Rosacea Review

Rosacea Review

Winter 2007


Lifelong Facial Skin Problems Finally Clear

Most of Linda Pyles' life had been marred by facial skin problems. As an adolescent she had a bad case of acne that lasted into adulthood, far longer than the usual teen years.

"I tried different soaps, lotions and medications, and my dermatologist gave me ultraviolet facial treatments," she relates. Linda even abstained from certain foods because she had heard they caused acne. But nothing helped.

"Peers made fun of my condition and even strangers had comments about my face," she sadly remembers. "When I reached my 20s, I was told the acne would disappear after I had children. Unfortunately, I did not have children and acne problems continued into my 30s and 40s."

While in her late 40s, Linda's facial problems worsened. Blushing became a persistent problem as did bumps and pimples that made her face terribly sore.

"Emotionally I was a wreck," she says. "Unfortunately, society looks on the outside of women for beauty, which I never felt. I literally avoided people and situations so I wouldn't be laughed at or embarrassed."

The worsening of her facial condition drove her back to a dermatologist after all of those years. "As soon as the doctor saw my face, he made the diagnosis of rosacea and prescribed an oral antibiotic and two topical medications," she recalls. "Next, I became aware of the National Rosacea Society and its educational materials, which have been very helpful to me -- especially the "Rosacea Diary" and Rosacea Review," she says. "Those materials gave me the information I needed in regard to rosacea triggers, skin care and complying with my doctor's orders.

"Twelve years later, I can look in the mirror and see a cleared complexion. I manage my own daily rosacea care by avoiding personal triggers, and my dermatologist now only prescribes one topical therapy for use on a long-term basis."

Linda's advice to others with rosacea is to seek medical attention early, adhere to prescribed therapy and learn to determine and then avoid rosacea triggers because it will make life more pleasant. She adds, "I think the medication and avoidance of the sun has helped to keep my skin looking young as I approach the sixth decade of life."