My spin on things

[Guest guest]

I am 27 and full blown rosacea. I am sure that my story is familiar

to everyone...I went to dermatologist after dermatologist all who

insisted I was too young to have it and prescribed instead cortisone

creams, retin-A, and countless other unhelpful products, some o

fwhich even caused lasting damage. I myself had done a lot of

research on my own and discovered that there wasn't a whole of

information out there. My skin was so sensitive that even when I

finally did get the correct diagnosis, I couldn't use the

treatments. I felt horribly ugly and had no self-confidence because

even when I thought I looked good inevitably someone would point out

my red cheeks and ask me if I had gotten too much sun. A sad story,

right? Well, there are no perfect endings to any story, but there

are happy ones and I want to share my little bit of hope with

everyone. I bought a book on cea by a doctor called Dr. Geoffrey

Nase. Finally, someone who spoke my language! He has rosacea and

though the book is chock full of scientific information about the

condition, it is also supplemented by his own personal story. I

tried many of his suggestions, including those on products, and yes,

the infamous laser treatments. Well, folks, I did have laser

treatment (2 sessions) and I couldn't be happier. I finally feel

beautiful for the first time since high school, when my symptoms

started appearing. Though I won't lie, IT IS NOT A CURE. I will

need to have it done again, probably next year or the year after.

However, at $300 a session, it was worth every penny. I have

approximately 75% clearance of the redness, including bumps and blood

vessels. I don't flush nearly as often as I used to and I can now

use the metrogel and sunscreen to keep my synptoms at bay. Since my

condition is so severe (especially at my age; it also has affected my

eyes, making contact lenses very difficult to wear) it will reappear;

but I can at least look in the mirror and not have my red, irritated

face be the first thing I see. Now I notice the beautiful smile I

forgot I had! I wanted to pass on a little bit of positive news. I

also want to add that my experience has inspired me; I am working on

degrees in nutrition and physician assistant studies. I want to help

other rosacea sufferers! I would be happy to talk to anyone about my

experiences and give my perspective on things.