From:  gnas_@_.edu 
Date:  Sat Feb 27, 1999  2:49 am 

I will reply to the recent posts early next week. I do most
of my work at home on the weekend (my fiance made it crystal
clear to me that this was in my best interest) -- I am not
hooked up to the Internet at home so I cannot view or answer
your posts via the WEB.

Some quick comments:

1. Everyone should re-read the first three sentences of the
post by Laurie Pastin. This is exactly the brain storming that
results in scientific and medical breakthroughs!! Vitamin K has
been the plastic surgeons magical secret weapon for post-susrgery
bruising (damaged blood vessels). It has been shown to strengthen
blood vessels (arterioles, capillaries and venules) in scientific
studies. Small concentrations of Vit. K added to your daily
routine may have a very positive effect on undereye bags (swelling),
undereye bluish color (dilated venules returning de-oxygenated
blood) and red dilated arterioles that have not been structurally
damaged. There are some creams that are sold over the counter that
have Vit K compounded into them. The only problem is that the bases
(non-active ingredients) in the creams cause irritation in most rosacea
patients that use them -- thus cancelling out the positive anti-
inflammatory effect of Vit K. For undereyes, Avon does make an
excellent Vit K creme that I highly recommend (Lighten Up).

2. Retin-A and Renova:

Not recommended even if they do prevent papules and pustules. These
two medications are wonderful products for normal people, but could
contribute to underlying inflammation in most rosaceans. In a recent
Arch Dermatol 1999 issue, JK Wilkin (previously a dermatologist who
was the GURU of rosacea) explains that these Vit A derivatives may
cause angiogensis of facial blood vessels (even in normal people) and
that people with rosacea should do 'NO HARM' to themselves. This is
harmful. This is consistent with Klingman's clinical observations.