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Hi Oli Girl,
Oh yeah... that is wierd that a cooling/calming mask would contain that ingred. Also, one would think it was in such a mineute qnty that it wouldn't cause redness let alone cause the flushing to resurface. It just shows how much Retinoic acid must be still be in your system... stored in the skin (instead of the liver) I believe?? I really hope the flushing dies down quickly for you!! I've had bad lower back issues this week and was bed ridden (could only lye down really) and found Diclofenac / Voltaren oral tablets helps significantly in lessening inflammation/pinkness in my skin even though I was using them for back pain. I know they aren't too good on the stomach long-term, but you potentially could look into this as a short-term thing???
Next week i'm 2 months into Plaquenil. I've had an interesting journey- started very well then had some sort of flare over the 5-6 week mark and i've just realised it was due to changing Birth Control Pills. All my hand symptoms came back (minus the pin-head red ringed circles on my finger) and morning flushing/burning re-surfaced. I've gone off the BCP altogether now and symptoms are receeding again. So it looks like BCPs can sometimes have an effect on the blood vessels/capillaries, espec if they are already damaged i.e. by the flushing. Bit wierd as have been on BCP for years.
Are you still on 300mg or was that reduced??
Wow. I've been a member of Acne.org for multiple years (and have had different accounts suspended!! Woot woot) and this has to be the single best thread I have ever seen. While not the most informative, or perhaps the most treatment oriented, it has a general feeling of camaraderie. To see this thread start so long ago and the SAME people post two years later blows my mind. That's dedication.
Anyways, I figure if anyone can diagnose me (because dermatologists just blew me off with the whole "oh it's just post-accutane redness, it'll go down in few months"), it's one of you guys. I'm about 16 months post-accutane. I don't really believe I have what you guys have though. I don't really flush ever I think. The descriptions some of yall give would be impossible to ignore if it was happening to me. I don't ever have burning sensations or itching... but I am extremely paranoid that perhaps, just perhaps, I do. When I used to masturbate (I've abstained for months now), I did sort of feel my face was more red, but I assumed that was because orgasm/sexual peak was a natural vasodilator. Also, when I go to sleep, I tend to itch my face a little, but I believe that is more psychological than anything. In conclusion, I believe that if I did have "Accutane-induced Rosacea, it would have been apparent by now (more than a year post-tane).
I have what I hope to be just broken blood vessels in my face. Or "permanently dilated vessels." It's hard to tell if there's technically a difference at the core of the definition. I tried oxymetazoline (experimental vasoconstrictor) and it worked great, but I was so afraid of rebound redness that I stopped.
Also, when I wake up, my face is less red for a while.
Anyways, if anyone can help out and perhaps tell me what I have I'd be greatly appreciate it! Thanks
Wow. I've been a member of Acne.org for multiple years (and have had different accounts suspended!! Woot woot) and this has to be the single best thread I have ever seen. While not the most informative, or perhaps the most treatment oriented, it has a general feeling of camaraderie. To see this thread start so long ago and the SAME people post two years later blows my mind. That's dedication.
Anyways, I figure if anyone can diagnose me (because dermatologists just blew me off with the whole "oh it's just post-accutane redness, it'll go down in few months"), it's one of you guys. I'm about 16 months post-accutane. I don't really believe I have what you guys have though. I don't really flush ever I think. The descriptions some of yall give would be impossible to ignore if it was happening to me. I don't ever have burning sensations or itching... but I am extremely paranoid that perhaps, just perhaps, I do. When I used to masturbate (I've abstained for months now), I did sort of feel my face was more red, but I assumed that was because orgasm/sexual peak was a natural vasodilator. Also, when I go to sleep, I tend to itch my face a little, but I believe that is more psychological than anything. In conclusion, I believe that if I did have "Accutane-induced Rosacea, it would have been apparent by now (more than a year post-tane).
I have what I hope to be just broken blood vessels in my face. Or "permanently dilated vessels." It's hard to tell if there's technically a difference at the core of the definition. I tried oxymetazoline (experimental vasoconstrictor) and it worked great, but I was so afraid of rebound redness that I stopped.
