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June 4, 2007

Treatment For Rosacea

Following my dermatology appointment last week, my diagnosis of rosacea is official. If you'll recall my previous blog post on the topic, All About Rosacea, I suspected I had the condition but did not have an official diagnosis. Now that I have a diagnosis, I am being treated with prescription medication.

I take Doxycycline twice daily until the acne clears up and then once daily until the first bottle of prescription runs out--then I take it as needed to prevent breakouts. I also use Metrogel 1% topical gel once daily after washing my face with a non-comedogenic face wash such as Cetaphil or CeraVe. Then I follow up with a moisturizer (also Cetaphil or CeraVe) which I can use just on my face or body-wide.

My dermatologist recommends a sunblock because the Doxycycline can make the skin photosensitive. However, I had been avoiding sunblock on my face in recent months because I thought some ingredient in it was making my face break out. It turns out, that was the rosacea. I still need to avoid triggers such as alcohol, sun exposure, and strenuous work-outs though that is impossible because of the nature of my work.

I know many readers will be concerned with my use of an antibiotic to treat this condition. And several of you commented that correcting an imbalance in the digestive system would clear up the rosacea. However, my reasons for taking a medical approach to treat the condition stems from concern over the possible damage that rosacea can do to my eyes if left untreated. That doesn't mean that I don't want feedback about alternative methods for treating rosacea for other readers who may want to take an alternative approach to correcting the condition. Also, if you have any book recommendations, I'd appreciate that, too. So keep those comments coming.

tags: wellness health rosacea doxycycline metrogel

Posted by linda at June 4, 2007 8:51 PM