need help to determine skintype, PLEASE READ

January 26, 2002

Hi

How goes the battle with R? Remember it is not the battle but the war. I have

not posted lately because I was so down about the whole R thing. I gave up, I

lost the battle. But I am back ready to fight the war. Sorry for the cliched

analogy! I own't go into the whole long story but about 13 years ago I was

diagnosed with rosacea. I sought the advice of a derm because I was oily

underneath and flaky on the surface. The derm gave me a rx for Flagyl ( this was

before metros in Canada ), wash in a mild soap or cleanser, use water based

moisturizers and an oil-free foundation. I tried it for a while and for the past

13 years or so I have been trying to make peace with my skin. In those 13 years

I have had maybe 3-4 flares and this was due to my overzealous treatment to get

rid of the flakes. I have been to many derms and a few of them have even doubted

that Ihad rosacea. Ihave no pimples or bumps but I have noticed that the texture

of my skin has become worse, much worse. I am 51 this year so I guess the

natural aging process might be a factor in the texture

Now, for my question. It does not seem to matter what I use for a cleanser. Even

plain water. even distilled water. After washing my face is really flaky. Yet a

hour or so after, it is horribly greasy, still flaky. It is not seb. How do I

determine my skin type. When Dr. Sy recommeds the soap or lotion, she does so by

skin type? I have no idea what skin type I am.

Is it possible that the oily underneath with the dry surface with NONE of the

other typical rosacea symptoms is rosacea. Would you say that this is indicative

of early stage or advanced?

I am so confused. One day, I convince myself that this must be rosacea. How can

skin persist in being so weird? And if it is rosacea, why don't I get the

pimples?? I have surely mistreated my skin over the last 13 years??

I would appreciate all of your opinions. cea is a lonely skin condition.

Right now I need some friends and some help.

TTYL

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