We are our own best experts on the subject

March 21, 2002

I've just returned from my rosacea appointment with my

dermatologist. I've been seeing her for over a year. Today she made

the expected diagnosis that the patch of rash on my back at the base

of my neck is also rosacea, with the characteristic redness, and

little pustules. She decided that we would not try any more steriod

medication on my back. Then she wrote me a 60-day prescription for

doxycycline 100mg.

I shared with her that I have been doing some research since our last

appointment about six weeks ago:

1. Digestive problems (which I have had for the last year) may

aggravate rosacea. She agreed that this may affect my condition. I

told her that I have an appointment tomorrow to address my digestive

problems.

2. Diet may affect rosacea. For example, on Sunday, I had an ice

cream sunday (no pun intended) and yesterday I had cookies at a

meeting. Both times I flushed within half an hour, and had an

interesting sugar rush affecting my energy, mood, and mental

awareness. I told her I was keeping a food/reaction diary for my

digestive issues, but also noting rosacea affects.

Her reply was that food allergies/sensitivities wouldn't affect it,

but digestive problems could (but couldn't food problems cause

digestive problems?). She admitted that information on this subject

is very poor. They used to recommend avoiding heavy or spicy foods.

Then they decided there was no affect from diet. Now they are

starting to think there is a connection again. Her final advice,

find what works for me.

3. Up to 50% of rosacea patients develop occular rosacea. I have

had certain unexplainable complications from my lasik procedure last

year, and I cannot help but wonder if there may be a connection. I

asked her how I would recognize the signs of occular rosacea. She

looked at the area around my eyes, and said she couldn't see obvious

signs, but I should ask my opthomologist at my next appointment.

Driving back to work, I felt an overwhelming sense that my

dermatology specialist was grasping for solutions just like the rest

of us. The only difference is that I am only one of her many

different type of skin cases, and probably not her highest priority.

I felt a newfound appreciation and trust for information gathered by

dermatologists that are themselves afflicted with this disease.

So, we are our own best experts after all...

- Nimeera

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