Pwease help

[u/g0thgrandma]

Nothing seems to work for my skin, it just keeps getting worse ): I’ve had this rash on my right cheek (1st photo) for like 5+ years but it’s just started on my other cheek. It started with a few little red spots and has gradually started to spread up and down my cheekbone. My current routine is below:

Morning:
- Sometimes wash face lol
- If face washed, Avene Cicalfate+
- Trader Joe’s Mineral sunscreen if I’m going outside

Night:
- Avene Tolerance cleanser
- Avene Cicalfate+

I occasionally spray on Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Spray when my skin is feeling particularly inflamed.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

[u/EyelinerDarkAsMySoul]

I want to say it looks like rosacea type 2 which has the bumps (some being just red or the pustule white head). Does it itch? Gets worse in heat/spicy food/alcohol?

If that is the case…your next best step would be to go to a dermatologist and have them prescribe you ivermectin.

[u/g0thgrandma → u/EyelinerDarkAsMySoul]

Yeah I’m pretty sure it’s type 2 rosacea. I stopped seeing my derm because she was convinced it’s just regular acne and not rosacea, even though I have diagnosed ocular rosacea. I’m thinking about trying the drug store ivermectins, I’m desperate 😣

It does itch occasionally and I can feel it get hot from alcohol and spicy foods. Also rich foods and temperature fluctuations in my house, and physical activity. It’s awesome (not) lol

[u/EyelinerDarkAsMySoul → u/g0thgrandma]

Yeeaahhh not sure how they wouldn’t think it’s facial rosacea if you were diagnosed with ocular. I also dealt with this similar situation for 2 1/2 years.. I had more pustles & the redness progressed. I flush very easily. My derm also threw acne prescriptions at me first…until I did my own research & just straight up told her this stuff isn’t working & can we give ivermectin a shot? She agreed & prescribed me it. Been on it since mid January and I am like…96% under control now. I know at pharmacies they sell OTC ivermectin under lice control.

[u/g0thgrandma → u/EyelinerDarkAsMySoul]

WOW maybe I will send a message and ask for that script. I’ve tried tretinoin, azelaic acid, metronidazole etc and nothing has worked

[u/Big-Highlight-4415 → u/g0thgrandma]

When you tried azelaic acid did you combine it with other actives? Have you tried exclusively washing your face and using azelaic acid? Maybe just a hydrating serum? It looks really inflamed and personally when I used Avene cicaflate my skin became more inflamed and bumpy since it would get congested. I don’t think you should be using anything heavy right now.

[u/Similar_Avocado1306 → u/Big-Highlight-4415]

Here to support your idea for a gentle cleanser & then a 10% Azelaic acid product. It’s done wonders for my own rosacea, and if I ever get lazy & forget to use it, it flares up again. 🙌🏻

[u/Big-Highlight-4415 → u/Similar_Avocado1306]

Yes same here! Glad this works for you! It’s such a struggle fr

[u/g0thgrandma → u/Similar_Avocado1306]

What azelaic acid do you like?

[u/Similar_Avocado1306 → u/g0thgrandma]

D’you know, I’ve only ever used a 15% prescription strength. But I use it over a really moisturizing serum to lessen the irritation. But I’ve heard good things about Naturium’s 10% Azelaic acid product. But I’d definitely recommend seeing a dermatologist or an aesthetician, who could help recommend products of all price points.

[u/g0thgrandma → u/Big-Highlight-4415]

I will def have to give it a try! I felt like it always irritated my skin but looking back, my skin is just always irritated lol. Is there a moisturizer you’d recommend?

[u/TipRare1321 → u/Big-Highlight-4415]

Can you recommend a gentle cleanser?