Hello everyone. About 4 months ago I noticed that I was getting some bumps on my face. About 2 weeks ago I went to a dermatologist who did a skin biopsy. When the results came back from the lab, he called me and told me that I have rosacea. However, I'm wondering if I actually have demodex and not rosacea, or maybe I have both. I have posted my photo and story on the rosacea forum (http://forum.rosaceagroup.org/viewtopic.php?t=4424).
Could it be that the biopsy showed demodex mites and therefore the dermatologist diagnosed me with rosacea? I'm going to talk to him about this at my next appointment. I have only minor itching but I do get that crawling feeling from time to time. I'm now on doxycycline and I've just ordered the zz ointment.
I'd appreciated it if anybody could take a look at my picture at the link above or if you could give me some comments about my situation. Thanks.
Demodex vs. Rosacea
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Hi Ryan
I have replied in your thread on the Rosacea Forum already but thought I would reply here too.
I would suggest that you have both...like me. The theory that Demodex Mites causes Rosacea has been a bit of a contentitious issue for some time now but those who try anti-mite treatment (especially with what I see in your pics) have clearly been happy with the results. Well, from what I have read...and of course seen first hand for myself.
I've been using ZZ for 12 weeks now and it appears to be helping me the most with p&p's. I can see that you need that too.
You may get a blank look from your derm when discussing Demodex Mites! Well, you may not but be prepared for that! Not all Derms believe in the theory.
I have to be honest and say that I had a major break out of p&p's not long after I started the ZZ ointment. Apparently not everyone does. If you do find this happens to you though, do stay with it...it will be worth it!
You might like to PM Tioh2001 (Heather) in the Rosacea Forum, as she has done loads of reading on this topic.
Persistence with the ZZ will get you there Ryan! I truly hope so anyway.
Jen
I have replied in your thread on the Rosacea Forum already but thought I would reply here too.
I would suggest that you have both...like me. The theory that Demodex Mites causes Rosacea has been a bit of a contentitious issue for some time now but those who try anti-mite treatment (especially with what I see in your pics) have clearly been happy with the results. Well, from what I have read...and of course seen first hand for myself.
I've been using ZZ for 12 weeks now and it appears to be helping me the most with p&p's. I can see that you need that too.
You may get a blank look from your derm when discussing Demodex Mites! Well, you may not but be prepared for that! Not all Derms believe in the theory.
I have to be honest and say that I had a major break out of p&p's not long after I started the ZZ ointment. Apparently not everyone does. If you do find this happens to you though, do stay with it...it will be worth it!
You might like to PM Tioh2001 (Heather) in the Rosacea Forum, as she has done loads of reading on this topic.
Persistence with the ZZ will get you there Ryan! I truly hope so anyway.
Jen
More questions
Thanks for the replies so far...
I've been using the zz ointment for a week now (both morning and night). I'm also using the acarid soap on my face and head. I know it is still too early to know whether or not these are working yet, but I do have some questions:
1) Should I apply the zz cream only to the areas of my face affected by p&p, or should I apply it to my entire face?
2) I've spent the last hour reading other posts about z cream and x cream but don't understand the difference between the two. Right now I've only been using z cream. Should I be using x cream (XFML) as well? My skin has become very dry and flaky since using the z cream. I've read other posts that this is normal. Is that what the x cream is for, to help prevent the dryness and dead skin flaking? If not, is there anything I can do to help control the flaking?
Thanks - Ryan
I've been using the zz ointment for a week now (both morning and night). I'm also using the acarid soap on my face and head. I know it is still too early to know whether or not these are working yet, but I do have some questions:
1) Should I apply the zz cream only to the areas of my face affected by p&p, or should I apply it to my entire face?
2) I've spent the last hour reading other posts about z cream and x cream but don't understand the difference between the two. Right now I've only been using z cream. Should I be using x cream (XFML) as well? My skin has become very dry and flaky since using the z cream. I've read other posts that this is normal. Is that what the x cream is for, to help prevent the dryness and dead skin flaking? If not, is there anything I can do to help control the flaking?
Thanks - Ryan
Hi Ryan
I am no expert with the ZZ ointment but it does make my skin dry and flake...moreso in the beginning though. I apply it to my whole face but learnt that I need to avoid the eye area, or anywhere close to the eyes. My eye lids, even from the ZZ being close to the outsides, got extremely dry. So I just make sure it dooesn't go near now and all is good.
I haven't tried the X cream but I understand that it is a topical antobiotic, which turned me off it. If I am wrong about this, I'm happy to be corrected.
I have only ever used the ZZ ointment at night, as it's hard to make it invisible on the face during the day...plus the flaking/dry thing. Maybe try it at night only and wash with the Acarid soap in the morning, followed by a light moisturiser? I use Rose Hip Oil on a damp face. It's very light and doesn't cause breakouts. It just takes the dryness off from the soap.
Anyway, not sure if this helps much. Trial and error I guess. Just giving you my experience to date.
Jen
I am no expert with the ZZ ointment but it does make my skin dry and flake...moreso in the beginning though. I apply it to my whole face but learnt that I need to avoid the eye area, or anywhere close to the eyes. My eye lids, even from the ZZ being close to the outsides, got extremely dry. So I just make sure it dooesn't go near now and all is good.
I haven't tried the X cream but I understand that it is a topical antobiotic, which turned me off it. If I am wrong about this, I'm happy to be corrected.
I have only ever used the ZZ ointment at night, as it's hard to make it invisible on the face during the day...plus the flaking/dry thing. Maybe try it at night only and wash with the Acarid soap in the morning, followed by a light moisturiser? I use Rose Hip Oil on a damp face. It's very light and doesn't cause breakouts. It just takes the dryness off from the soap.
Anyway, not sure if this helps much. Trial and error I guess. Just giving you my experience to date.
Jen