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Week 19 – Severe rash on my face - Help.
I have seen already 2 dermatologist, at least 2 of them considered as very good, they gave me metronidazole, I think my heap doc prefer thay I will see a photothermic expert (he said that on email based on my short description) but the dermatologist say that photothermic will definitely cause damage in my situation. The dermatologist thinks that this is Rosacea and this due to the treatment and that most probably it will go away after I will finish the treatment.
Today my dermatologist recommend me to consider makeup to hide the redness, I did try, with the makeup everything looks well, but several hours later, after I took a shower, my face looks like a tomato, really terrible.
I am not sure I will be able to continue with the treatment with this situation.
I will so much appreciate any advice or experience.
Jack
Today my dermatologist recommend me to consider makeup to hide the redness, I did try, with the makeup everything looks well, but several hours later, after I took a shower, my face looks like a tomato, really terrible.
I am not sure I will be able to continue with the treatment with this situation.
I will so much appreciate any advice or experience.
Jack
Thank you,
I will keep posting, it is another very good example how we help each other to overcome sx.
Jack
I will keep posting, it is another very good example how we help each other to overcome sx.
Jack
I miss spoke re Noriate. Confused it with a seb derm specific rx.
Noriate is similar to Metrogel and Metrocream, both which have been used for rosacea for some time.
I currently alternate Metrogel with some sulfur products as mentioned previously. You might try both and see what works best -- be it one or in combination. It's the Elidel that I tend to use for the flaking areas which tend to be the seb derm. Sometimes it's really hard to figure out what works for what since its quite common that seb derm is layered with rosacea. Since I find that Metrogel sometimes irritates/scales certain areas, i.e. side of nose -- I either avoid that area with the Metrogel or mix it with a little Elidel as a pre-emptive strike.
As you're finding out, rosacea and seb derm require vilgilant experimentation to get and keep them under control, as we all have different presentations of the conditions and different triggers although sun and heat seem to be a very common trigger.
As the summer comes on, avoiding the sun becomes more difficult but the judicious use of appropriate sunscreens, cover-ups (hats, etc) will go a long way. Also, I've found that you can condition your skin somewhat to sun and heat if you build up the exposures very slowly.
Have you tried an aspirin at bed time? Some feel this helps with the inflammation, but I'd hold off on this during treatment, as aspirin is often not recommended when on Peg and riba. Very happy you're addressing the problem in such an intelligent and methodical way. Just be prepared that things may change post treatment -- for better or worse. In fact, my rosacea was it's worst starting 30 days post treatment and for the rest of that summer. How much of that was not being prepared and using the correct treatment approach I will never know. At two years post tx, its certainly under much better control but then again Ive made the lifestyle adjustments and have my tx regimen.
-- Jim
-- Jim
Noriate is similar to Metrogel and Metrocream, both which have been used for rosacea for some time.
I currently alternate Metrogel with some sulfur products as mentioned previously. You might try both and see what works best -- be it one or in combination. It's the Elidel that I tend to use for the flaking areas which tend to be the seb derm. Sometimes it's really hard to figure out what works for what since its quite common that seb derm is layered with rosacea. Since I find that Metrogel sometimes irritates/scales certain areas, i.e. side of nose -- I either avoid that area with the Metrogel or mix it with a little Elidel as a pre-emptive strike.
As you're finding out, rosacea and seb derm require vilgilant experimentation to get and keep them under control, as we all have different presentations of the conditions and different triggers although sun and heat seem to be a very common trigger.
As the summer comes on, avoiding the sun becomes more difficult but the judicious use of appropriate sunscreens, cover-ups (hats, etc) will go a long way. Also, I've found that you can condition your skin somewhat to sun and heat if you build up the exposures very slowly.
Have you tried an aspirin at bed time? Some feel this helps with the inflammation, but I'd hold off on this during treatment, as aspirin is often not recommended when on Peg and riba. Very happy you're addressing the problem in such an intelligent and methodical way. Just be prepared that things may change post treatment -- for better or worse. In fact, my rosacea was it's worst starting 30 days post treatment and for the rest of that summer. How much of that was not being prepared and using the correct treatment approach I will never know. At two years post tx, its certainly under much better control but then again Ive made the lifestyle adjustments and have my tx regimen.
-- Jim
-- Jim
I'm glad it's clearing up.
I will add Noritat (generic 11% metronidazole) to the TX Rescue Drugs list on the health pages!
Marcia
I will add Noritat (generic 11% metronidazole) to the TX Rescue Drugs list on the health pages!
Marcia
Just want to update - this weekend it is much better, looks like that Noritate solve the problem, not solved the problem completely yet but the it is much better now.
My conclusion - the redness is a reaction to the pegasys injection and comes 24-36 hours after the injection, better not to use any thing for that but Noritate, anything else makes it worse, also it is a must to avoid sun.
