I joined this online group awhile back, and I have been meaning to
report this to you before I leave it.

I had been diagnosed by 3 doctors with rosacea over the past 3 1/2
years. Two were dermatologists; one was the general practitioner.
Have tried three or four different antibiotics and 3 different
topicals, with poor response. My latest doctor took a biopsy because
of the poor response. The results were consistent with discoid
lupus. Discoid lupus affects the skin, while the other type affects
organs. Blood tests may not show lupus, which is why a biopsy is
also important. Lupus can pose as rosacea, which is why it can be so
hard to diagnose.

I have read several posts where frustrated people have not been able
to control their rosacea. Like me, it may not be rosacea, but
discoid or other lupus. I had several other symptoms, which I
attributed to getting older, such as hair thinning, lack of energy,
and so on.

If you have not been able to control your rosacea, I highly recommend
going to a lupus site and comparing your symptoms with their list of
for lupus. You may be surprised (or relieved). While I hope your
condition is rosacea and not lupus, it is more important that you are
certain of getting the right treatment for the disease you have.
Unlike rosacea, lupus can be life threatening, and the discoid type
can turn into a more serious version.

BTW, you do not necessarily have to take steriods, if you find you
have lupus. I am on PlaqueNil, which has been quite marvelous so far.

I am siging off as a member of the rosacea support group. Good luck
to you all in your queest for a cure.