Also, when I wake up, my face is less red for a while.
Anyways, if anyone can help out and perhaps tell me what I have I'd be greatly appreciate it! Thanks
To have accutane induced rosacea you do not need to have flushing....you can just have residual redness and broken cappilaries.....It could however also be seb derm! but from the description it is hard t deduct!
What area is the red most pronounced in? do you have any dryness or flakeyness? any papules or pustules?
I didn't have any acne for about 6-8 months after Accutane but then some of the P&P came back. Now I'm taking a moderate amount of Vitamin A to help it (I know the risks, but it's working well).
The redness is most pronounced in the chin. And no, there is no dryness or flakiness and the Vitamin A does not seem to be making the redness worse.
And isn't a major symptom of rosacea flushing? Soo... how would I have rosacea? Isn't it possible to have erythema/permanent redness without actually being diagnosed with rosacea? If you still contend it's "accutane-induced rosacea" even without the flushing, isn't it not even rosacea? It's a completely separate set of symptoms.
I didn't have any acne for about 6-8 months after Accutane but then some of the P&P came back. Now I'm taking a moderate amount of Vitamin A to help it (I know the risks, but it's working well).The redness is most pronounced in the chin. And no, there is no dryness or flakiness and the Vitamin A does not seem to be making the redness worse.
And isn't a major symptom of rosacea flushing? Soo... how would I have rosacea? Isn't it possible to have erythema/permanent redness without actually being diagnosed with rosacea? If you still contend it's "accutane-induced rosacea" even without the flushing, isn't it not even rosacea? It's a completely separate set of symptoms.
Hi Cameron Sane
This website may prove informative to you: http://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php
"Rosacea is a chronic and potentially life-disruptive disorder primarily of the facial skin... Many have observed that it typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. In some cases, rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear..."
Drug-induced Rosacea can start at any age as an inflammatory response to a medication. It is treated appropriately via anti-inflammatory Rosacea treatments (approved, or off-label, suitably prescribed by GPs or skin specialists - Derms). Drug-induced Rosacea may or may not go away over time. We know this because handfuls of us on this thread have already sought advice from reputable dermatologists and the response is that redness or flushing induced by isotretinoin = Rosacea because these skin complaints are symptomatic of Rosacea.
Hope this info helps...
It would be a good idea to see your GP and confirm that the supplement Vit A levels you are taking are safe.
Hi Oli Girl,
Oh yeah... that is wierd that a cooling/calming mask would contain that ingred. Also, one would think it was in such a mineute qnty that it wouldn't cause redness let alone cause the flushing to resurface. It just shows how much Retinoic acid must be still be in your system... stored in the skin (instead of the liver) I believe?? I really hope the flushing dies down quickly for you!! I've had bad lower back issues this week and was bed ridden (could only lye down really) and found Diclofenac / Voltaren oral tablets helps significantly in lessening inflammation/pinkness in my skin even though I was using them for back pain. I know they aren't too good on the stomach long-term, but you potentially could look into this as a short-term thing???
Next week i'm 2 months into Plaquenil. I've had an interesting journey- started very well then had some sort of flare over the 5-6 week mark and i've just realised it was due to changing Birth Control Pills. All my hand symptoms came back (minus the pin-head red ringed circles on my finger) and morning flushing/burning re-surfaced. I've gone off the BCP altogether now and symptoms are receeding again. So it looks like BCPs can sometimes have an effect on the blood vessels/capillaries, espec if they are already damaged i.e. by the flushing. Bit wierd as have been on BCP for years.
Are you still on 300mg or was that reduced??
Thanks Shantelle, I am glad the Nsaid is working for you, however I can't tolerate a lot of drugs I use to be okay w/ such as Nsaid, make things worse acutally.. 
So I stick w/tylenol and had to have in the begininng low dose short courses of predisone for the pain and flushing. So doesn't suprise me that you are having issues with BCP.
However, I do streches and crunches and my lower back hasn't hurt in a long time. Try it. Oh, I am toxic w/retinol and Vit A. I have a hard time even ingesting beta form in certian foods.
