TyJac,

You really should stop using accutane unless you think its worth risking a shitload of side effects. Are you on accutane to help with redness or acne? It wasn't really clear to me after reading your post. In any case, you shouldn't use an anti malarial and accutane at the same time. More so, you shouldn't use any other medications with accutane if you're intent on continuing. If you were having success with this aqueous cream, but found it too drying you could try putting on a layer of moisturizer underneath and then applying it. If that doesn't work then you may just react poorly to it and therefore it would not be a good product for you to use. I have found that it can be quite an amazing range to how each of us can tolerate certain products such as cleansers, mositurizers, etc. so its important to try and find what works best for you. In regards to it being worse when you were laid off and better when you had a job interview, that makes sense. Flushing/redness definitely has a psychological aspect to it so I would say that your problem getting worse when you were stressed out and decreasing when you were feeling more upbeat is, by all accounts, normal.

Nick1990,

Here's the thing about the term rosacea. It basically is a catch all for any facial redness condition so yes I would say you have accutane induced flushing just like most of us on here, but I would also say that it doesn't really matter what you call it and don't let that term freak you out too much as everyone is different.

How much do you weigh? That is a high dose. How long post tane are you now? I'm confused on the now 3 months later and 6 months later part. If things are going to get better naturally its generally within the first 12 months post tane so it could clear up on its own or at the least reduce in significance. I want to be honest with you though and say that there is a possibility that it could be longterm and/or permanent. I'm not trying to be a downer, but it is imperative that you keep that in mind.

I could have wrote this part myself "I flush 90% of the time due to feeling hot or having sun on me. Even at temperatures as low as 65 degrees i still feel hot and get the flushing. Other times i flush it is due to emotional things or foods i eat." That is pretty much the same as me. I fully understand the frustration.

I would definitely consider the decrease in burning to be an improvement even though it didn't result with a decrease in flushing it makes it, at the least, more manageable for you.

What are you using for a cleanser and/or moisturizer? Do you have any other side effects from accutane? Are you a student or working? Are you taking any supplements? Is the flushing always on both cheeks and can it go all the way to the temples? Its kind of hard to give you advice until I know a little bit more haha.

Just let me know.

Nick1990,

 

Here's the thing about the term rosacea. It basically is a catch all for any facial redness condition so yes I would say you have accutane induced flushing just like most of us on here, but I would also say that it doesn't really matter what you call it and don't let that term freak you out too much as everyone is different.

 

How much do you weigh? That is a high dose. How long post tane are you now? I'm confused on the now 3 months later and 6 months later part. If things are going to get better naturally its generally within the first 12 months post tane so it could clear up on its own or at the least reduce in significance. I want to be honest with you though and say that there is a possibility that it could be longterm and/or permanent. I'm not trying to be a downer, but it is imperative that you keep that in mind.

 

I could have wrote this part myself "I flush 90% of the time due to feeling hot or having sun on me. Even at temperatures as low as 65 degrees i still feel hot and get the flushing. Other times i flush it is due to emotional things or foods i eat." That is pretty much the same as me. I fully understand the frustration.

 

I would definitely consider the decrease in burning to be an improvement even though it didn't result with a decrease in flushing it makes it, at the least, more manageable for you.

 

What are you using for a cleanser and/or moisturizer? Do you have any other side effects from accutane? Are you a student or working? Are you taking any supplements? Is the flushing always on both cheeks and can it go all the way to the temples? Its kind of hard to give you advice until I know a little bit more haha.

 

Just let me know.

i weigh 180lbs at about 15% bf

Im sorry, i meant that 6 months into accutane i started getting the flushing, and now another 6 months later i am still getting the flushing.

The 3 months was how long i have been off accutane.

Not being a downer, i realize what the possibilities are.

Just hoping something could be done.

Right now, im using a benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, and cetaphil in the morning. I use a very light moisturizer, but the name is escaping me right now.

I have pretty severe depression which im assuming the accutane caused, and i think it really amplified my anxiety as well.

Other than that, i dont really have many other side effects.

I am taking this multivitamin: http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/anavi...=F-GOOG-GASN084

only been a few days, but so far nothing bad has come from it

I do think the b vitamins might cause more flushing, but im watching carefully for that.

The flushing is always on both cheeks.

It usually always goes to both temples.

Nick1990,

 

Here's the thing about the term rosacea. It basically is a catch all for any facial redness condition so yes I would say you have accutane induced flushing just like most of us on here, but I would also say that it doesn't really matter what you call it and don't let that term freak you out too much as everyone is different.

