the Atralin and AcZone. I haven't had any side effects, like itching or burning, from either topical. And I'm THRILLED not to be on oral antibiotics anymore.