Jim - you said that Noritate also good for Seborrhea and not just for rosacea, how did you conclude that ? from my experience it looks like that you might be right.
Jack
My conclusion - the redness is a reaction to the pegasys injection and comes 24-36 hours after the injection, better not to use any thing for that but Noritate, anything else makes it worse, also it is a must to avoid sun.
Jim - you said that Noritate also good for Seborrhea and not just for rosacea, how did you conclude that ? from my experience it looks like that you might be right.
Jack
Yup Jim the Cutivate was desperately needed by the time this stubborn mule got to the doctors.....even my GI kind of recoiled in horror when he was what was going on with my face. I knew then...that I wasn't a hypochondriac that it was really bad.
That stuff thank God immediately killed the itch. I couldn't have made it without it I would have continued to rip at my skin and claw myself in my sleep. Even with giant bandaids on to try and prevent myself from doing so..........apparently I did.
That stuff thank God immediately killed the itch. I couldn't have made it without it I would have continued to rip at my skin and claw myself in my sleep. Even with giant bandaids on to try and prevent myself from doing so..........apparently I did.
It doesn't itch also in my case. The dermatologist told me that this is Rosacea but it is not the regular Rosacea and therfore it doesn't itch or pain or burn, he said this is rosacea due to the treatment and therefore he believe it will pass away after end of soc.
Actually, my derm recommeded Cutivate for a very limited period of time -- one week I think. At that point my skin was so inflamed that they felt a stronger steroid was needed to bring this back under control. But in general, steroids should not be used on the face, especially the rosacea face, except under very limited time frames and only under the supervision of a derm. Steroids can too often be the quick fix that backfires. I've used Cutivate on my face only once or twice in the last year, and only for a day or so. I even treat OTC hydrocortisone 1% with respect and rarely use it on the face and if so, only for a day or two.
Wow I hardly ever log in at home but thank God I sent my new password reset to myself!
I got the medicine and want to post it up for you before i forget. It's my miracle med. I have autoimmune eczema - I looked up the symptoms of it earlier and it said it's caused by meds that mess with your immune system. So this might be what you have that a doc without much hep knowledge would know to think of. My hep doc sent me to this derm because he had experience with us people.
It's called FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE CREAM (which is why I kept thinking of flonase!) it's the same sort of thing!
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/fluticasone-propionate.html
"Do not use Cutivate to treat rosacea or skin inflammation near the mouth. Also avoid using Cutivate on thin, weakened skin that has lost its elasticity."
Damn! I think Jim is right and you should make SURE what you have is rosacea...when i looked up the eczema it perfectly fit what I had/have.
it worked so great for me....I wanted to be able to help you so much.
Look up all these conditions and compare them and see which fits yours the best then go to the derm with the info. Most docs have NO idea what we heppers go through and what interferon treatment can do. Sadly, it's our job to put a lot of the info at their disposal oftentimes.
Good luck J! Between Jim and I - I think we cover the 'worst skin conditions you can ever get' situation and Jim has good knowledge of a lot of stuff........I'd get a second opinion and a real diagnosis because Lord knows..........God the stuff Itches and is UGLY!
Debby
I got the medicine and want to post it up for you before i forget. It's my miracle med. I have autoimmune eczema - I looked up the symptoms of it earlier and it said it's caused by meds that mess with your immune system. So this might be what you have that a doc without much hep knowledge would know to think of. My hep doc sent me to this derm because he had experience with us people.
It's called FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE CREAM (which is why I kept thinking of flonase!) it's the same sort of thing!
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/fluticasone-propionate.html
"Do not use Cutivate to treat rosacea or skin inflammation near the mouth. Also avoid using Cutivate on thin, weakened skin that has lost its elasticity."
Damn! I think Jim is right and you should make SURE what you have is rosacea...when i looked up the eczema it perfectly fit what I had/have.
it worked so great for me....I wanted to be able to help you so much.
Look up all these conditions and compare them and see which fits yours the best then go to the derm with the info. Most docs have NO idea what we heppers go through and what interferon treatment can do. Sadly, it's our job to put a lot of the info at their disposal oftentimes.
Good luck J! Between Jim and I - I think we cover the 'worst skin conditions you can ever get' situation and Jim has good knowledge of a lot of stuff........I'd get a second opinion and a real diagnosis because Lord knows..........God the stuff Itches and is UGLY!
Debby
Here's a farily current thread on pretty much the same topic that I know you're familiar with but others may not be.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/520807?post_id=post_2920246
It's important to note that many skin problems mimic one another and what works for one may actually hurt another. To make things further complicated, many of these skin conditions can often be layered on on another -- quite common in the case of seb derm and rosacea, for example.
