New person - IBD/allergies

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I've had flushing for many years on my face, but only yesterday went

to see a dermatologist to take care of some of the broken capillaries

on my cheeks and the tip of my nose. He confirmed I have rosacea and

some seborheic dermatitis (smile lines/between eye brows). He used

electrolysis and gave me a cream called Diroseal which has

Reinadlehyde, HMC, & Extran sulfate as active ingredients. It has a

green base, and I'm to use it under sunscreen/lotion. Today my face

is stinging, and I'm not certain if it's the cream or the after

effects of the electrolysis.

I don't get acne, merely flushing, and it seems to be intrictately

linked to flare-ups of my inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative

proctitis). I've been focused in the past year on identifying

triggers for my IBD, and it seems that the same foods trigger

reactions for my face.

I consulted an allergist who gave me skin tests for IgE mediated food

allergies. The tests were negative for foods I'd suspected or

identified as triggers. However, because of the huge improvement in

my condition with the removal of milk protein, she's decided to check

for other forms of allergy, specifically one affecting the intestinal

tract. She does not want to consider rosacea as being an allergic

reaction and has left my treatment on that to a dermatologist, but I

definitely note a link.

The plan is that she'll set up a study in conjunction with my

gastroenterologist. For now, removal of milk protein has stopped

intestinal bleeding and lessened symptoms to the point where I'm

medication free. Outside of the current redness, I've had few bouts

of flushing and/or colitis, and those that I've had led me back to

finding milk protein in an unexpected food which I'd ingested.

I also experience a tiny bit of seborheic dermatitis when I eat whole

wheat grains; I've specifically noted whole wheat bread and rye as

culprits. I stick to eating white bread and the symptoms subside. I

believe the allergist will check into this a little further if things

pan out.

One other suspect food for me is tomato. I noted some references in

the archives to problems with the nightshade family. I've

temporarily removed it and will try testing it out by eating it for a

few meals at some point in time. If it in fact is a problem, it is

linked to the IBD/rosacea and not the s. dermatitis. At the moment,

I'm letting my intestinal tract and facial complexion enjoy the

respite, even if it is problematic finding things to eat!