Middle aged acne

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Yorkshire_Biker

Original Poster:

566 posts

149 months

Tuesday 4th April 2023
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Having suffered from mild Roseacea from my teens onwards and having learned to manage it with Oxytetracycline when needed (prescribed antibiotic) I am starting to get a little peeved that as I approach 47 I still get occasional outbreaks that need intervention.
I can keep it at bay with a tablet every day or so, or if I get lazy and it returns with a heavy bout then 2 tablets a day will generally clear it up in 5-7 days.

What used to be roseacea is now probably something a little different. I still have a mildy ruddy complexion which I can live with, but in general the spots will be clustered on my forehead.

I've since moved back to Indonesia and whilst I still have a decent stock of antibiotics, this will run out and it is not available here.
I've discussed this with doctors in Indonesia in the past when I lived here a few years ago, generally with no workable solution.

Has anyone else had similar issues and found a one stop fix?
I did take the antibiotics religiously for about 6 months, this kept it at bay but came back soon after I completed the course.

Any tips?

Long term use of ocytetracycline doesn't appear to be detrimental, when I run out of Oxy I will try some cyclines that are available here such as doxycycline.

StevieBee

13,595 posts

262 months

Tuesday 4th April 2023
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Welcome to my world!

Exactly the same with me. I was early 40s when I was diagnosed. Prescribed a course of antibiotics (six weeks IIRC) which improved things tremendously and has kept flare-ups in control since (now 56). Have a tube of Oxytetracycline on hand but rarely use it these days.

Roseacea isn't something you can cure, only control. Paying attention to what you're eating and drinking can highlight certain triggers. For me, booze will see me spouting the odd spot and redness. Heavy sweat (such as from working out) will also lead to a flare up for a day or so. But drinking lots of water can help a great deal.

The other thing for me was to wash my face in only water; no soap and definitely not any of that 'Man Scrub with Carbide Shavings' or whatever.

I don't think there's much more that you can do. I think age improves it though. The only real legacy I have these days is a nose that's capable of oozing the most amazing amount of puss from pores at the slightest squeeze - a great party trick! Can't remember the last time I applied any Oxytetracycline but will occasionally nab a dab of the OH's concealer if needed.

Sorry I can't be of more help but at least you know there's others out there.


Smitters

4,130 posts

164 months

Wednesday 5th April 2023
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StevieBee said:
Welcome to my world!

Sorry I can't be of more help but at least you know there's others out there.
And me. 42. Had acne since 14. Face, back of head, neck, back, chest. It's st. Being outdoors helps loads and acknowledging the risks, the occasional sunbed through winter helps too. Eating well and drinking loads of water/not being run down makes a difference too, but sunlight is the big thing for me.