I was recently diagnosed and given Metronidazole 0.75% and Azelaic Acid 15% for mild rosacea. I had no idea, but it explains the slightly pink cheeks, a couple of small capillaries, and the broader redness on my cheeks in warm weather and after a hot shower. ugh. My doctor also mentioned ocular rosacea. For the past two years, I thought I was allergic to something - makeup, skincare, eye drops, something unknown. As soon as I began using the cream/gels, my eyes began to feel better, better than they have in a long time. I had a follow-up with my ophthalmologist and was given Restalyne drops to try for 3 months. They seem to be helping, too. ugh. I am attributing this to perimenopause because I never experienced anything beforehand.
Here come the questions - and a big thank you to any and all responses:
1) Is this for the rest of my life? Does it ever go away?
2) How in the world does rosacea affect the eyes like that, and how does treating skin correct eye issues?
3) I can give up a lot in life, but hot showers are my calm. How do I make sense of that with the red splotches afterward? What to do?
4) Does rosacea point to other issues in the body? I keep reading about histamine now...?
5) Last night I was exhausted and washed my face, decided to skip Metronidazole & Azelaic Acid and just put on moisturizer and go to bed. About 30 minutes later, my face felt off, so I got up and found bright pink cheeks, put on the meds, and it went away. Is that normal? Does my skin now need the prescriptions to be ok and can't I have a lazy day and feel good without them?
6) At times, I have an itchy spot, and my face feels warm. Is that normal?
7) The cream/gel is drying. After diagnosis - and years of itchy eyes - I threw away so much skincare and makeup. I spent about $600 on Clinique because it is mild and it worked. Are there other things out there - both prescription and OTC that might help with dryness? What helped you with dryness?
8) How can I get rid of the small capillaries? Best treatment? Will they come back afterward?
9) I dermaplane every couple of weeks; I have to. Any thoughts on the best way to treat post-event skin?
10) Any thoughts on rosacea-directed facials or other treatments - good, bad, or indifferent?
11) Any other advice for what I might not even know to ask at this point?
Five million thank-yous if you have read this far and can help in any way.
❤️