 

How much do you weigh? That is a high dose. How long post tane are you now? I'm confused on the now 3 months later and 6 months later part. If things are going to get better naturally its generally within the first 12 months post tane so it could clear up on its own or at the least reduce in significance. I want to be honest with you though and say that there is a possibility that it could be longterm and/or permanent. I'm not trying to be a downer, but it is imperative that you keep that in mind.

 

I could have wrote this part myself "I flush 90% of the time due to feeling hot or having sun on me. Even at temperatures as low as 65 degrees i still feel hot and get the flushing. Other times i flush it is due to emotional things or foods i eat." That is pretty much the same as me. I fully understand the frustration.

 

I would definitely consider the decrease in burning to be an improvement even though it didn't result with a decrease in flushing it makes it, at the least, more manageable for you.

 

What are you using for a cleanser and/or moisturizer? Do you have any other side effects from accutane? Are you a student or working? Are you taking any supplements? Is the flushing always on both cheeks and can it go all the way to the temples? Its kind of hard to give you advice until I know a little bit more haha.

 

Just let me know.

 

i weigh 180lbs at about 15% bf

Im sorry, i meant that 6 months into accutane i started getting the flushing, and now another 6 months later i am still getting the flushing.

The 3 months was how long i have been off accutane.

Not being a downer, i realize what the possibilities are.

Just hoping something could be done.

 

Right now, im using a benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, and cetaphil in the morning. I use a very light moisturizer, but the name is escaping me right now.

I have pretty severe depression which im assuming the accutane caused, and i think it really amplified my anxiety as well.

Other than that, i dont really have many other side effects.

 

I am taking this multivitamin: http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/anavi...=F-GOOG-GASN084

only been a few days, but so far nothing bad has come from it

I do think the b vitamins might cause more flushing, but im watching carefully for that.

 

The flushing is always on both cheeks.

It usually always goes to both temples.

 

just take multi and lift heavy. lol

Mine is pretty much the same 14months after ending. Shit sucks

Nick1990,

 

Here's the thing about the term rosacea. It basically is a catch all for any facial redness condition so yes I would say you have accutane induced flushing just like most of us on here, but I would also say that it doesn't really matter what you call it and don't let that term freak you out too much as everyone is different.

 

How much do you weigh? That is a high dose. How long post tane are you now? I'm confused on the now 3 months later and 6 months later part. If things are going to get better naturally its generally within the first 12 months post tane so it could clear up on its own or at the least reduce in significance. I want to be honest with you though and say that there is a possibility that it could be longterm and/or permanent. I'm not trying to be a downer, but it is imperative that you keep that in mind.

 

I could have wrote this part myself "I flush 90% of the time due to feeling hot or having sun on me. Even at temperatures as low as 65 degrees i still feel hot and get the flushing. Other times i flush it is due to emotional things or foods i eat." That is pretty much the same as me. I fully understand the frustration.

 

I would definitely consider the decrease in burning to be an improvement even though it didn't result with a decrease in flushing it makes it, at the least, more manageable for you.

 

What are you using for a cleanser and/or moisturizer? Do you have any other side effects from accutane? Are you a student or working? Are you taking any supplements? Is the flushing always on both cheeks and can it go all the way to the temples? Its kind of hard to give you advice until I know a little bit more haha.

 

Just let me know.

 

i weigh 180lbs at about 15% bf

Im sorry, i meant that 6 months into accutane i started getting the flushing, and now another 6 months later i am still getting the flushing.

The 3 months was how long i have been off accutane.

Not being a downer, i realize what the possibilities are.

Just hoping something could be done.

 

Right now, im using a benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, and cetaphil in the morning. I use a very light moisturizer, but the name is escaping me right now.

I have pretty severe depression which im assuming the accutane caused, and i think it really amplified my anxiety as well.

Other than that, i dont really have many other side effects.

 

I am taking this multivitamin: http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/anavi...=F-GOOG-GASN084

only been a few days, but so far nothing bad has come from it

I do think the b vitamins might cause more flushing, but im watching carefully for that.

 

The flushing is always on both cheeks.

It usually always goes to both temples.

 

 

just take multi and lift heavy. lol

 

Mine is pretty much the same 14months after ending. Shit sucks

 

lmaoooo

whats your username brah?

Nick1990,

 

Here's the thing about the term rosacea. It basically is a catch all for any facial redness condition so yes I would say you have accutane induced flushing just like most of us on here, but I would also say that it doesn't really matter what you call it and don't let that term freak you out too much as everyone is different.

