Update after two years.

Overall my dermatologist is pleased with the results however she can still see evidence of demodex activity on my face particularly around my nasel folds and chin and she reminds me to keep using the scabies lotion regularly as maintainence.  This is evident in the images below, as a couple of small pustules.  

My face looks a little flushed in these shots and it's due to a couple of reasons.  One reason is that we are now treating the strong veins around the nose and over the chin with a new laser called Genesis.  We are also going over the cheeks to close off the veins to remove the background redness.  

This new laser is very effective and the downtime seems to be less than the previous laser.  While it is so much more targetted, it is also very much more painful and I'm only on a moderate setting.  I haven't had to resort to a stressball until now, and behind my goggles I am weeping with pain.

Unlike recovery from the previous laser, the recovery is less like a surface burn but more of an interior swelling so my past strategies of quickly cooling the skin does not apply.  In fact, there's really nothing I can do but be gentle for a couple of days and not let my husband near me with his beard stubble which feels like a thousand daggers.  

The second reason for the flushed appearance could be due to anti aging products recommended by my dermatologist which can both cause flushing.

I'm still getting into the routine but basically it's using a Vitamin C topical serum in the morning with 50+ sunscreen over the top and at nighttime, a very low percentage Retinol topical with Hyaloronic Acid serum over the forehead and cheeks and the scabies lotion around my nasal folds and chin.  I couldn't afford the topicals sold by my dermatologist but have purchased very similar products from The Ordinary which are almost a tenth of the price.

At this point, I am very confident in my skin.  My complexion is generally clear and even.  ...and not bad for nearly 51!

PS.  At long last I got a sample tube of SooLantra and used all 10mg of it over the course of 5 nights (just around my problem areas).  It was okay.  No reaction, no nothing really.  The Cetaphil base it consists of makes it easy to apply and lightly moisturising.  My feeling is that the Quellada or Lyclear is just as good and at a fifth of the price.  I was glad for the opportunity to test it out though!

 

As you may have read in my previous posts, I used Quellada Lotion and Lyclear Cream but these are just two of the many Permethrin 5% preparations you can purchase over the counter and use off-label in your quest to eliminate the demodex mite.  

Because these two products aren't available worldwide, I thought I'd dedicate this post to brands available outside of Australia.

Manufacturer                       Brand

GlaxoSmithKline                    Kwellada-P
Actavis                                  Permethrin Cream
Perrigo                                  Permethrin Cream
Galderma                              Permite
Sandoz                                  Permethrin
Galenium                               Scabimite
Neoderm                               Lindell Lotion
Steifel                                   Nedax-5
SkinVenture                           Casthrin Lotion
Prestium Pharma                    Elimite Cream
Renaissance Pharma               Permethrin Cream
GlaxoWellcome                      Nix Dermal Cream
Amideep Pharmaceuticals       Permarin
Tomar Medicines                    Skabi-Rid
Glenmark                              Glenper Cream
PSM                                      Lyderm Cream        
             ...and many more.  

If none of the above are available in your particular country, internet search "permethrin 5% scabies" and your search engine will bring up a brand available to you locally.

Read the ingredients on the box or bottle to confirm that it contains 5% Permethrin.  The other ingredients will consist of the carrier and preservative.

Best wishes
Kate

One year on and still amazing results.

It's been a year since my last photographs and I thought it would be great to update you on my skin.

I have been less regimented with the scabies lotion (Quellada) over the last year - only using it for a couple of nights in a row when I get a breakout on my chin or in the nasal folds.

I haven't had any more laser treatment since I finished the course in early 2016.

My routine these days is very simple.  I keep my skin clean with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) and because I'm now 50 years old, I've been using a basic hyaluronic acid to keep the wrinkles at bay topped with Cetaphil lotion (to trap the hyaluronic acid in).

I always wear a hat when I got outside and I am mostly pretty good at remembering to apply sunscreen.

This probably really is my last post regarding my battle with rosacea.  ...maybe...

All the very best

Kate

My rosacea has been beaten so this is a final update...maybe?

