Salon.com article

[Guest guest]

Hello everybody,

In case anyone missed my previous e-mail, Salon.com has expressed interest in a

story I am writing about rosacea.I am focusing on the psychological and

sociological aspects of coping with rosacea, especially the difficulties of

adjusting to a trigger-free lifestyle. I want to include the voices of other

rosaceans so if anyone wants to lend their experiences, please respond to the

following questions.

First, I have read many disturbing messages regarding people’s first

experiences with a dermatologist. My derm, for instance, told told me " It's no

big deal. Just try to stay cool.†I know there are some exellent doctors out

there. My intention is not to “go after†derms, but to find out how patients

would like to be treated.

What was your first derm appointment like? Did you feel brushed off by your

derm? Did he or she downplay your concerns about your condition? What would your

ideal first meeting be like?

Another question that seems to keep popping up is the effectiveness of the slew

of online cosmetic/drugs for rosacea. Does anyone want to comment on the

effectiveness of nonpre-scription rosacea products such as cure,

ceaCare, Ro-saceaGon, cea Ltd., Sy’s ZincO?

Has anybody reported any of these products to the Food and Drug Administration?

Do you think the FDA should be regulating these products?

One of the hardest things for me about adjusting to rosacea is how it’s

affected my self-confidence. I avoid eye contact, shun social events and even

avoid dating. How has rosacea affected your social life and self-image?

How has rosacea affected how you see other people? How has rosacea changed your

philosophy of life?