 

How much do you weigh? That is a high dose. How long post tane are you now? I'm confused on the now 3 months later and 6 months later part. If things are going to get better naturally its generally within the first 12 months post tane so it could clear up on its own or at the least reduce in significance. I want to be honest with you though and say that there is a possibility that it could be longterm and/or permanent. I'm not trying to be a downer, but it is imperative that you keep that in mind.

 

I could have wrote this part myself "I flush 90% of the time due to feeling hot or having sun on me. Even at temperatures as low as 65 degrees i still feel hot and get the flushing. Other times i flush it is due to emotional things or foods i eat." That is pretty much the same as me. I fully understand the frustration.

 

I would definitely consider the decrease in burning to be an improvement even though it didn't result with a decrease in flushing it makes it, at the least, more manageable for you.

 

What are you using for a cleanser and/or moisturizer? Do you have any other side effects from accutane? Are you a student or working? Are you taking any supplements? Is the flushing always on both cheeks and can it go all the way to the temples? Its kind of hard to give you advice until I know a little bit more haha.

 

Just let me know.

 

i weigh 180lbs at about 15% bf

Im sorry, i meant that 6 months into accutane i started getting the flushing, and now another 6 months later i am still getting the flushing.

The 3 months was how long i have been off accutane.

Not being a downer, i realize what the possibilities are.

Just hoping something could be done.

 

Right now, im using a benzoyl peroxide face wash at night, and cetaphil in the morning. I use a very light moisturizer, but the name is escaping me right now.

I have pretty severe depression which im assuming the accutane caused, and i think it really amplified my anxiety as well.

Other than that, i dont really have many other side effects.

 

I am taking this multivitamin: http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/anavi...=F-GOOG-GASN084

only been a few days, but so far nothing bad has come from it

I do think the b vitamins might cause more flushing, but im watching carefully for that.

 

The flushing is always on both cheeks.

It usually always goes to both temples.

 

 

just take multi and lift heavy. lol

 

Mine is pretty much the same 14months after ending. Shit sucks

 

 

lmaoooo

 

whats your username brah?

 

xxxx brah. yours?

joni89 brah. yours?

im still nick1990 over there lolz

You misc?

joni89 brah. yours?

 

im still nick1990 over there lolz

 

You misc?

 

Okay brah. I've seen you before, think you had a girl problem or somethn I'm miscing whenever I'm in need of lulz.. hehe

Just a question about vitamins. I'm a pretty serious bodybuilder(not huge roid monster, but still lifting 5days a week). The thing is that I therefore probably would benefit from taking multivitamins. These do however consist of vitamin a, and since accutane is vitamin A, and we got flushing from it, would it be stupid to take multi?

Just a question about vitamins. I'm a pretty serious bodybuilder(not huge roid monster, but still lifting 5days a week). The thing is that I therefore probably would benefit from taking multivitamins. These do however consist of vitamin a, and since accutane is vitamin A, and we got flushing from it, would it be stupid to take multi?

i was thinking the same thing (srs)

Although i think a lot of the flushing has to do with the form of B3 in the vitamins.

Most use niacin, not Inositol Hexanicotinate form, which is a no flush b3 vitamin.

There could be a ton of other reasons, but that is a common one imo

Just a question about vitamins. I'm a pretty serious bodybuilder(not huge roid monster, but still lifting 5days a week). The thing is that I therefore probably would benefit from taking multivitamins. These do however consist of vitamin a, and since accutane is vitamin A, and we got flushing from it, would it be stupid to take multi?

i was thinking the same thing (srs)

 

Although i think a lot of the flushing has to do with the form of B3 in the vitamins.

Most use niacin, not Inositol Hexanicotinate form, which is a no flush b3 vitamin.

 

There could be a ton of other reasons, but that is a common one imo

 

Niacin can be bad too, but it all depends on dosage. I had the same dilemma as both of you a year or two ago. You want to get one that has a relatively low vitamin A content. The multi that I take has 70% of your daily A and 100% of your daily Niacin. I take it 2-3 times a week. I believe that I get all that I need from food consumption, but throw in the multi just to be sure. You might notice a slight change in your flushing, but for the most part we're talking about low doses here. As far as bodybuilding goes, just be careful with what you're using and always test new products. As in, make sure that you don't make any other changes at the same time so that you can ensure that, if your flushing does increase, you know what the culprit is. Other than that you guys should be good to go as far as multis...