For this reason, seeing a good dermatologist (you may have to visit more than one) is critical for any reasonable attempt at proper diagnosis and then a follow-up treatment plan. Be very careful of using this-or-that because someone here has used it successfully. There skin problem may be very different from the one you have.
While I'm happy to share with anyone my treatment regimen for rosacea and seb derm, that may or may not be what your diagnosis will eventually be.
-- Jim
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/520807?post_id=post_2920246
It's important to note that many skin problems mimic one another and what works for one may actually hurt another. To make things further complicated, many of these skin conditions can often be layered on on another -- quite common in the case of seb derm and rosacea, for example.
For this reason, seeing a good dermatologist (you may have to visit more than one) is critical for any reasonable attempt at proper diagnosis and then a follow-up treatment plan. Be very careful of using this-or-that because someone here has used it successfully. There skin problem may be very different from the one you have.
While I'm happy to share with anyone my treatment regimen for rosacea and seb derm, that may or may not be what your diagnosis will eventually be.
-- Jim
My face was very red in patches and towards the end of tx i got areas on my eye lids and on the side of one of my eyes that turned red and scaly flaky skin that if I washed my face the roughness and flakes would go away but the redness would remain. I too went to a derm dx who gave me a 1% cream to use sparingly and it worked like a charm. Oh, the rash/redness didn't itch.
Thank you so much. I am always amazed from your deep knowlde and the way you make it clear.
I will keep posting under this topic, I have learned from this forum not less then what I have learnd from the docs, please continue to help me with your advice and experience.
Jack
I will keep posting under this topic, I have learned from this forum not less then what I have learnd from the docs, please continue to help me with your advice and experience.
Jack
Probably should differentiate the "light treatment" as discussed above -- either sunlight or some kind of UV therapy -- as opposed to laser light or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy.
Sunlight and UV treatment (as for psoriasis) can potentially make rosacea much worse. Certain lasers and IPL are often used to make rosacea better although they might not be right for you at the present time.
Sunlight and UV treatment (as for psoriasis) can potentially make rosacea much worse. Certain lasers and IPL are often used to make rosacea better although they might not be right for you at the present time.
As your doc suggests, you don't want light treatment if you have rosacea, and in fact light --- artificial or sunlight -- can make it worse. You also don't want to use steroids on your face as NYGirl may have, unless for very short periods of time and only under the direct supervision a dermatologist. Steroids can potentially make rosacea worse and in fact there's something called steroid-induced rosacea.
I got rosacea coming off of treatment and still have it two years later. Sun and heat are probably my worst triggers as I already avoid most topical irritatnts such as regular soap and moisturizes. You might want to stick with the Cetaphil soap substitutes and moisturizes and nothing else OTC. For sunscreen, try Blue Lizard Baby as it contains no chemicals and gives a decent block although you still may have to cover up with a broad rim hat, suglasses, etc. You may have to experiment with a number of things (and dermatologists) until you get a mix that works.
My understading is that "Noriate" is more for seb derm than rosacea, but it's possible that you have one layered with the other which is very common. Noriate was an irritant to me, so watch how you react. If it makes it worse, then ask your doc for another direction. My third (or maybe it was the fourth) derm, yanked the Noriate out of my hand and said to throw it away but at that me my skin was so sensitive that he even told me to avoid water and use the Cetaphil Cleanser without it.
Metrogel and some sulfur preps are often prescribed for rosacea and I alternate between the two adding Elidel when any scaling (from the seb derm) presents. Sometimes I substitute OTC Rezamid for the sulfur. Also, some say aspirin at night can help with inflammation but many docs -- including mine -- did not allow aspirin on treatment.
I got rosacea coming off of treatment and still have it two years later. Sun and heat are probably my worst triggers as I already avoid most topical irritatnts such as regular soap and moisturizes. You might want to stick with the Cetaphil soap substitutes and moisturizes and nothing else OTC. For sunscreen, try Blue Lizard Baby as it contains no chemicals and gives a decent block although you still may have to cover up with a broad rim hat, suglasses, etc. You may have to experiment with a number of things (and dermatologists) until you get a mix that works.
My understading is that "Noriate" is more for seb derm than rosacea, but it's possible that you have one layered with the other which is very common. Noriate was an irritant to me, so watch how you react. If it makes it worse, then ask your doc for another direction. My third (or maybe it was the fourth) derm, yanked the Noriate out of my hand and said to throw it away but at that me my skin was so sensitive that he even told me to avoid water and use the Cetaphil Cleanser without it.
Metrogel and some sulfur preps are often prescribed for rosacea and I alternate between the two adding Elidel when any scaling (from the seb derm) presents. Sometimes I substitute OTC Rezamid for the sulfur. Also, some say aspirin at night can help with inflammation but many docs -- including mine -- did not allow aspirin on treatment.
I had an odd autoimmune rash on my face towards the end of my 72 weeks. It wasn't the typical riba rash though it was 100x itchier and tomato red patches that I swear I could see my heart beat in.
