Stress Center Peer Support

Hello guys.

I've been going through a bad time right now and been working my way through the program. I'm currently on Lesson 4 but been reviewing lessons 2-3 as well.

About a year ago, I noticed a little rash around my left eye area that would come & go. My doctor didn't seem to be concerned about it. Then, about a month ago I was drinking some red wine and had a major reaction to it. My whole eye area turned red! Since then, I have stopped drinking socially. I went to a new dermatologist a couple days ago and she said that I have the start of Rosacea. The diagnosis saddened me because I always took excellent care of my skin and never had problems with acne as a teenager. I don't even sunbathe like I used to!

The doctor is treating it aggressively and prescribed a facial wash to be used twice a day; as well as an ointment to be used in the morning; and a different one to be used at night. I have a follow-up appointment in one month.
I must say that since I have been using the meds (the past couple days) I have noticed the Rosacea has gotten worse. I am wondering if maybe the medication is making it worse before it gets better? Or, is it my anxiety & stress that is exacerbating the situation? Or is it both?

I understand that once a person gets Rosacea they pretty much will always have it. It's bad enough that it's around my eye area and my appearance means a lot to me. My career consists of working in outside sales. Needless to say, I am becoming more depressed now because of the Rosacea.

Is it possible that this current Rosacea "flare up" will eventually go away and only come back occasionally? My biggest concern is that I'm going to have a "flare up-look" all the time. Also, is it possible for the Rosacea to improve once I get over the anxiety and depression?

I truly am hopeful that things will improve for me soon. I am not happy with my job situation and been looking to change that. And I'm really lonely now since my boyfriend broke up with me back in July. I try not to sit in my apartment all the time when I'm not working. I've been going to the gym 4-5 days a week and been working on the program. I typically go home once a week to visit my family as well.

Thank you.

Hey John -

Sorry to hear about your break up and your skin difficulties. I certainly can identify with your concern about appearances. While I don't have skin issues, I do have male pattern baldness. I started losing my hair when I was about 20. But something I came to learn (and there is a long story behind this) is that there are many things you just can't change. You can either get bogged down in the moment and wallow in depression or you can accept it, move on, and be happy with what you have.

I'm gathering you're gay since you mentioned your ex-boyfriend. I know how much our community (I'm gay too) puts on appearance. It's really a shame. The truth is that self confidence is so much more attractive than a pretty face. Beauty fades, youth fades, but a strong inner confidence is forever. You're best bet is to learn to accept yourself as you are and be proud of yourself in spite of your perceived flaws. Anyone who judges you on just your outside isn't worth having in your life.

All my best,
Jamie