Hi everyone

Just thought i'd post a quick update. Am feeling pretty good these days, and seem to be in remission for both the Rosacea and Lupus since end of November. I contribute it to a combo of things, particulary the Plaquenil kicking in and being extremely strict about sun protection since mid-July '10. Shortly after the flushing halted end Nov, and since I was feeling so well with no lupus symtoms at that time... my GP, Derm and Rheum team at the hospital gave me the nod to proceed with V-Beam non-purpuric laser treatment in December to help ensure the Rosacea stayed at bay and some broken capillaries could be zapped away. I have had no negative repercussions whatsoever, had only a few hours downtime looking red, and will be having the second treatment in Feb while I am still in this good health phase. I hope this remissive period continues as long as possible for both conditions. Hope you are all well and continue to find relief as time goes on.

Best, Shantelle

Okay, thanks for replies Glad to hear you're doing better Shantelle

Well now I feel like its time to do something about this shit. I've been off accutane for 15months, and there haven't been any significant improvement.

My face might not be as constantly red as it used to, but its still not perfect. I think my problem goes under the definition of blushing. It comes in every situation, at the store, talking to friends etc. It's a sense of heat, and my face turns really red. The whole thing is probably over in 15seconds. But these seconds are the longest freaking seconds you can imagine. And it can occur several times a day. Because of this I am now getting less and less social, and this freaks me out, cause I've honestly never had as good self-confidence as i do now, ironically

It's also happens sometimes when I'm eating hot food or having hot drinks.

The fear of blushing is becoming worse than the blushing itself. I hate leaving my room, cause it puts me in a vulnerable position. Everyone who sees me blushing think I'm having really low self-confidence and being insecure. BUT this is so wrong. I love life. I love meeting new people. I am not afraid of making a fool of myself, but I'm scared to death about blushing.

So my problem is not identical as yours is it? Cause you have these long lasting blushing's, which makes it flushing, right?

Anyways. What should I say to my derm? To be honest I don't think she has experienced this before either. What is the next step? Should I wait until two years have passed? Should I try laser? Please help me out. I'm desperate.

Thanks

Hi A new start

All of us on this forum thread will likely be able to identify with what you are feeling. It is amazing how much Accutane side effects can significantly effect one's life. It does sound like the blushing is giving you extreme anxiety, and having waited 15 months to see if the issue goes on its own... it is probably the right time to seek out options to find relief.

Probably the Derm will suggest traditional Rosacea treatments. They will probably suggest topicals or antibiotics first but let me tell you - they will do nothing. Others in this thread have also trialed these options with no result. Personally, because your flushing isn't severe (i.e. hours of discomfort) but is still having a significant impact on your life, the first thing i'd recommend to try is either low-dose Clonidine (Dixarit) 25mcg 3x day and see if that does anything... Or Propranolol (which is a Beta Blocker). I tried Clonidine and so did many others who posted in this thread. It really did help the flushing and significantly helped reduce redness, but then I got a rash so had to get off it. (I wouldn't let that put you off though, as I seem to be hyper sensitive to most medications post-accutane...) Funilly enough, I got more help from my GP than my Derm about these two treatment options... so you could always ask your GP for their advice first off. Here is a link to the Dermatology NZ website incase you need to print it as a reference: http://dermnetnz.org/vascular/blushing.html

Let us know what you decide to do next and how you get on...

Best, Shantelle

Has anyone in this thread ever read "The Inflammation Syndrome" by Jack Challem or similar works? The premise is that the Western diet is overloaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which are the biochemical precursors to the body's inflammatory response and limited in omega-3 fatty acids, which moderate and reduce rampant inflammation. By reducing omega-6 intake and adding omega-3s to our diet, we can thus solve many inflammatory disorders.

Chronic inflammation underlies many of the problems highlighted in this thread: dermatitis, eczema, lupus, allergies, arthritis, and more.

Just wondered if anyone had considered that some of the problems may be diet-related rather than from accutane. I'm not saying this to imply that everyone should stop blaming the drug - I took it too and a year after finishing my 3rd course, I developed knee tendinitis, photosensitivity, eczema/dermatitis (only on the face), and multiple allergies and sensitivities (although I was fine while on the drug apart from dry skin and lips). I don't know what the root of my problems truly is, but I wanted to offer another potential solution.

I know oligirl says that omega-3s make her symptoms worse, but it seems counterintuitive to me unless accutane has seriously effed up some receptors or enzymatic pathways (quite possible). I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced similar problems. I'm sure there is a way to test fatty acid metabolism to see if accutane has affected our ability to control inflammatory responses.

Another thing - NSAIDs have actually been shown to speed up osteoarthritis and cause a host of other serious side effects. Anyone dosing with NSAIDs may want to research that a bit.

