Very Worried About My Cousin

[jennyjoan]

She hasnt been well with a variety of things but today has been very bad as her face has swelled up to a colour purple.

She went to hospital and they told her it just an infection of Rosacea. She is frightened of it all as she didn't want to talk on the phone.

My sister got talking to her tonight and she is in a bad way. I have heard of this in my life - anybody out there share some light how she will be.

As far as I am making out - she has been given different creams for each different part for face. Any help would be appreciated. thanks

[barry1010]

This is a very common condition affecting mainly older women.
It isn't life threatening, doesn't affect any other part of the body and can be distressing as it may be very noticeable.
Often it will calm down for a while and flare up again.
Alcohol can make it worse.
It won't make her feel up and usually isn't painful

[barry1010]

Have a read of this
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/

[ladybirder]

Tell her to keep out of the sun.

[jennyjoan]

Barry she has been diagnosed with rosacea some years back but nothing was done.

doesn't drink never did

absolutely loathes the sun. she says her face is very painful too but was just sent home with the creams.

[barry1010]

It is sometimes treated with antibiotics as well as the creams but there is not much else they can do, she is obviously going through a flare up. Maybe this heatwave is to blame.

Laser treatment and a type of light therapy might help but I don't know if either are available on the NHS.

[jennyjoan]

she has got the antibiotics too but didn't help. I am going to suggest she go private as she has the problem for quite a while. thanks all for your help - I'm exhausted and off to bed with my beloved Maxie who loves me unconditionally LOL

[barry1010]

Try not to worry, it's one of those conditions that one has to learn to cope with.
Does she use the special make up to make her face look not so red? That can boost morale if it makes her self-conscious.

[rowanwitch]

Rosacea is like a type of acne, and really bad cases look awful. I have it and it flares up when I am very stressed. It makes what is known as a butterfly pattern appearing down the centre of your face and spreading into your cheeks.

All I do is keep it very clean I use aveeno products but simple works too( I have lots of soft white face cloths which get a hot wash between uses). Only pat it dry to avoid irritation. If it's really bad I will use a very small amount of steroid cream. It usually calms down over a few weeks. Hot\ spicy foods can make it look worse as they make your face go a bit redder.

[jennyjoan]

Thanks Rowan. Can't ring her as I am awaiting on a phone call from doctor I have to be beside the phone until 1pm. Isn't that very long

[barry1010]

Rowan, do you have any other symptoms, discomforts? Have you considered lupus?

[rowanwitch]

Barry I have RA, they often go together. RA is currently flaring, so I should have expected it