Hi ---

I'm new to the list, and I'm delighted to be able to contribute
something already.  I hope this information is useful:

I have true rosacea (no mistaken diagnosis here), and have had it for
many years.  My condition is characterized by extremely sensitive skin
on my face --- I break out in a rash at the drop of a hat.  I also flush
very easily --- I get beet red (not much exaggeration) from
more-than-moderate exertion.  (I had wicked sunburns as a child, and fit
the classic skin cancer profile to a "T", right down to being half
Irish.)

I have also been plagued by multiple allergies from childhood --- molds,
pollen, and many foods set me off wheezing, with itchy eyes, flushing
face, racing pulse, sinus problems, rashes, hives, stomach cramps,
etc.

Some doctors and researchers believe that rosacea is unrelated to
allergies, while others insist that it indeed a symptom of some
underlying disorder.  Being the wholistic type myself, I agree with the
latter opinion --- I've thought for some years now that my rosacea is
coming from some kind of internal imbalance, and I've been making myself
crazy trying to nail it down.  I've avoided taking antibiotics and
steroids for my rosacea --- virtually every dermatologist in North
America pushes this type of treatment, which usually seems to do the
patient more harm than good.

Anyway, after many years as a vegetarian (lacto-ovo, but not much lacto,
as I'm allergic to cows' milk), I was tested for food allergies in
February by a naturopathic clinic where they use a wide-ranging testing
process that goes beyond the usual scratch test for IgE-mediated
allergies.  They warned me to stay away from most grains (especially
gluten), sugar, lentils and many other legumes, potatoes and tomatoes.
A friend who is also coping with multiple allergies encouraged me to at
least investigate paleofood theory, as it rather nicely meshes with my
allergy profile.

Long story short:  I'm now in my second month of a grain-free,
legume-free, dairy-free diet, including plenty of fish, and my rosacea
has improved rather dramatically.  My other allergy symptoms seem to be
in remission for the most part, except for some not-too-serious summer
hay fever (Ontario pollen is particularly bad this year, so it *should*
be a lot worse!).  Needless to say (but I'm going to say it anyway!),
I'd suggest that a person with rosacea try eliminating potentially
irritating foods from her/his diet --- I'd start with gluten and sugar
for sure.

I'd also like to mention before I sign off that you guys rock!  I've
spent a couple of hours reading the 2002 list archives, and I'm
reassured that this discussion group is the right place for me to
continue to explore ways to reduce my allergy symptoms (and repair my
wacky immune system) through diet.

Merci beaucoup for sharing your good ideas,
Pat Lucey