I saw my dermatologist last Thursday.  She has told me that she doesn't want to see me for the next 18 months.  Hooray!  I like her a lot but the consultation fee is something I don't particularly enjoy paying.

Her advice is to continue using the Quellada Scabies Lotion just once a week as a maintenance against the demodex mites.  She said I could use the Lyclear but I reminded her that I was a bit irritated by the formaldehyde in the cream although once a week as maintenance would not be an issue for me as it was when I was using it daily.

She said that there is no need to switch to SooLantra.  It does the same job and the Quellada is 70% less expensive.

My advice to anyone who has found my page:

• Ignore my earlier posts and go straight to using a dedicated scabies treatment - either Lyclear or Quellada.  Use it every evening and eventually the demodex mites will be eradicated.

If you can afford to, use SooLantra.  I would imagine the preparation is very gentle on the skin although I have not had the opportunity to try a sample.

• Only once the mites have been eradicated will it be worth assessing the damage to your skin and determining a course of repair as in IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

• The science is here to support it and dermatologists the world over now agree that the pimple and pustule rosacea is caused by demodex mite infestation (or over-colonization) so don't be afraid to broach this subject with a dermatologist. It is interesting to note that ophthalmologists came to this conclusion a lot earlier linking blepharitis and occular rosacea to demodex mites.

• Don't fall prey to companies (or individuals) with outlandish claims of a magic cure.  There are a lot of people making a lot of money because of rosacea.  If it sounds too good to be true, avoid it!  When I was experimenting in my earlier posts, I was enticed to try a bit of pseudo-science (apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, undiluted tea tree oil etc) and I am the first to admit that the feeling of desperation can override usually good common sense.  

Finally, be kind to yourself and be gentle on your skin.  Don't be sad about the damage, the skin has a remarkable ability to repair if you gently (and patiently) help it along.  

Right side of face. May 17, 2016

Left side of face. May 17, 2016

Best wishes

Kate

Almost a year - comparison pics.

Almost a year since I started my personal war on demodex mites.  Here are the before and after shots.

Right Cheek 29 Nov 2014

Left Cheek 29 Nov 2014

Right Cheek 21 Nov 2015

Left Cheek 21 Nov 2015

My battle against Demodex Mites has been won!

It's really nice to know that people are reading about my journey!  Here's an update...

It has been almost one year and my skin has improved significantly.

Since getting the demodex mites under control using Quellada scabies lotion on a daily basis, my dermatologist has said to use it once a week.  Sometimes I forget and use it every couple of weeks when a small pimple reminds me to apply the lotion (paying particular attention to my sebum rich areas - the creases of nose and chin).

Morning routine at this time:
Cleanse with Cetaphil.
Zinc sunscreen with a tint OR I apply a mineral foundation if I am needing a made up look.

Evening routine at this time:
Cleanse with a micellar water to remove the sunscreen or makeup.
Apply Cetaphil lotion OR Quellada (once a week - I aim for Sunday evening)

The redness which remains is veins damages from the Demodex infestation.  To minimise the flare ups, I have had 4 sessions of IPL.  Initially the settings were low and bearable but each session is now dreaded as the operator has increased the pulse and focuses on my problem areas - on and around the nose and a couple of really stubborn veins on my chin.  I take two paracetamol before I go to the appointment but I doubt they do much to counter the shock of each zap.  I describe myself as pretty tough but I cried during my last session.

On average, it takes me around 3 days to recover from a session most of which consists of tender skin, one or two little bruises and swelling beneath the eyes.

I've got a routine I follow to minimise the discomfort.  As soon as I get into the car, I apply alcohol free aloe vera gel and turn the air conditioner on for an icy blast.  As soon as I arrive home, I very gently wash the sunscreen off my face (applied by the IPL operator as a matter of course) and apply Advantan cream followed by a layer of aloe vera.  I spend the next couple of hours sitting up on the bed, fanning my face with a hand fan and gently applying cold compress to particularly hot areas.

I stopped using the Solosite burn gel but only because as soon as you touch it, it sort of flakes off in blobs and was a bit messy.  I recommend that you don't go out in public with it on.  Other than that, if you have some on hand, go for it!

