Greetins all,



Just a quick post and one similar to something that was posted a few

years ago.  If your Rosacea does not seem to improve or seems a

little out of whack have it checked again.

To make a long story short, I was diagnosed with Rosacea by two

Dermatologists last fall, got the meds, the oral antibiotics etc.  I

recently made an appointment for lazer treatment but ended up having

a punch biopsy to my scalp and to my face instead(no fun).  It turns

out it is Discoid Lupus...lucky for me it is only on the superficial

layer of skin and is not internal (less than 5% of the people with

Discoid Lupus get Systemic Lupus as well).   So, the $150.00 tubes of

Finacea and Metrogel are now in the closet along with the oral

antibiotics.  Course of treatment, cortisone cream, TONS of sun

block,hats and cortisone injections to the rash sights(OUCH).  HUGE

IMPROVEMENT with the correct diagnosis and the right meds.  So, if it

isn't working invest in a second opinion.  With that said I wish you

guys all the best of luck in getting your Rosacea under control and a

bigger wish that soemthing turns up that would take care of all skin

problems (yes I am an optimist).

BOB

Thanks for replying. What finally made them decide to a biopsy? If you

dont mind my asking.

Hi Bob,





Your email came with good timing for me.



I too have had 2 specialists diagnose rosacea -- 1 opthamologist, 1

dermatologist.



But -- 2 cycles of antibiotics later --> no improvement.



I actually have all the symptoms of pellagra.  A vitamin B3 deficiency

caused by malabsorption (my case, maybe celiac), and other factors (a poor

"student" diet, some vegetarianism, etc.)



I am doing a trial of high dose Vitamin B3 therapy .... and -- so far --  a

LOT of my pellagra symptoms have GONE AWAY:



- insomnia, burning tongue, depression, headaches, sweating, confusion &

agitation all GONE (!)  within 3 weeks of taking niacin.





AND ... I had also been getting rashes on the backs of my hands -- which

proves to me it's NOT  rosacea.



Even my dermatologist -- the DIRECTOR of medicine at a large university --

wrote in his FIRST CONSULT with me:  "erythema (redness) rash on the dorsal

aspect of her hands".



He just THREW that ONE piece of info away, when I tested NEGATIVE FOR LUPUS

and PORPHYRIA -- and it did not "FIT" with anything he could think of.



I will be seeing a new Dermatologist in 2 weeks to hopefully confirm the

pellagra, and oversee my treatment.  That means I'd be CURED!



But, that ALSO means -- that all the damage to my eyes (yikes!!), face, and

internal organs -- was preventable.





In short -- some dermatologists are pretty arrogant, and a rash on the face

-- they are quick to diagnose rosacea.





Good you finally sorted yours out.  Glad to hear it's getting better and

phew -- NOT systemic.





Take care,

Andrea

Victoria, BC Canada





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