venting AND need advice

[Guest guest]

I'm the one with the face on fire from yesterday. I feel better (thanks to

liberal amounts of chilled Aveeno Baby Lotion) but still look like hell.

Yesterday I decided to try to find a derm.

First call: I asked if any of the derms there specialized in treating rosacea.

The nurse must have decided that I was mentally challenged AND 5 years old

because she replied " Yes, they're DERMATOLOGISTS! " I resisited giving a smart

assed response and asked if any of them specialized in the treatment of rosacea.

She told me that dematologists were doctors who specialized in treating skin

conditions, therefore they ALL were experts in treating rosacea. If my face

hadn't hurt so much, I would have laughed at her.

Second call: " Does this dermatologist specialize in the treatment of rosacea? "

" No, he doesn't treat rosacea at all. " At first I was offended, but my husband

pointed out that at least they weren't wasting my time or insulting my

intelligence.

Third call: Right off the bat, the nurse asked if I had ever sought treatment

before, what topicals I had tried and whether or not I had ever been on oral

antibiotics. If the derm is half as on the ball as the nurse... I see him on

Monday afternoon. Dr. Carl Raque in Little Rock, AR -- don't suppose any of you

know anything about him?

Now, I need to know what questions to ask. Here's my history:

I'm 41and started having rashy cheeks about 8 years ago. Saw a derm and was

told (during one of my 5 minute long sessions) NEVER to wear make-up and to use

Metro Gel. Metro Gel did nothing so I stopped using it. I eventually found

this group.

I'm oily and my redness is confined to my cheeks. I always have some papules on

my lower cheeks though they are usually only mildly itchy. About a week ago, my

entire cheeks became itchy and covered in papules and pustules. They have

spread to my jaw, chin, eyebrows and forehead.

What do I ask him?

Thanks!

Ruth

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