Last Resort - Accutaine or Laser?

[RedFaced]

[QUOTE=GJ;225225]I would suggest you try neither (and certainly, given your symptoms, definitely not accutane). I would tend to agree.

[Brighteyes]

Thanks again for all the replies! I've heard both good and bad things about both accutane and ipl (which is why I posted this thread). I see what you're saying about making my rosacea worse with these treatment options but I can't live a normal life as it is so I need to do something - even if that something involves risks. I personally haven't researched red-light therapy too much - but it strikes me as yet another bogus theoretical treatment that has merely psychological / placebo-like benefits (but if it helps anyone thats great!) The reason I was considering accutane was because I've heard (read) it's really beneficial for ocular. Anyone know if that's true? What about ipl for ocular?

Btw I do have flushing in that my face is always "warm" but not in the sense of an actual "flush" although I have experienced that on rare occassions (maybe 20 times in 3 years - a few of which were last week which caused me to freak out and post this thread). Does that make sense?

[GJ]

I personally haven't researched red-light therapy too much - but it strikes me as yet another bogus theoretical treatment that has merely psychological / placebo-like benefits

You are mistaken.
Which is a shame.

[Melissa W]

Originally posted by Brighteyes
I personally haven't researched red-light therapy too much - but it strikes me as yet another bogus theoretical treatment that has merely psychological / placebo-like benefits

Maybe you should take the time and read up on red light brighteyes...you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[RedFaced]

Originally Posted by Brighteyes

Btw I do have flushing in that my face is always "warm" but not in the sense of an actual "flush" although I have experienced that on rare occassions (maybe 20 times in 3 years - a few of which were last week which caused me to freak out and post this thread).

If you have flushing and a warm sensation in your face you are taking a HUGE risk with Accutane - if you think you are desperate now by having a couple flushes in one week, things can get A LOT worse, believe me and the dozen or so on this board as well as others that have had severe flushing as a result of Accutane.

Accutane is best for those with severe papules/pustules Rosacea.

You best bet for occular Rosacea is Antibiotics such as the tetracyclines, they help a lot of people. Accutane made my among others, occular rosacea worse. Accutane dries out the body and pretty much every orphace, including the eyes (one of the most common symptoms is dry eyes on Accutane).

If you symptoms are flushes, occular rosacea, then I woud urge you to consider other medications and therapy such as those listed in this post and the 2 posts above.

Have you tried various Antibiotics? What about clonidine and propranolol, Remeron for flushing? Have you tired adjusting your diet to an anti-inflammatory diet? WHat about supplements/herbs like Quercetin/Bromelain, Bosweilla (sp?) These are just some of the many medications that have helped a lot of people here on this board, as well as Red Light Therapy.

I really think IPL and Accutane are very high risk for those with flushing. IPL will do nothing for your ocular Rosaea and Accutane will likely make it worse as it dries out the eyes.

[Yvette]

Hi-

RedFaced is correct in that if you have more of the vascular aspect of Rosacea (ie. flushing/redness/warmth) versus papules/acne then Accutane could easily aggravate your symptoms versus diminishing them.

I took low dose Accutane for my mild but persistent acne (jawline/chin) and have mild Rosacea or pinkness in my cheeks. The low dose rid my acne/papules and cleared my skin without much side effects. It's very effective, however, for "flushers" it can prove too strong.

I agree in that Red Light therapy may be helpful to you. Also, low dose antibiotics like Oracea. True, that antibiotics can cause candida, but if you take a good pro-biotic daily, you won't have this issue. I take Oracea and some supplements daily, and especially probiotics. Without the probiotics, I'd have candida too.

Take care and let us know how you do.
Yvette

[Brighteyes]

You guys are awesome! I have been on antibiotics for 3 years now with no improvement in my occular symptoms. In fact, my rosacea started out as occular and has progressed, while on doxycycline, to what my derm calls "mild" rosacea. I have mainly redness, some flushing, burning, and itching. I apologize if I sounded rude earlier in my post regarding red light therapy. To be more specific I have read up on red light therapy but its been a while (1 year?). At the time it struck me a quack treatment based on a quack theory (we've all been down that road LOL). I'll be sure to read up on it some more.

In response to RedFaced, no I have not tried an anti-inflammatory diet but I don't have dietary triggers - not alcohol, spicy foods, etc. I have looked into the "rosacea diet" if that's what you mean, but my diet is pretty good as is - I eat a healthy high protein low fat diet (no fast food, no soda, no caffeine, low sugar) although maybe too much sodium. I have not researched clonidine, propranolol, or remeron - what are these? I am taking nadolol for "flushing". Finally, IMO supplements/herbs are a waste of money - been to accupuncturist, chiropractor, and colon hydrotherapist each of whom sold me herbs, and tried many on my own, but found no relief. Thanks again for all your help!

[Brighteyes]

Btw I would classify my "flushing" as prolonged low grade flushing. I get very little acne/p&p's so I'm assuming my rosacea is of a vascular nature.

[RedFaced]

Well the big 3 Remeron, Clonidine and Propranolol have helped many people with flushing, just do a search on them you fill find tons of posts and all the info you need to know.

I urge you to do the same for herbs/vitamins and red light therapy. Take an afternoon and use the search engine on this forum - you will know everything you need to by the end of the day.

As for herbs, just because you tried a few that someone suggested does not mean they are all a waste of money. THat would be like saying I tried one medication a Doctor gave me and it did nothing so therefore all medications are a waste of money and do not work. See what I am getting at? SOmetimed with things like Rosacea it is best to go online and search forums such as these to get first hand user experience on herbs/medications rather then asking someone at a vitamin type shop who likely has little knowledge on the condition of rosacea.

Lots of people have found success with using medications, herbs, vitamins, red light therapy, and usually for the most part it is a combination of these things to some degree.

So, I really do urge you to take some time to research Remeron, Clonidine, Propranolol, Red Light Therapy", Bosweilla, Quercetin and Bromelian. This will give you a lot of options and information as to what can help. Judging by what you have listed, I would say you have just scratched the surface in terms of trying medications/treatments.

Good Luck!

[Brighteyes]

I've spent over 1000 hours over the past 3 years researching a cure for my ailments. In addition, I've taken over 30 supplements (not including Rx's) - so I'm not a newbie. IMO supplements are a scam. But if some people find benefit from supplements, more power to them. I did some research yesterday on red light therapy and have to admit I am intrigued. I'll continue looking around but I think I've decided on IPL then possibly red light therapy. Thanks again for everyone's help!