What BCP were you taking, I haven't taken them since Accutane when I had to. Also I still get a rx for 300mg, but he said to only take 200mg since I have lost weight, I saw him recently and he said go back up to 300mg till it gets under control and then go back down. Still in p.t. and o.t. to try and get theese many tendons under control in my body.
however one must keep going. Hope all is well w/everyone.
Hi Oli Girl 
Good idea; I will try the crunches and stretching- My back still isn't better yet grrrr. I vacuumed yest and that wasn't helpful at all!!
Do they say that the Plaquenil will also help your tendons and swelling over time or anything?? I really hope so. By o.t do you mean occuptational therapy??
Yes, I still avoid carrots to this day... a shame because I love carrots. Notice how 99% the frozen veges at the supermarket have carrots in them- ahhh Gratefully, my sister who I live with is happy to cater for my non-carrot and low Vit A diet.
Thankfully, I saw the Derm team and Rheum team early this week at the local hospital. I was armed with copies of test results and a typed up medication and skin history for their ref. The Derm team though very friendly, wasn't all that helpful (as i predicted) even suggesting that the 1:640+ ANA Speckled (apparently high ANA??) and elevated ESR and other tests etc was not relative and that I have Rosacea and Chillblains and gave no exlanation for the hand tremors I get now, and sun induced rashes which started prior to Doxy.
...BUT The Rheum team were AMAZING and so clued up. The Rheums (1 trainee and 1 very experienced) examined and questioned me for over an hour and the conclusion is I need monitoring over the next 6 months (stay on Plaq) for onset SLE Lupus or Drug-induced Lupus. If I have flares they are happy for me to ring and ask if it is suitable to either bump up Plaq or pop in and see someone for advice. So helpful!
Rheums were particulary interested in my reaction flare to the BCP (changed from Yasmin to generic Diane 35- not a good idea!! stopped BCP altogether now), and having read up on Lupus and hormones now I understand why. They were impressed in how Plaq has already helped my toenail, rashes which show up after the shower, chillblain hand symptoms, and decreased the level of facial inflammation in just two months. Rheums also advised to taper off Doxy slowely and see what happens with just Plaquenil comming up to and during Summer (not looking forward to the heat!). They seemed confused about why I was put on it in the first place for facial inflammation/flushing. Experience Rheum said hand tremmors likely side effect of a medication but didn't say which one.
So did you find predisone not too bad with limited side effects (if any)?? i'm a bit worried if it is onset SLE that steroid treatment might be neccessary in years to come. I hope not!!!! I'll try not to think about that scenario... but at least if it is Rheum said i'm lucky as being monitored for it and on Plaq early.
Best, Shantelle
Lamar, this post is meant for you, but I'm not sure whether you'll see it... so...
Hey everyone! I'm really impressed with all the help you've given to everyone on the boards. I'm not asking for a ton of help I guess, but I'm sure you can relate to the hopelessness involved with Accutane-induced rosacea.
Right now I'm on my own Vitamin A supplements (because I'd rather control my dose rather than my derm) to help with P&P. I am post-accutane about 2 years, and the redness is just as bad as the day it ended.
I'm taking a pill version of a colon cleanse. I'm also taking:
Melatonin
Vitamin A
Aloe Vera
Vitamin K
Milk Thistle
Vitamin C
Vitamin B Complex
Multiple Enzymes
Grape Seed Extract
Green Trea Extract
Have been eating for the last two weeks as such:
One apple and a salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Also using Olay Anti-aging moisturizer with 7 vitamins and minerals.
In your opinion, what is the best thing to combat the redness (not flushing) caused by the dilated blood vessels? I'm hoping for a non-prescription response, because going to a dermatologist right now won't happen.
Thanks again, I'd really appreciate a reply.
Lamar, this post is meant for you, but I'm not sure whether you'll see it... so...Hey everyone! I'm really impressed with all the help you've given to everyone on the boards. I'm not asking for a ton of help I guess, but I'm sure you can relate to the hopelessness involved with Accutane-induced rosacea.
Right now I'm on my own Vitamin A supplements (because I'd rather control my dose rather than my derm) to help with P&P. I am post-accutane about 2 years, and the redness is just as bad as the day it ended.