The derm put me on a medication that helped a lot. I can't remember the exact name now and I tried to google it and came up with the stuff that is Flonase for your nose so I know thats not right. I'll write it down tonight when I get home. It took away the itch and got rid of the rash really quickly.
The only problem with the stuff is that you aren't supposed to use it on your face...so you have to use it sparingly and only for two weeks at a time or it can thin your skin. it worked though. I've had the rash come back a few times (currently I fight with it on the back of both of my hands)...
Mine never really went away completely so I hope we have completely different ones. The med would be worth trying though if your derm thinks it's ok.
The derm put me on a medication that helped a lot. I can't remember the exact name now and I tried to google it and came up with the stuff that is Flonase for your nose so I know thats not right. I'll write it down tonight when I get home. It took away the itch and got rid of the rash really quickly.
The only problem with the stuff is that you aren't supposed to use it on your face...so you have to use it sparingly and only for two weeks at a time or it can thin your skin. it worked though. I've had the rash come back a few times (currently I fight with it on the back of both of my hands)...
Mine never really went away completely so I hope we have completely different ones. The med would be worth trying though if your derm thinks it's ok.
I have talked today with a doc expert in Phototherapy and he sad that Phototherapy will cause damage to me, he recommend Noritate 1% and if I like also a makeup from Vishay for very sensitive skin (I think called derm.. something).
He said (as the other dermatologista said as well) that the reddnes is most probably from the treatment (SOC) and will likely to dissapear after I finish the treatement.
I have the feelings that he is right.
Thank you,
Jack
He said (as the other dermatologista said as well) that the reddnes is most probably from the treatment (SOC) and will likely to dissapear after I finish the treatement.
I have the feelings that he is right.
Thank you,
Jack
Hey Jack,
I never did actual research on Riba Rash it's just a listed side effect in the drug info sheet. I've had it both times I treated and both times it was on my face. Mine is more of a red scaley type rash that splits open every now and then. Some people get like little blisters that break open and weep.
It really is a common side effect and my GI wasn't surprised at all when I got it. He has me wash with the Head and Shoulders and then use over the counter hydrocortisone on it. It never fully goes away and I'm alwys red faced. But the ritual he has me do does keep it somewhat under control. Even if you think the rash is gone you have to keep doing the ritual or it will come r ight back.
Mouse
P.S. Make sure you talk to your do and he says it's o.k. to do this ritual. I do know it has helped quite a few people.
I never did actual research on Riba Rash it's just a listed side effect in the drug info sheet. I've had it both times I treated and both times it was on my face. Mine is more of a red scaley type rash that splits open every now and then. Some people get like little blisters that break open and weep.
It really is a common side effect and my GI wasn't surprised at all when I got it. He has me wash with the Head and Shoulders and then use over the counter hydrocortisone on it. It never fully goes away and I'm alwys red faced. But the ritual he has me do does keep it somewhat under control. Even if you think the rash is gone you have to keep doing the ritual or it will come r ight back.
Mouse
P.S. Make sure you talk to your do and he says it's o.k. to do this ritual. I do know it has helped quite a few people.
Could you refer me onto something I can read about riba rash ?
I can also tell that in my case the flare-up wlways comes about 24 after the injection and it takes about 3 days to relax. In my experience so far the only medicine that make the rash relax (not completely disappear) is metronidazole.
Is it a famliar side effect during treatement ?
Jack
I can also tell that in my case the flare-up wlways comes about 24 after the injection and it takes about 3 days to relax. In my experience so far the only medicine that make the rash relax (not completely disappear) is metronidazole.
Is it a famliar side effect during treatement ?
Jack
Try washing your face with Head and Shoulders shampoo (if your doc says its o.k.). I have riba rash on my face starting between the eyes and working it's way to the sides of my nose and cheek bones. I look like I have a constant sunburn going.
Mouse
Mouse
What kind of makeup are you using?
Do you have any allergies to anything you are using that is near your face? Anything that you've changed recently -- shampoos, hairsprays, detergents, soaps??????
Even razor types or new gel shaving foam?
Do you have any allergies to anything you are using that is near your face? Anything that you've changed recently -- shampoos, hairsprays, detergents, soaps??????
Even razor types or new gel shaving foam?
I have no experience on this. I haven't started tx and I have never had a rash like that.
I think it will probably take a few days until the medication works and maybe you should stay away from putting make up until it gets better.
There are a lot of irritants in make up, but maybe you could find an all natural organic make up, which has no irritants. No perfumes, in it.
Marcia
I think it will probably take a few days until the medication works and maybe you should stay away from putting make up until it gets better.
There are a lot of irritants in make up, but maybe you could find an all natural organic make up, which has no irritants. No perfumes, in it.
Marcia
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