Hi A new start

 

All of us on this forum thread will likely be able to identify with what you are feeling. It is amazing how much Accutane side effects can significantly effect one's life. It does sound like the blushing is giving you extreme anxiety, and having waited 15 months to see if the issue goes on its own... it is probably the right time to seek out options to find relief.

 

Probably the Derm will suggest traditional Rosacea treatments. They will probably suggest topicals or antibiotics first but let me tell you - they will do nothing. Others in this thread have also trialed these options with no result. Personally, because your flushing isn't severe (i.e. hours of discomfort) but is still having a significant impact on your life, the first thing i'd recommend to try is either low-dose Clonidine (Dixarit) 25mcg 3x day and see if that does anything... Or Propranolol (which is a Beta Blocker). I tried Clonidine and so did many others who posted in this thread. It really did help the flushing and significantly helped reduce redness, but then I got a rash so had to get off it. (I wouldn't let that put you off though, as I seem to be hyper sensitive to most medications post-accutane...) Funilly enough, I got more help from my GP than my Derm about these two treatment options... so you could always ask your GP for their advice first off. Here is a link to the Dermatology NZ website incase you need to print it as a reference: http://dermnetnz.org/vascular/blushing.html

 

Let us know what you decide to do next and how you get on...

 

Best, Shantelle

Hey shantelle, i know you have spoken to me before, but i wanted to ask you a little bit about what you think of clonidine, propranol, or laser treatments for someone in my situation?

Well, i should first probably say that i flush whenever i am hot (which is all the time in San DIego), whenever i laugh (which is horrible), or whenever i get embarrassed.

I always flush in the same places as well; from the sides of my nose all the way to my temples, and it gets darker the higher up the flushing goes.

When i flush, i get a SUPER hot feeling in my face. Almost like it is on fire. When i laugh, my face flushes, but it doesnt really make my face hot, just my cheeks. My cheeks almost look like cherries because they bunch up when i smile and they are soooooo red lol.

When i get embarrassed....it is horrible lol. I get the super hot feeling in my ENTIRE body. I get VERY red and i start sweating PROFUSELY. Now this only lasts about 5 minutes or so, but the red face lasts a good deal longer, like 25-30 mins or so.

Now, i had been doing GREAT for about a month now, only flushing once or twice a day, but that was usually when i was at the gym. Today i started school again after winter break and it was really bad today.

I dont know if it was the combo of it being a hot day and me being slightly nervous or what, but i was burning up the entire day. And when i accidentally fell in class....man, i was sweating like a maniac and my cheeks were BRIGHT red.

I dont really know what brought on this intense flushing, but this ALWAYS happens when im at school. Maybe it could be my anxiety or something, i dont know....

Im on an anti-convulsant (tirleptal) and an anti-depressant (wellbutrin) right now. This is mainly what i wanted to talk about.

I dont know if any of the treatments could interfere with my current medications or not? Would i have to speak to a doc?

Id like to try something, but not really sure where to go. My derm is clueless and vehemently claims that accutane had no part in my facial redness, and even goes so far as to say that i dont have rosacea at all!

Do you think any of the above treatments could help me?

Would i be a good candidate for laser treatment?

Thanks in advance

Hi Nick

I have re-read your latest posts and can recommend a couple things that is likely to help improve things over time:

1. Get rid of the BP cleanser- harsh cleansers only seem to aggravate the flushing and redness. Try and find the most gentle cleanser you can.

2. Wear a hat when outside... even if you're just walking around for a few minutes and it isn't all that sunny. UV rays only seem to aggrivate the flushing and redness and can bring on the burning pronto.

3. Wear sunscreen every day and re-apply it frequently throughout the day as protection wears off after an hour or two. I cannot stress this enough. Aim for spf30 or more, even in colder seasons.

4. Take a bottle of ice-y water to school. It can sometimes help prevent a flare up or at least calm things down as quick as possible.

5. Try and sit near a class window for the fresh air, but not directly in range of any sun rays. That should hopefully help a little bit as well.

It is really annoying having to take these measures but i'm sure it will help somewhat while you try and get back to the good limited-flushing phase you were in before school.

It looks like there are interactions between clonidine, propranolol and your current meds so I wouldn't think you could try either Clonidine or Prop... but ask you reg doctor and see if they can double-check that side of things for you.