Within a couple of hours, I have the redness under control.  The skin feels very tender and remains that way for a few days.

I almost forgot!  Here's some exciting news for Australian rosacea sufferers!...  My dermatologist said that SooLantra will be here within the next month or so.  She said that although the Quellada has been excellent for me, she would get me a sample of SooLantra to try.  It will be interesting to see how much the SooLantra will cost here but it won't be anywhere near as affordable as the $25 a bottle I pay for Quellada.

Still battling the demodex mites but winning!

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.

It's been a while between updates.

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.

Die you Demodex, die!

...I'm obviously not a Buddhist!

I had little sleep last night as I was very conscious of the mites moving upon my face.  It had me wondering if the Ivomec was not working for some reason.  I remembered that I'd left it out of the cupboard for a week in filtered sunlight while I was interstate for a holiday.  Could that amount of sunlight reduce the potency of the ivermectin in the solution?

I telephoned Merial and without giving too much away, I asked them if that amount of sunlight could effect the active ingredient.  After consulting with their resident vet, they assured me that it would be fine to "administer to my cattle".  I'm relieved to know that because I am only halfway through the 200ml bottle.

However, it does confirm that the mites are still not being effectively eradicated.

More research led me to a very interesting document: http://www.google.com/patents/US5952372 
Entitled: Oral administration or topically applying ivermectin in a dosage to eliminate demodex folliculorum mites from hair follicles in affected skin.

In short, William Robert McDaniel states that treating rosacea "with oral ivermectin in a regimen of 200 micrograms per kilogram body weight per dose for 2 or 3 consecutive doses at least 3 and not more than 7 days apart as the preferred regimen or, alternatively, topical ivermectin compounded to a 2% concentration by weight in a cream, lotion, or gel carrier vehicle is administered as an effective treatment for all clinical stages and signs of rosacea in affected persons."

My GP wrote me a script for Stromectol 3mg in December - based on my body weight I was to take 5 tablets.  Because of a miscommunication with the Pharmacist I took an incorrect dose of 4 tablets December 19th, 6 tablets January 17th and today I took the correct dose of 5 tablets.

Based on McDaniel's findings, I need to take my next dose in 4, 5 or 6 days time and could take my remaining dose again at 4, 5 or 6 days after that.  A detailed description is in the article (link above) but here's the reason why:  It "treats such rosacea patients with at least two doses timed so that between three and seven days separate the doses. Such spacing allows time for Demodex eggs to hatch into immature mites that are killed before they can mature into egg-producing adults. While two doses has been demonstrated to be quite effective, in unusual cases where absorption is impaired, as many as four doses at three- to seven-day intervals could be employed."

Today's dose was 2pm February 2nd.
My next dose should be 7th February.
My final dose should be 13th February.

...and then I'll need to assess the outcome.  

Today's pics show the evidence of mite's at work during the night.  Several red dots on my right cheek and a couple on my left.  Over the course of the day my cheeks became more inflamed looking.   It's a step backwards but it prompted me to do more research and thereby finding this wonderful document.  ...so I'm going to say it's really a step forward!

Week 5 progress pics.

Where have we come in 5 weeks of using firstly Tea Tree Oil products and Ivermectin in the form of Ivomec?

Here are the first images taken November 29, 2014 followed by the most recent images taken today January 26, 2015.

Without a doubt, there has been an improvement.

One week until I see my dermatologist.

I've focused on applying the Ivomec in the early evening (before the mites stir from their "homes") and again before I go to bed.  

The break outs are less common now.  There hasn't been a deep hot bump for a couple of weeks and the white-headed pimples are no longer a daily occurrence.  A dab of TTO comes to the rescue and quickly heals the spot.

While the skin on my cheeks still appears to be red, I'm wondering if it's a combination of vein damage and that it's just going to take a long time for my skin to heal now that I seem to have the mites under control.  I wouldn't want to address the issue of broken veins until I'm 100% confident that I can control the rosacea.

One week until I present myself to the dermatologist.

Week 3 and the demodex fight back!

