Since my last post, I saw my dermatologist and was recommended to try IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to reduce the redness in my cheeks, nose and chin where the veins are damaged.
I had my first session 4 weeks ago at the dermatologist and am due for my second session tomorrow.
The head dermatologist came to inspect my face before the session and she said that I had done a great job of reducing the mites but they were still evident around my nose creases and on my chin. I realised that I hadn't been focussing on those areas since it was the pimples and pustules on my cheeks which had been causing me the most concern. Since then I have paid particular attention to the chin and nose creases and there has been a nice improvement.
During the session, the zapping was uncomfortable particularly around the base of the nose and nostril flaps. I figured that if I don't make a fuss it will be over faster so I gritted my teeth and tried to focus on my breathing.
The following four days were spent being very gentle on my skin and using a thin application of Advantan cream (daily) and regular applications of Aloe Vera gel to soothe the burning feeling. I found some Solosite gel in the cupboard and it was nice but if it was touched after application it was a bit messy to deal with.
After my skin felt calm again, I continued with my current demodex mite eradication.
Currently I am using Quellada lotion once a day. The best time to apply it is in the evening just as the mites are starting to emerge.
You may recall, I was using Lyclear with great results but after a couple of months I noticed discomfort most likely from the preservative (formaldehyde). My dermatologist said to use whichever feels the best. Most people wouldn't react to the amount of formaldehyde so it's a matter of trying it. The Lyclear is certainly easier to apply. The Quellada is wetter and therefore takes a bit longer to work into the skin.
Here are the latest images of my cheeks.
I met with my dermatologist in February and while she was up to date with information regarding the approval of SooLantra in the US, she was not supportive of me using Ivomec.
"Too strong, too strong!" she said.
I am inclined to disagree based on how my skin was responding and improving but I'm not a dermatologist. In hindsight, I think that the tea tree oil products were too strong but used less often and for particular reasons will continue to have their place in my routine.
My dermatologist started me on a Permethrin 5% scabies cream called Lyclear Dermal Cream.
From the patient information leaflet: "Lyclear Dermal Cream contains butylated hydroxytoluene (E321) and formaldehyde which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes (lining of the nose, mouth and genital areas)."
I commenced twice daily usage (February 10th) and mostly my skin has responded very well with only two significant skin eruptions. The skin generally appears smooth. Flushing episodes are less common and abate sooner than in the past.
My rosy complexion remains but that is due to the many broken capillaries across my cheeks and around my nose and will have to be addressed by future laser treatment. I am able to disguise this by applying a mineral foundation (or a tinted sunblock) but am careful to wash it off as soon as I can.
The demodex mites continue to inhabit my pores but in fewer numbers these days. I can feel the tingly, itchy feeling here and there on my face and in my hairline after the sun has set. It serves to remind me to apply the Lyclear cream before I go to bed. There have been a few occasions, that when the itching feels more aggressive than usual, I apply the Ivomec fluid and after that has dried, I apply a layer of Lyclear over the top.
My current routine is as follows (and is dependent on how my skin is feeling at the time):
Morning (if showering).
- Wash with TTO foaming cleanser OR with Cetaphil cleanser.
- Apply Lyclear Dermal Cream.
Morning (if not showering).
- Dampen cleansing pads with micellar water (currently using Suisse Micellar Water because it was on special!). Discard and use a fresh pad to finish.
- Apply Lyclear Dermal Cream.
I wear a hat when I go outside but if a sunblock is needed, I use a tinted 30+ by Invisible Zinc. I don't like the shininess but the colour helps to disguise my broken capillaries.
Evening (if not showering).
- Dampen cleansing pads with micellar water. Discard and use a fresh pad to finish.
- Apply Lyclear Dermal Cream OR if there is obvious mite activity (bumps/itching) apply Ivomec (allow to dry) and then apply Lyclear Dermal Cream on top.
Evening (if showering).
Wash with TTO foaming cleanser OR with Cetaphil cleanser.
- Apply Lyclear Dermal Cream OR if there is obvious mite activity (bumps/itching) apply Ivomec (allow to dry) and then apply Lyclear Dermal Cream on top.
My application of Ivomec fluid topped with the Lyclear has so far not exceeded more than once weekly. I have used it as "booster" when I can see that there are bumps forming. I apply it at nighttime because that is when the demodex mites are active.
In additions, I recently started taking vitamin D3 and vitamin B but not specifically for this issue.
The two pics below are a vast improvement on what I was dealing with late November 2014. My right cheek (bottom image) has always been the worst effected. It's the side I sleep on.
My next appointment with the dermatologist is in June.