I'm taking a pill version of a colon cleanse. I'm also taking:
Melatonin
Vitamin A
Aloe Vera
Vitamin K
Milk Thistle
Vitamin C
Vitamin B Complex
Multiple Enzymes
Grape Seed Extract
Green Trea Extract
Have been eating for the last two weeks as such:
One apple and a salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Also using Olay Anti-aging moisturizer with 7 vitamins and minerals.
In your opinion, what is the best thing to combat the redness (not flushing) caused by the dilated blood vessels? I'm hoping for a non-prescription response, because going to a dermatologist right now won't happen.
Thanks again, I'd really appreciate a reply.
Maybe try getting rid of the Vit A and look on the back of that Olay Anti-Aging Moisturizer Does it contain retinol????? Might help with the redness. I use Aveeno redness Calming foaming wash and some have used Eucerin (sp) calming redness wash.
Just a thought 
Thanks for the advice and I do plan on getting of the Vitamin A, but not yet. Vitamin A and Accutane are the only things that have ever helped clear my skin (and I have tried quite a few things). My acne was coming back just as severe so I decided to do my "own course" of a Vitamin A regimen. My acne is clearing up pretty well, and it's hard to tell whether my redness is getting worse or not, but I believe not.
And at the moment I'm off at college and don't really have the money to buy a new moisturizer. Thanks though. And my moisturizer does not contain retinol.
A bit concerned here. I am taking 100mg of minocycline a day for about 2 + months. It really hasn't helped my rosacea all that much. My plan is to finish another 2 months and stop taking it. I heard antibiotics is not good because 1)it kills good bacteria and 2) Your body becomes resistant to it.
Has anybody tried stomach acid supplements. It is said that people with rosacea have low stomach acid.
Thoughts?
Hi there Jpak
What symptoms of Rosacea are you treating with the Minocycline?? I.E. Acne or Flushing?
Minocycline, and other Tetracyclines, are a common first line of defense initially prescribed for Rosacea. However Tetracyclines like Mino or Doxy (or Macrolides for that matter) really do nothing much, if anything for flushing if that is the main concern. However, if your taking for p&ps give it more time e.g. 12 weeks before making a full judgement on whether it is helping or not.
It's always a good idea to take Probiotics (at health stores etc) whilst taking antibiotics; they contain good bacteria to replenish your system, and good bacteria also help keep yeasts under control in the system so that you are far less likely to get any yeast issues whilst on the antibiotic.
Best, Shantelle
so basically lupus drug for redness???? i tried v beam 1 time caused acne, i tried beta blocker helped 30 %
Well I think it depends on what problems you have. Some of us have more then just flushing. You say redness though do you have flushing??? Do you have anyother symptoms or problems from Accutane?
yea i actually posted how accutane ruined me, i got cold hands feet purple pale skin tone, red cheeks nose rashy looking and flushing all the time, was told not rosacea was told it could be, lower back pain dry skin?? seb derm??? dry mouth constipation heavy fast heart beat hives insomnia HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TRIGLICORIDES CHOLESTEROL LIVER ENZYMES and ACNE to name a few..... I WISH IT WAS JUST FLUSHING
An anti milarial sounds like a good poential drug for you then my friend. However i recommend you take some milk thistle and curcumin as well. For both the elevated cholesterol and liver function.
both to be take twice per day at 500mg.
Lamarr i'm trying to send you PM, but i can't please contact me!
I leave my inbox full for a reason buddy! add me to msn if you would like to chat, i am on most weekday evenings and pop on over the weekend.
well i would do that but i need to fix my computer first becouse my msn and some other programs are gone...and i dont know how it happened :S
...i have sent you an e mail...check it out!
Lamarr,
Hey! I've given in to all the evidence weeks ago, and I've concluded that I definitely do have rosacea. Yay!! Anyways, I'm post-accutane about 2 years and my skin doesn't seem to be getting any better redness-wise, though my acne continues to worsen. What I'm wondering is this: Should I attempt to get mepacrine subscribed if my main problem is bad baseline redness? I read about these patients who had success with mepacrine but their main problem was intense flushing. The only time I ever flush is when I'm embarrassed and it's not bad at all. I can live with that.