My skin, which was looking less inflamed into week 2, is now a battlefield of raised red bumps and surface whiteheads.  I am being woken around 2am by a sense of the mites moving over my face and brows and have been reapplying the Ivomec.  My pores seem to have enlarged again with the increase in activity over the past three days.

I had read in the Galderma trail results that there is a surge of activity at the week three mark and I'm certainly noticing it.  The fact that I am experiencing this using the Ivomec gives me hope that it is working in the same way as the SooLantra and am looking forward to a turnaround in week 4 and continued improvements onward from that point.

I am continuing the daily cleansing of my face with the TTO foaming facewash and the nightly application of Ivomec when the mites are moving from the pores in search of a breeding partner.

Two weeks to go until I see my dermatologist.

Seeing results with Ivermectin.

After one week of using Ivomec twice daily after cleansing, I'm seeing an improvement.  I noted that Galderma's patients saw improvement by the 2 week mark with a decline in skin condition (increased pimples and pustules) around the 3rd week and then further improvement from the 4th week.  

My observations using Ivomec are that around the 3rd day I experienced a substantial breakout of surface-based whiteheads across both cheeks and lesser so on my neck, decolletage and across my upper back.  It should be noted that I was not applying the Ivomec onto my upper back.  Within 2 days, the whiteheads are clearing with only the occasional one appearing.  In the last 7 days there have not been any of the painful, deeper cystic-type swellings.

Each time I have applied the Ivomec, I have noticed a slight warming sensation of the skin.  The feeling dissipates within seconds.  There is no accompanying flushing of the skin, it's is only a sensation.  I don't know if the sensation is due to the ivermectin itself but I suspect it is more likely to be from one of the carrier ingredients (glycerol formal or propylene glycol) and I'll bet it is specifically the propylene glycol which is used in personal lubricant products because of the warming sensation it provides. 

Regarding the safety of using Ivomec to treat my rosacea, I have found the following information: 
Ivermectin works by disrupting nerve impulses in parasites. It binds to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells which leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane, thereby paralyzing and killing the invaders.

The margin of safety for compounds of this class is attributable to the fact that mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels, the macro-cyclic lactones have a low affinity for other mammalian ligandgated chloride channels and they do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.

Source: http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=27632

It's exactly one month until my appointment with my dermatologist.

SooLantra has been approved by the FDA.

Reading that the FDA has approved an Ivermectin based cream to treat rosacea was like getting a Christmas gift from Galderma!

From what I have read, Ivermectin (the active ingredient in Soolantra Cream), has been reported to have both anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic activity.  Soolantra® (ivermectin) Cream 1% is found to be well tolerated with powerful results seen as early as two weeks with continuous improvement in patients with inflammatory lesions of rosacea.

Here is the Press Release from Galderma USA.

I can't imagine Soolantra will be available in Australia for some time but I had read in an initial report that the  new cream contists of ivermectin combined with Cetaphil cream (another Galderma product).  Having both a bottle of injectable (livestock) Ivomec (10mg/ml) and Cetaphil cream on hand, I mixed up a small batch to see what would happen.

I added 2 squirts of Cetaphil cream and 16 drops of Ivomec to a small stainless steel bowl and mixed them with a small metal spatula.  The two ingredients combined easily with no distinct separation.  I applied the mixture to my face, neck and decolletage.

Observations after 24 hours (3 applications):

• Face feels calm - not inflamed.
• Itching has diminished on face, neck and decolletage but seems more pronounced in my scalp.
• Small red dots have appeared across cheeks.  Particularly on the right cheek which is the side I sleep on.

My new routine will be as follows:
Twice daily TTO foaming face wash followed by hydrogen peroxide (3%) washed over any newly formed pustules (rinse with water after a few minutes) and then application of the home brew mixture of Cetaphil and Ivomec.

I'm lucky to have an open-minded GP.

My research of late has made me want to try oral Ivermectin (Stomectol) as a way of eradicating the demodex mites, or at least to rule it out.  Ivermectin is usually prescribed as a one-off treatment to cure scabies however demodex mites have a difficult life cycle to crack with eggs hatching within three days of being laid.  My thoughts are that more than one dose of it will be required.  

