My rosacea
People comment to me all the time about how my skin looks great, especially for a man in his early 50's. However, like virtually everyone, I have issues with my skin. It's definitely NOT perfect.
Currently my issue is with ROSACEA. This is a chronic skin condition characterized by patchy areas of redness and flushing. It often has identifiable triggers like sun exposure, alcohol, and spicy foods. My rosacea presents itself as patchy redness of my cheeks. And lately, it's been acting up.
Rosacea has been an ongoing issue for me for many years. Currently it's about as bad as it's ever been. 😭
I've been unable to pinpoint any obvious triggers, and none of the following treatments have been helpful:
• Dietary changes like reducing gluten and dairy
• Pulse dye laser treatments
• Red light therapy (tried it a long time ago, maybe will try again)
• Prescription medications like Soolantra
Interestingly, the last time my rosacea was this bad was several years ago, and guess what eliminated it? It was CHANGING MY PILLOW. Not my pillowcase, which I change every week, but my actual pillow. 🤷♂️
Unfortunately, changing my pillow didn't work this time, so I'm currently trying very low dose doxycycline, which is an antibiotic that creates an anti-inflammatory effect when taken at low doses. It also appears to have minimal effects on the gut microbiome at these levels.
My rosacea seems to be slowly improving, but if it doesn't resolve, I might try a special topical compounded medication from my dermatologist colleague Dr. Emily Levin.
Want to learn more about rosacea treatment options along with other Hot Topics in Cosmetic Medicine? Check out this week's podcast! Dr. Levin and I also chat about FaceBBL's, the Carnivore Diet, the Internal Bra, and more!
Link in bio!
Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects millions, often leading to embarrassment and confusion about its causes and treatments. This chronic condition is marked by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. Knowing the triggers is essential; common culprits include sun exposure, extreme temperatures, alcohol, and certain foods such as spicy dishes. For those struggling with rosacea, effective management may include lifestyle modifications, topical treatments, or medications like doxycycline, which reduces inflammation. Recent studies have also highlighted the importance of a good skincare routine, including gentle cleansers and sun protection. Nutritional influences, like the Carnivore Diet, are gaining interest, and some individuals report improvements from diet adjustments, while others may find relief through advanced dermatological treatments like FaceBBL, which targets pigmentation and dilated blood vessels. Those interested in deeper insights may benefit from podcasts or consultations with dermatologists specializing in cosmetic medicine. Keeping abreast of new research and treatment options can empower individuals to take control of their rosacea management.
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