Since 18 I have started to to get a deep red, hot facial flush every time I get too hot, too cold, embarrassed, aroused or when I am exercising which is deeply humiliating for my especially in public. If that wasn't bad enough the flushing also highlights my acne scars and makes them painfully obvious. I have also read that rosacea worsens over time if untreated. I am 20 now and desperate to find the best solution since this has had a massive impact on my life. Please Help.
April 6, 2017
Answer: Definitely Possible to Control but not Eliminate Facial Flushing! Dear OR.Nelson, Rosacea is a very complex condition, varying in it's severity, it's responsiveness to all forms of treatment, it's inheritance and even it's presentation. Ask ten doctors "do I have rosacea, or something else" you will likely get ten different answers and ten different treatment recommendations. This isn't the doctor's fault or his lack of knowledge, but because in the real world, the distinctions between conditions are subtle, and may not be apparent when he or she is examining you. The history that you try your best to recount accurately may, unfortunately misdirect the doctor. The easiest answer for most happy and successful doctor patient relationships is to simply lump them all into one convenient package and call everything red on your face rosacea. Almost all redness will respond to topical cortisones, but the prolonged use of these otherwise valuable drugs can make your skin "addicted' to the cortisone and then make it that much more difficult to control your symptoms. At that point your doctor may suggest using a laser, the magic tool of the 21st century, but the use of the wrong tool in the "slightly less experienced hands" of a doctor who may be well meaning, but lacks the years of knowledge and skill to understand and truly treat your underlying problem, may lead you down a very expensive and unhappy rabbit hole. Facial flushing, which is perhaps one of the more embarrassing components of rosacea can usually only be partially controlled with a topical vasoconstrictor. The only one on the market today is "Mirvaso" and is a prescription drug which usually lasts about 6-8 hours after application. See your dermatologist for more detailed instructions. Oral drugs have too many side-effects (at least those available at this time) to recommend to most patients. Again see your dermatologist to see if you are a candidate for these chemicals. There is no cure, but with consistent use of the right meds for you, use of sunscreens and possibly the use of lasers for some of the smaller blood vessels that may be bothersome your level of control can be more than satisfactory. See a real expert before wasting your time and hard earned money. Hope this helped! Dr. S
Helpful
April 6, 2017
Answer: Definitely Possible to Control but not Eliminate Facial Flushing! Dear OR.Nelson, Rosacea is a very complex condition, varying in it's severity, it's responsiveness to all forms of treatment, it's inheritance and even it's presentation. Ask ten doctors "do I have rosacea, or something else" you will likely get ten different answers and ten different treatment recommendations. This isn't the doctor's fault or his lack of knowledge, but because in the real world, the distinctions between conditions are subtle, and may not be apparent when he or she is examining you. The history that you try your best to recount accurately may, unfortunately misdirect the doctor. The easiest answer for most happy and successful doctor patient relationships is to simply lump them all into one convenient package and call everything red on your face rosacea. Almost all redness will respond to topical cortisones, but the prolonged use of these otherwise valuable drugs can make your skin "addicted' to the cortisone and then make it that much more difficult to control your symptoms. At that point your doctor may suggest using a laser, the magic tool of the 21st century, but the use of the wrong tool in the "slightly less experienced hands" of a doctor who may be well meaning, but lacks the years of knowledge and skill to understand and truly treat your underlying problem, may lead you down a very expensive and unhappy rabbit hole. Facial flushing, which is perhaps one of the more embarrassing components of rosacea can usually only be partially controlled with a topical vasoconstrictor. The only one on the market today is "Mirvaso" and is a prescription drug which usually lasts about 6-8 hours after application. See your dermatologist for more detailed instructions. Oral drugs have too many side-effects (at least those available at this time) to recommend to most patients. Again see your dermatologist to see if you are a candidate for these chemicals. There is no cure, but with consistent use of the right meds for you, use of sunscreens and possibly the use of lasers for some of the smaller blood vessels that may be bothersome your level of control can be more than satisfactory. See a real expert before wasting your time and hard earned money. Hope this helped! Dr. S
Helpful
January 13, 2015
Answer: Treating rosacea The best treatment for rosacea is laser in conjunction with topical prescription medications. The V-beam and the Excel V are two lasers that a dermatologist can use to treat your condition. A dermatologist can also prescribe topical medications, such as Finacea, to help maintain your results. To circumvent flushing you can try taking over-the-counter Allegra before an important event.
Helpful
January 13, 2015
Answer: Treating rosacea The best treatment for rosacea is laser in conjunction with topical prescription medications. The V-beam and the Excel V are two lasers that a dermatologist can use to treat your condition. A dermatologist can also prescribe topical medications, such as Finacea, to help maintain your results. To circumvent flushing you can try taking over-the-counter Allegra before an important event.
Helpful