First post, feedback to my derms prescriptions

[Guest guest]

Hello, all.

I've just learned this week that I'm a rosacean. I wish I could say that I

felt special about that, so please forgive me because this message is a bit

self-serving in that it is a passage for me to vent frustration.

I'm 38, but I've been struggling with oily, pimply skin since my teens. In

my 20's and into my 30's, I was able to control my skin condition by abusing

my skin to the sun and tanning booths. But, for the past three years my skin

condition has changed. I blush so easily with heat, my face is always pink

(all over), increasingly oily, have more breakouts, its lumpy, and my pores

have increased in size.

I visited a derm for the first time last year and after a 5 minute

consultation, he prescribed a BENZOYL PEROXIDE wash and retin-a micro. Holy

s..., what a mistake that was. I was bright red for weeks. I continued using

the treatments because the derm told me that it takes a while to become

accustomed to the topical.

8 months later, I have a new derm. Although he diagnosed me with Acne

cea (but didn't tell me), he prescribed Minocycline (100MG twice a day)

with Clindamycin. I used this combination for 4 weeks and had a visible

difference in my oily condition, however an increase in papules. During this

consultation he recommended two items for me to experiment with; Differin

and Kenerase. I used the Differin at night, used the Clindamycin during the

day, and continued with the Minocycline. After one week my papules

multiplied ten fold and grew more inflamed. I ceased all prescriptions and

did Internet research and I learned that I have all of the symptoms of

rosacea.

I met with the Derm again this weekend and we officially discussed the fact

that I have rosacea. He's prescribed a steroid to calm me down (20MG

Prednisone for 3 days). I'm also to continue with the Minocycline once a day

and he's provided Nicosyn (sodium sulfacetamide 10, sulfer 5%). We also

discussed the V-beam treatments and I'm scheduled for a trial appointment.

The goal of these treatments is to reduce the red, smooth the skin, and

hopefully reduce the pores/oily skin. Is that reasonable?

Okay, I know these questions have been asked before, but I'm new to the list

and claim ignorance; considering the description of my skin condition

(pinkish red all over, oil, papules), should I consider Photoderm over

V-beam? It seems that this list has had more success with photo than laser.

Also, what about the prescription that the derm has me on now (Minocycline

and Nicosyn)? Is that a combo that has potential?

Thanks. - Art