From reading about the different subtypes, subtype 2 sounds exactly like me. I'm thinking about trying to get Oracea prescribed, but I hate the idea of it working for a while and then halting in its effectiveness. Do you believe I should try mepacrine?
It'd be great if you could reply soon. Thanks a ton
Uggh! So yeah I went and had a little facial to help fade the broken capillaries and she gave me this redness relief cooling mask to take home ( I normally red no flushing in the cold weather) I haven't really used any products on my face since accutane except a mild soap.
So I use it 3 times and all of sudden start flushing again and am like WTF...I couldn't figure it out and then I look at the back of the mask and of course whats in there Retinyl Palmitate.....
Who would of ever thought a redness relief/cooling mask would contain an ingredient that causes redness
Oli Girl- How is the flushing been lately due to that mask; I hope it has significantly receeded for you.
Myleastfavouritemistake- You seem to have disappeared from the site, but let us know how you are going if you come back.
Halfpipie- How are things going on Plaquneil now with the baseline redness? You must be about 4 or 5 months into treatment i think???
My cheeks inflammation is pretty much not an issue these days being 3 months into Plaq 200mg day, but I still have nose flushes after showers or stuck in a warm room every couple days. I hope that calms down soon as has always been the most bothersome. I tried a 2 day trial stint of 400mg and the cheek burning came back so I'm confused why that happened?? Went away when dropped back to 200mg day. Anyone have thoughts on this?
Lamarr,
Hey! I've given in to all the evidence weeks ago, and I've concluded that I definitely do have rosacea. Yay!! Anyways, I'm post-accutane about 2 years and my skin doesn't seem to be getting any better redness-wise, though my acne continues to worsen. What I'm wondering is this: Should I attempt to get mepacrine subscribed if my main problem is bad baseline redness? I read about these patients who had success with mepacrine but their main problem was intense flushing. The only time I ever flush is when I'm embarrassed and it's not bad at all. I can live with that.
From reading about the different subtypes, subtype 2 sounds exactly like me. I'm thinking about trying to get Oracea prescribed, but I hate the idea of it working for a while and then halting in its effectiveness. Do you believe I should try mepacrine?
It'd be great if you could reply soon. Thanks a ton
If all you have is flushing I would try oracea 1st. Most of us on plaquenil/mepacrine have joint or autoimmune type symptoms along w/ flushing. However, if you have tried many things w/ no sucess and your derm or a rhuem will prescribe it, you will have sucess.
Uggh! So yeah I went and had a little facial to help fade the broken capillaries and she gave me this redness relief cooling mask to take home ( I normally red no flushing in the cold weather) I haven't really used any products on my face since accutane except a mild soap.
So I use it 3 times and all of sudden start flushing again and am like WTF...I couldn't figure it out and then I look at the back of the mask and of course whats in there Retinyl Palmitate.....
Who would of ever thought a redness relief/cooling mask would contain an ingredient that causes redness
Oli Girl- How is the flushing been lately due to that mask; I hope it has significantly receeded for you.
Myleastfavouritemistake- You seem to have disappeared from the site, but let us know how you are going if you come back.
Halfpipie- How are things going on Plaquneil now with the baseline redness? You must be about 4 or 5 months into treatment i think???
My cheeks inflammation is pretty much not an issue these days being 3 months into Plaq 200mg day, but I still have nose flushes after showers or stuck in a warm room every couple days. I hope that calms down soon as has always been the most bothersome. I tried a 2 day trial stint of 400mg and the cheek burning came back so I'm confused why that happened?? Went away when dropped back to 200mg day. Anyone have thoughts on this?
Yes, I am doing better it took about 4 wks. It has been unusally warm here in Illinois for the month of October, which has been extra nice on thoose broken capillares. Still fighting alot of tendon issues, but I don't expect perfection as I was damaged pretty bad before I got plaquenil, however physical therapy has helped, But as we all know all good things come to a end.
Not sure about the upage in dose and cheek burning. Is it summer there???? As some are more sensitive to the sun then others while on plaquenil.