Re: Rosacea
From: Catalin (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 27 May 1997 22:24:45 +0300 (GMT+0300)
On Mon, 26 May 1997, Catalin Popescu wrote:
> On Sun, 25 May 1997, Joanne Bartling wrote:
>
> > Catalin,
> > Oh I'm so thrilled to see a dermatologist with the group. I have a
> > question.
> > I have rosacea. I have been using metrogel twice a day, for a couple of
> > years, with great success.
>
> You're right. Metrogel is considered to be one of the most effective
> topical treatments of rosacea. Most authorities consider that a person
> with rosacea should be treated with metrogel for the *rest* of their life
> (although it might be possible to reduce the dosage to once daily or once
> every 1-2 days). For those experiencing local irritation, burning, etc
> nowadays there is also available Metrocream (better tolerated than the gel).
>
> > I've noticed since I had my hysterectomy 13 days ago, my face never
> > looked better. I no longer have the reddish flush, I always have, and no
> > acne at all. I'm sure it's a combination of things, that has caused
> > this.
>
> Rosacea is a very fluctuating and "curious" disease and it's difficult to
> say exactly which thing made your face look better.
>
> > Up to the day of surgery, despite my dermatologists advice, I was a
> > coffee addict. Many cups a day, I consumed. It's hard working on a busy
> > med/surg unit, to not drink loads of coffee. Anyway, I lost the taste of
> > coffee, post op, so I guess that's good. Also I've added Evening
> > Primrose Oil and a Vit.E capsule daily for a total of slightly over
> > 800I.U. of vit E daily, to help with the menopausal symptoms. Plus I'm
> > eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and taking a lot of vitamins
> > for wound healing.
>
> Dietary factors are a matter of controversy and it's difficult to say
> precisely if and how they worsen rosacea. You can find lists with
> hundreds of items to avoid but following those lists rarely, if ever,
> cures the disease.
>
> I usually reccommended to my patients to avoid only those things that
> they've noticed to aggravate their condition. If cofee is not one of
> them, why not drinking a good cup?
>
> Be careful with vitamines: I've read a case-report of a woman with rosacea
> aggravated by vit B1.
>
> > My question: With me doing so well, and my skin so good, I'm really
> > hesitant to begin ERT. Are there any that won't affect my skin?
>
> Difficult answer. I doubt that you may remain without any treatment for
> rosacea for the rest of your life. But if things are going so well, why
> not take a break (it will not affect the general evolution of the
> disease).
>
> Sorry but I don't know what ERT stands for.
>
Now, that Barbara Nesbitt told me that ERT stands for estrogen replacement
therapy I should reply to the *main* question. Estrogens are not an
absolute contraindication in patients with rosacea. In fact, a comprehensive
list of drugs who might aggravate rosacea (see Archives of Dermatology
1980;116:598) does not contain estrogens. So, perhaps, you might try them.
> > Thanks and welcome.
> >
> > Joanne Bartling RN in NJ
> >
>
> With pleasure.
>
> Catalin Popescu
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Catalin Mihai Popescu, MD, Dermatologist, Colentina Hospital, Bucuresti
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> str Marcu M Ruxandra 6 bloc A3 sc A ap 17 --- 77306 BUCURESTI, ROMANIA
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Tel/Fax: +40 1 7265703 e-mail: <cpopescu@ottonel.pub.ro>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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