I made the appointment with my GP solely to discuss this issue.  It was interesting to note that she hadn't heard of demodex mites until now but was open-minded regarding what I was hoping to achieve and asked me how many courses did I think I would need to break the cycle.  I was unsure and hesitant to name a figure but she asked me if I thought 4 doses would be enough?  At this point in time, I'll take whatever I can get!  Since this is entirely experimental, I have no idea how often I should take doses for maximum effect.  I'm suspecting I should do it weekly and if I am getting good results, ask for another prescription.

I took my first dose yesterday but the pharmacist got the dosage wrong and only gave me 4 tables instead of the 5 tablets my GP worked out based on my body weight.  Eager to start, I took the dose during a meal and waited for any side effects but didn't experience anything - no nausea, no dizzyness etc.  I'll make sure I get the proper dosage next time.  It's not going to be a cheap exercise at $28 for 4 tablets.

I slept incredibly well last night and quite possibly it was the best sleep I've had in a long time.  It makes me wonder if my sleep disturbances are due to the nocturnal wanderings of the mite.  Perhaps I am having some success in diminishing their numbers?

Looking at the images, on my right cheek there is a large welt as a result of a deep and very painful infection.  It took 4 days to surface and looking at it, I think it will take several more to heal.  I'm not feeling defeated because this is the first pustular sore I have had since I started my routine in early December.  There have been other tiny infections which are closer to the surface resembling a whitehead but they heal quickly.  I'm assuming that over the next few days, if the Ivermectin is a success, I will end up with quite a lumpy sore face as a result of mass die-off - the infection will be due to the bacterium the mites leave in each pore as they decompose.

My left cheek, aside from having three tiny surface infections, is looking very good.  It gives me hope that by persisting with my TTO routine and in addition to regular washings alternating pyrethrin, permethin and benzyl benzoate should being results.

Continuing the TTO routine.

I promised myself I would write here every day.  Maybe it will be more realistic if I post weekly instead.

Having continued with the routine of twice daily washing with a TTO based cleansing foam, followed by a generous application of a TTO based acne ointment, I have also been patting on 100% TTO on top of the ointment.  My skin hasn't looked so nice in years!  It's quite smooth and hydrated.

It's an odd sensation, but within minutes I can feel a ticking "movement" on my face.  I wonder if it is mites squirming to find a more habitable place.

The pimples and pustules are few and far between these days.  If I get one, zap it with a bit of Hydrogen Peroxide (applied with a cotton bud/Q-tip) and leave it there to dry out.

As you can see in the photographs, one side is worse than the other.  It's interesting to note that the worst side is the side I sleep on.

Itchy but not bumpy!

So itchy!  Aaaagh!

I'm feeling like I'm being eaten alive.  Mostly it's my body and scalp - in small patches on my face or throat.  I wonder if the TTO routine and pryrethrin is doing little more than just annoy the mites.  I'll take an anti-histermine and consider another course of action.

Regardless of the lack of calmness in my complexion today, my face hasn't developed any new bumps or pimples so I am going to view this as another positive advancement.  ...You can cover up redness with makeup but you can't disguise lumpy skin.

I was reading today about Ivermecton and also found some information regarding sulphur cream.  It might be time to have a chat with my GP to see if she has any thought regarding mite eradication.  Failing that, I'll go and see a vet!  

Another route I have considered as a "value add" is traditional Chinese medicine.  If the imbalances I am having are due to a lowered immune system, and my current diet (which isn't all that bad) can't rectify the situation, then perhaps some acupuncture can assist. 

Progress and some new ideas.

My skin was not as calm this morning.  I woke with a mild headache and delayed my routine for an hour or so.  I decided to take a steamy shower in the hope it would help with my headache.  Since the bottle of Pyrenel Foam was still where I had left it, I added it to a washer and lathered my entire body for a few minutes but used only the TTO Foaming Cleanser on my face.    

The itching sensation died off again.  If my rosacea is related to demodex mites, then it seems that they are not easily eradicated.  A regular application and perhaps some different insecticides will be required.

