Just wanted to post my results after starting the Sher system about three
weeks ago.
When I received the system, I had been taking tetracycline for a month and a
half with good results, and had been on Metrogel/cream for four years with no
discernable results (although I suppose it may have prevented me worsening
over that period). Tetracycline had immediately improved my eyes, diminished
redness, and I had no bumps. But I did notice that my skin started to feel
hot, oily and crawly when I was due for another pill, a feeling that led me
to believe I'd have to take tetracycline forever to keep the beast at bay.
The Sher system, particularly the SOS lotion, felt great right away, and
soothed and calmed the "prickles" and heat I associate with rosacea flare.
But a few days after I started the routine, I had a severe photosensitive
reaction while driving around on a particularly bright day (apparently UV
rays penetrate car windows). My GP told me to stop taking tetracycline
immediately.
Helen Sher does not encourage long-term use of tetracycline or metronidazole
and prefers that her clients use her system alone. I was pretty terrified to
stop the tetracycline and just rely on a skincare regimen, but I had no
choice unless I planned on living in a cave for the summer.
Well, it's now been almost three weeks, and I have to tell you all that I did
not have any kind of a rebound flareup after stopping tetracycline. I also
stopped Metrogel/cream, but I asked my derm to prescribe Noritate (he refused
to prescribe the zinc/dimethicone/Noritate compound), and I am using a thin
layer of that "just in case" -- but only after I have completed my Sher
routine and applied zinc/dimethicone-based sunscreen (Basis Face the Day).
Anyway, my skin has been getting better and better -- the suppleness I
enjoyed previous to rosacea has returned, I rarely feel that oily, prickly,
hot feeling any more (and when I do, SOS lotion eliminates it completely --
in the beginning I was using it in the late afternoon but haven't felt the
need the last few days). I just can't believe the difference this has made.
I encourage you all to write to Helen Sher for more information
(sher@dircon.co.uk).
I'm not saying I'm cured of rosacea -- I still wouldn't try drinking red wine
or eating chili -- but this routine is helping me control it much better.
Maybe someday I will have to go back on tetracycline but in the meantime I'm
really enjoying the reprieve!
BTW -- in addition to the Sher system, I'm still taking my old faithful
Evening Primrose Oil, and I've added to that Super-B complex, a multivitamin
(GNC Solotron), and L-Glutamine. I also still shampoo daily using Neutrogena
T/Sal every other day for seb/derm, and I still take care to keep my eyes
clean. And, I still drink at least 8 glasses of cold/ice water daily, and
keep spray misters readily available at work and at home.
I hope this information, a lot of which was culled from the very supportive
members of this group, can help someone else.
Diane