The only laser I would recommend to help flushing and redness is the non-purpuric/non-brusing vbeam pulsed-dye laser because of its excellent safety profile and ability to absord blood vessels under the skin surface (therefore reduces flushing and redness) without any impact on the skin. That's the treatment I had. But in saying that, you would need to seek the advice of an experienced specialist laser Derm. Post-Accutane flushers have to be very careful not to do anything that will worsen symptoms. Even if they give you the go-ahead with vbeam... I would still recommend caution and getting a test patch done first just to be on the safe side. If you can... try and give your skin more time to settle down on it's own, maybe even a year and see how things are then. Meanwhile, I suppose it doesn't hurt to have a consultation and weigh up future options. Just stay away from Spas, or any resurfacing laser, or IPL - IPL is known to make post-Accutane flushers worse. Only deal with a laser Derm who has years of experience and knows what they are doing and has the knowledge to give you sound advice.

Anyway, I hope this added info helps you decide where to go next/what to do next....

Best wishes, Shantelle

Has anyone in this thread ever read "The Inflammation Syndrome" by Jack Challem or similar works? The premise is that the Western diet is overloaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which are the biochemical precursors to the body's inflammatory response and limited in omega-3 fatty acids, which moderate and reduce rampant inflammation. By reducing omega-6 intake and adding omega-3s to our diet, we can thus solve many inflammatory disorders.

 

Chronic inflammation underlies many of the problems highlighted in this thread: dermatitis, eczema, lupus, allergies, arthritis, and more.

 

Just wondered if anyone had considered that some of the problems may be diet-related rather than from accutane. I'm not saying this to imply that everyone should stop blaming the drug - I took it too and a year after finishing my 3rd course, I developed knee tendinitis, photosensitivity, eczema/dermatitis (only on the face), and multiple allergies and sensitivities (although I was fine while on the drug apart from dry skin and lips). I don't know what the root of my problems truly is, but I wanted to offer another potential solution.

 

I know oligirl says that omega-3s make her symptoms worse, but it seems counterintuitive to me unless accutane has seriously effed up some receptors or enzymatic pathways (quite possible). I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced similar problems. I'm sure there is a way to test fatty acid metabolism to see if accutane has affected our ability to control inflammatory responses.

 

Another thing - NSAIDs have actually been shown to speed up osteoarthritis and cause a host of other serious side effects. Anyone dosing with NSAIDs may want to research that a bit.

No offense intended, but i find it very hard to write off as coincidence that so many of us, in various stages of life, have all experienced the same flushing condition after the use of accutane when none of us had any experience of flushing pre tane. If i knew exactly how to deal with this then none of us would be in this predicament, but I agree with oli girl about omega 3s. I know that it can seem counter intuitive that we would get flushing from a drug that is used to treat flushing, but its not that simple. Rosacea is a lump sum term like cancer. Just like cancer, not all rosacea is the same. I think that is one of the main problems we face. Accutane induced flushing doesn't respond to treatments that people with regular rosacea may find to work very effectively.

I would argue the biggest obstacle that we face is the fact that there is literally no research on post accutane side effects and most doctors you interact with will have no experience with it so how can they possibly come up with a viable solution? I totally agree with you about long term NSAID use. Its not something that should be taken lightly.

Overall though, trying different diets is pretty harmless and worth trying if you think certain things are increasing your symptoms. For me personally I don't notice a big difference when it comes to vitamins/minerals other than trying to avoid vitamin a as much as possible.

Hi A new start

 

All of us on this forum thread will likely be able to identify with what you are feeling. It is amazing how much Accutane side effects can significantly effect one's life. It does sound like the blushing is giving you extreme anxiety, and having waited 15 months to see if the issue goes on its own... it is probably the right time to seek out options to find relief.

 

Probably the Derm will suggest traditional Rosacea treatments. They will probably suggest topicals or antibiotics first but let me tell you - they will do nothing. Others in this thread have also trialed these options with no result. Personally, because your flushing isn't severe (i.e. hours of discomfort) but is still having a significant impact on your life, the first thing i'd recommend to try is either low-dose Clonidine (Dixarit) 25mcg 3x day and see if that does anything... Or Propranolol (which is a Beta Blocker). I tried Clonidine and so did many others who posted in this thread. It really did help the flushing and significantly helped reduce redness, but then I got a rash so had to get off it. (I wouldn't let that put you off though, as I seem to be hyper sensitive to most medications post-accutane...) Funilly enough, I got more help from my GP than my Derm about these two treatment options... so you could always ask your GP for their advice first off. Here is a link to the Dermatology NZ website incase you need to print it as a reference: http://dermnetnz.org/vascular/blushing.html

 

Let us know what you decide to do next and how you get on...

 

Best, Shantelle

 

Hey shantelle, i know you have spoken to me before, but i wanted to ask you a little bit about what you think of clonidine, propranol, or laser treatments for someone in my situation?

