scrubs and such

[Guest guest]

Ann, scrubs and soaks refer to scrubing the eyelash area gently with diluted

baby shampoo and using warm compresses on the eyes to help with ocular

rosacea. I have copied one of my posts below, that includes instructions on

this and other things, from a few weeks ago. Regards, Kate

Posted May 3, 2002

I have had mild to moderate rosacea with ocular problems for a number of

years and have had to figure out the best treatment for myself from my own

research and from working with one very knowledgable opthalmologist.

Here is my program for control of ocular rosaca and blepharitis

1) See an MD opthalmologist who can prescribe medication as needed, and give

you a definitive diagnois, not an optometrist.

2) You may need to use an inexpensive, but medically prescribed antibiotic

ointment on your eyelids, or even in your lower lid for awhile. Bacitrian or

generic Ak-tracin work great. For serious flares the physician may prescribe

TobraDex, an antibiotic eye drop which also contains some cortisone. Works

wonders, but you don't want to use any cortisone eye drop for prolonged

period, as there are other risks. Voltaran drops are an anti inflammory which

have fewer long term risks associated, but still for occasional use only.

3) Using the warm compresses followed by gentle eyelid scrubs is necessary

and has never bothered my rosacea. You could do each eye separately to avoid

more contact with skin if you wanted to. This is very important to loosen the

crusts that form. If you can find one, an old fashioned eye cup would work

well. You can use a large, eye sized plastic tablespoon to cup the eye also.

4) How I scrub: Take a 2 oz paper bathroom cup, add a little hot water, then

a few drops of 's baby shampoo, (use 's brand), more warm water

to about 1 oz, stir, and then scrub each eyelid, upper and lower, gentlely

with a q-tip. Rinse well with warm water cupped in your hand. At night follow

with the antibiotic ointment to eyelids.

5) For control of the dry eye problem that can lead to corneal erosion begin

from the inside by taking oral EFA oils. I have found that taking Borage oil,

(1300 mg) or Black Current Seed oil works best, along with some Flax seed

oil(1000mg).

The Vitamin Shoppe, available online, has the best prices and good products.

It can take up to 2-3 months for the oils to begin to help with eye

lubrication, but it really works! Many on this list have found help from the

oils. Also add in good fats such as olive oil to your diet. I take in at

least 2 tablespoons of olive oil most days, in stir fries, salads, and as a

dip for bread instead of butter. This is very anti aging for the skin too!

Be aware that many physicians are not aware of the use of Borage for the

eyes.

6) Lubricate your eyes as needed with quality eye drops such as Refresh. Use

the individual vials, best price is Walmart. Carry with you and use during

day as needed, especially if you live in polluted city or work on computer a

lot.

7) Discuss with your physician an initial course of oral tetercycline, then

move to a low dose regime, if needed. I maintain very comfortably on 250mg

of tetracycline three times per week, MWF. This is a different use of

tetracycline and is basically for the anti inflamatory effect. It also helps

control the rosacea. Be sure to take a good acidolphilus and eat yogurt to

keep your stomach and gut healthy. If you use the oils and follow with the

scrubs and drops you may not need this. I have had the complication of iritis

and have to be more vigilant personally.

8) Muro ointment is helpful if the cornea is irritated and eyes are very dry

at night. As I understand it the problem with lanolin and mineral oil is

their effect on the pores of the skin and they should not bother the eyes,

unless you have a specfic allergy. Muro takes a little time getting used to

and your vision can bebriefly blurry in the morning. Turn the heat in your

bedroom down and humidify the air in the winter, for additional help.

9) Keep your body hydrated. Drink 8 glasses of good water daily, without

fail. Other liquids don't count. When traveling by air, hydrate in advance,

and carry water bottle with you on plane. Avoid alcohol and caffine when

flying.

9) Don't try to wear contacts unless the opthalmologist clears you for use.

Dry eyes and contacts don't go together.

10) Do not drink any alcohol when you are in a flare with your eyes. If you

want to drink at other times experiment to see what works for you. Sake, made

from rice, has no sulfites and is often tolerated better than other wines for

those with rosacea. For some reason I can usually drink Coors lite but not

other beers.

11) Keep a diary and watch to see what foods, places, perfumes etc bother

your eyes.

When I travel to a midwestern city where one of my children lives, my eyes

have repeatedly flared. I have gotten to know the opthalmologist there very

well! He tells me that the pollution form the corn and soy factories there

bother many people, so you never know!

And, my opinion only, metrocream was worthless for me, and it is not made to

use around or in the eyes! Hope this helps, know it sounds like a lot, but

this has worked for me.