I searched for insecticides which use different active ingredients other than pyrethrin and came across scabies and body lice medications:

• lindane
• crotamine
• benzyl benzoate
• clotrimazole
• permithrin

Another visit to Chemist Warehouse!  I found a plain brown bottle on the bottom shelf labelled Benzemul Application (contains benzyl benzoate 250mg/ml).  I'll try this in a a few days time.

Another plain brown bottle I found was Hydrogen Peroxide 3%.  Mum (a nurse) always had a bottle of this at home when I was growing up.  As soon as it hits pus it fizzes and as a kid I always found it a little bit exciting to get the fizz on a skinned knee or sore.

And, I noticed in my photographs that I had some black pores at the sides of my nose and remembered a product I used to use called Biore Pore Pack.  Yes!  They still make them and I noted that they have extended their range into acne treatments as well.  

It wasn't a cheap shopping expedition.  I needed shampoo as well and I don't usually purchase it from a chemist but Thursday Plantation has a TTO shampoo and conditioner so I added that to my pile of experimental goodies.

When I got home, I rinsed my face and applied the pore packs to my nose, cheeks, chin and forehead.  After around 15 minutes when they had dried to a crisp, I gently peeled them off.  Mostly the papers were clean but the nose paper was pretty gross.  I took a photograph but really can't bring myself to share it.  I did a second application for the nose and again, more grossness but that's all my nose can handle for one day.  

A google search regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide with rosacea brought me to a page where a mixture of the liquid with Baking Soda into a paste and applied to the face was getting results.  

...I know, I'm jumping all over the place with trying too many ideas at once but I'm eager to be rid of this redness.  You can tell I'm not a scientist!

Anyway, I mixed a toothpaste like concoction and caked it onto my nose, cheeks and chin.  It was a tingly, burning sensation but not unbearable.  The mixture was puffing slightly.  To keep it from falling off, I used the spoon to move it around.  Next time I'll add it and then lie down on the floor so it doesn't fall off.

I was feeling nervous about how my face would react to having the hydrogen peroxide on it.  I rinsed under running lukewarm water and my skin instantly felt very soft.  It was a little reddened but not uncomfortable.  A couple of spots had appeared overnight an I used a cotton tip to dab some undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly onto them.  They fizzed!  

I applied TTO antibacterial ointment and didn't get a chance to look in the mirror again for an hour or so but when I did, I was happy to see even calmer skin than I have for a long while.

Let's exterminate!

December 2, 2014

The itching sensation woke me up around 1am and I was so distracted by it I decided to do some more research regarding demodex mites.  In particular, their lifespan and how to eradicate them.  

The word pyrethrin stood out to me and I remembered seeing something like this in our medicine cupboard.  It was a bottle of head lice shampoo called Pyrenel Foam contained Pyrethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide.

At 7.30am, I was in the shower and used the Pryenel Foam as an insecticide.  It foamed beautifully in my hair and I used the lather to coat my entire body in foam.  I was careful to avoid my eyes but I applied it to the lower half of my face.  I stood in the shower (with the water turned off) and waited for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Perhaps it was overkill, but I then followed my morning routine of washing, blotting with paper towel, applying ointment and dabbing the pure TTO as needed.

Over the course of the day, I could feel a couple of new bumps forming low down on my right jawline and dotted the pure TTO during the course of the day.

For several hours I didn't experience any itching on my scalp or body but as the night fell, I started to feel like things were moving on my skin.  I will do the full body and hair treatment again in a few days time.

Greeting the day calmly.

November 30, 2014

I woke this morning to relatively calm skin.  No new bumps had appeared overnight. 

I washed my face over the basin using the Tea Tree Oil cleanser (leaving it on for approximately 2 minutes before rinsing off under the tap) and blotting gently with paper towel to avoid cross-contamination.  Following this, I applied the TTO ointment and dabbed on the pure TTO on old bumps.

The calmness in my complexion remained until the heat of the day caused me to flush however, it was not as bad a reaction to the heat as I have previously experienced.

Periodically, I observed that while my face was no longer feeling itchy, my hairline was itching.  Am I imagining this?

The images below were taken that evening.