Well, i should first probably say that i flush whenever i am hot (which is all the time in San DIego), whenever i laugh (which is horrible), or whenever i get embarrassed.

I always flush in the same places as well; from the sides of my nose all the way to my temples, and it gets darker the higher up the flushing goes.

When i flush, i get a SUPER hot feeling in my face. Almost like it is on fire. When i laugh, my face flushes, but it doesnt really make my face hot, just my cheeks. My cheeks almost look like cherries because they bunch up when i smile and they are soooooo red lol.

When i get embarrassed....it is horrible lol. I get the super hot feeling in my ENTIRE body. I get VERY red and i start sweating PROFUSELY. Now this only lasts about 5 minutes or so, but the red face lasts a good deal longer, like 25-30 mins or so.

 

Now, i had been doing GREAT for about a month now, only flushing once or twice a day, but that was usually when i was at the gym. Today i started school again after winter break and it was really bad today.

I dont know if it was the combo of it being a hot day and me being slightly nervous or what, but i was burning up the entire day. And when i accidentally fell in class....man, i was sweating like a maniac and my cheeks were BRIGHT red.

I dont really know what brought on this intense flushing, but this ALWAYS happens when im at school. Maybe it could be my anxiety or something, i dont know....

 

Im on an anti-convulsant (tirleptal) and an anti-depressant (wellbutrin) right now. This is mainly what i wanted to talk about.

I dont know if any of the treatments could interfere with my current medications or not? Would i have to speak to a doc?

Id like to try something, but not really sure where to go. My derm is clueless and vehemently claims that accutane had no part in my facial redness, and even goes so far as to say that i dont have rosacea at all!

Do you think any of the above treatments could help me?

Would i be a good candidate for laser treatment?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Not sure if this is really possible in your area, but you should really try to go to the best derm in your area and, more importantly, at least find a derm that will consider that accutane caused your problems. You may want to forgo derms all together (overall not the best doctors) and consider working with an internal general practitioner, especially if you're looking to combine meds. You definitely do not want to make things worse. I would agree with shantelle though that, at 15 months, its unlikely that it will completely abate on its own anytime soon so might as well get proactive if you think something will work...

Hi Nick

 

I have re-read your latest posts and can recommend a couple things that is likely to help improve things over time:

1. Get rid of the BP cleanser- harsh cleansers only seem to aggravate the flushing and redness. Try and find the most gentle cleanser you can.

2. Wear a hat when outside... even if you're just walking around for a few minutes and it isn't all that sunny. UV rays only seem to aggrivate the flushing and redness and can bring on the burning pronto.

3. Wear sunscreen every day and re-apply it frequently throughout the day as protection wears off after an hour or two. I cannot stress this enough. Aim for spf30 or more, even in colder seasons.

4. Take a bottle of ice-y water to school. It can sometimes help prevent a flare up or at least calm things down as quick as possible.

5. Try and sit near a class window for the fresh air, but not directly in range of any sun rays. That should hopefully help a little bit as well.

 

It is really annoying having to take these measures but i'm sure it will help somewhat while you try and get back to the good limited-flushing phase you were in before school.

 

It looks like there are interactions between clonidine, propranolol and your current meds so I wouldn't think you could try either Clonidine or Prop... but ask you reg doctor and see if they can double-check that side of things for you.

 

The only laser I would recommend to help flushing and redness is the non-purpuric/non-brusing vbeam pulsed-dye laser because of its excellent safety profile and ability to absord blood vessels under the skin surface (therefore reduces flushing and redness) without any impact on the skin. That's the treatment I had. But in saying that, you would need to seek the advice of an experienced specialist laser Derm. Post-Accutane flushers have to be very careful not to do anything that will worsen symptoms. Even if they give you the go-ahead with vbeam... I would still recommend caution and getting a test patch done first just to be on the safe side. If you can... try and give your skin more time to settle down on it's own, maybe even a year and see how things are then. Meanwhile, I suppose it doesn't hurt to have a consultation and weigh up future options. Just stay away from Spas, or any resurfacing laser, or IPL - IPL is known to make post-Accutane flushers worse. Only deal with a laser Derm who has years of experience and knows what they are doing and has the knowledge to give you sound advice.

 

Anyway, I hope this added info helps you decide where to go next/what to do next....

 

Best wishes, Shantelle

thanks a ton shantelle

your advice is always very helpful

After doing some more resaerch on how to prevent the flushing (ive given up on "curing" it), ive found a few things that might work.

What do you guys think about Made from Earth Rosehip+hibiscus serum, and green tea toxin cleanser to help with the flushing?

Here is a link to each product:

http://www.madefromearth.com/content/rosac...what-can-you-do

I havent really been able to find many reputable reviews on these, but the ones that are available make these products seem like gifts from god himself.

Another product that i have been seeing a lot when researching was the use of hemorrhoid cream to help prevent the flushing. The reasoning behind it was that it constricts the blood vessels in your face and also has cooling properties to help fight the flushing. What do you guys think of this? Could it be used as a daily item to be used at multiple points of the day? Would it have any bad side effects? Maybe cause breakouts?

What do you guys think of hypnosis as a treatment option for flushing?

It sort of sounds like BS to me, but have any of you guys had success?

Who would you see to do this sort of thing?

What do you guys think of eredicane?

Has anyone used it with success? Failure?

I havent really seen too many reviews on it, but the company makes it seem like it is amazing, and the only cure available.

Thanks

The cause of rosacea has been claimed to have been discovered by UCSD researchers

Here is the link:

http://www.rxpgnews.com/research/UCSD-rese...cea_56038.shtml

Not sure if this is old news or what, but i thought i would share.

What do you guys think?

Could it lead to better treatment options? A cure?

Can you guys think of any way to use this research to find home remedies?

Thanks

No offense intended, but i find it very hard to write off as coincidence that so many of us, in various stages of life, have all experienced the same flushing condition after the use of accutane when none of us had any experience of flushing pre tane. If i knew exactly how to deal with this then none of us would be in this predicament, but I agree with oli girl about omega 3s. I know that it can seem counter intuitive that we would get flushing from a drug that is used to treat flushing, but its not that simple. Rosacea is a lump sum term like cancer. Just like cancer, not all rosacea is the same. I think that is one of the main problems we face. Accutane induced flushing doesn't respond to treatments that people with regular rosacea may find to work very effectively.

 

I would argue the biggest obstacle that we face is the fact that there is literally no research on post accutane side effects and most doctors you interact with will have no experience with it so how can they possibly come up with a viable solution? I totally agree with you about long term NSAID use. Its not something that should be taken lightly.

 

Overall though, trying different diets is pretty harmless and worth trying if you think certain things are increasing your symptoms. For me personally I don't notice a big difference when it comes to vitamins/minerals other than trying to avoid vitamin a as much as possible.

No problem. I understand completely. And I certainly didn't mean to question Accutane's role regarding anyone's symptoms. Part of it is being in denial about what the drug may have done to ME. But I would encourage everyone to be careful about automatically linking up problems after Accutane with the drug simply because one followed the other. You may overlook other causes - and therefore solutions - by doing so. I admit that flushing, strictly speaking, is probably directly tied to Accutane (or Minocycline), and many other problems may be as well.

My problems are less obviously Accutane's fault - though I haven't ruled that out. That is why I'm interested in chronic inflammation and omega-3/6 ratios. It MAY explain some of my symptoms, so I'd like to eliminate that as a possibility, especially since you are right about the paucity of Accutane research regarding side effects.

Because I would like to figure out if my own side effects are made worse by including certain nutrients in my diet, I have some quick questions about omega-3s and Vitamin A:

1. Does intake (of either) create an immediate and observable response? If so, what exactly does it look like? Is it just flushing or are there accompanying symptoms?

2. How do you avoid Vitamin A? Oli girl says she can handle spinach, but other stuff causes problems. Do you go out of your way to avoid vegetables?

3. What kind of omega-3s were you taking that caused issues? Was it pure fish oil capsules (I assume they weren't liver oil) or maybe flaxseed? Do you avoid omega-3s such as walnuts, cold-water fish, scallops, tofu, or other omega-3 fats in your regular diet?

If anyone has any input, I'd love to hear it. I know this thread is mostly about facial flushing, but I couldn't find an all-purpose Accutane side effects thread.

Regarding the bolded portion of your post...I agree. I encourage people to get baseline medical tests done to maybe pinpoint the underlying cause of their problems if they extend beyond flushing. Even if Accutane-induced, there may be clues as to what has gone wrong functionally in your own body. For instance, many Accutane users experience Vitamin D deficiencies (of course, so does the general population) which can predispose people to autoimmune diseases. So maybe Vit. D supplementation will help. It can't hurt to pinpoint problems at their most basic level and try to build solutions from that point rather than trying fix after fix if it's not working.

Sorry for the long post.

thanks a ton shantelle

your advice is always very helpful

Nick,

I didn't go back and look at your posts, but were you using BP after Accutane or Minocycline? If Accutane, I definitely second Shantelle's advice about scrapping it. Actually, I'd scrap it even if you weren't ever on Accutane if you're dealing with flushing issues.