Not sure if OH has Rosacea or acne

Ask to see a dermatologist.

It sounds like rosacea if being in the sun makes it flare up. My OHs rosacea improved enormously (come to think of it has gone) since he gave up coffee, and uses sun protection, on advice from the GP.

My DH has rosacea and he went to see a dermatologist who prescribed a very light antibiotic tablet which he takes daily. He also has the cream if needed. Interestingly he was told it is a bacterial infection and if left it will eventually make the nose very red and mis-shaped.
2-3 years ago when he was in ICU with sepsis he was given very strong antibiotics intravenously - besides eventually ridding him of the infection it has greatly improved the rosacea. He has continued to take the regular tablets though.

Thanks everyone, I had heard that it needs treating ASAP, otherwise it can get much worse. Our doctor never wants to refer, we are stuck with that practice. I'll persuade him to go back.

I'm 59, and I was diagnosed with Rosacea about 30 years ago. (I'd had the symptoms for a few years before that, but it had been diagnosed as allergies/eczema). My face was sore, very red, covered in PAPULES (lumps but not spots). It resembled acne but without "heads" on the lumps. I was depressed and my confidence was zero. The GP said it was one of the worst cases of Rosacea he'd ever seen.

I was prescribed a variety of antibiotic tablets, creams and gels. None made any difference. I was eventually seen by a dermatologist, who prescribed Roaccutane tablets which worked like a miracle! I had a few courses of them, over the following 2 years.

I haven't needed any treatment at all for about 10 years now. I am quite fed on my nose and a bit across my cheeks. Luckily, make-up covers it. There are certain types of camouflage cosmetic creams that work extremely well, and they are available on prescription. VEIL is one, DERMABLEND is another. I don't need those now, but they were fantastic for me years ago.

Certain things make my face redder and hotter than usual.... HEAT (sunshine, exercise, hot showers/baths, spicy food, etc.)
ALCOHOL... any alcohol at all, including cosmetics etc which contain alcohol.
STRESS...when I'm upset or anxious, my face becomes worse.
SOME FOODS....anything containing Ginger, chillies, tomatoes or citrus fruits.

COLD, WINDY weather.

I only use SIMPLE soap and moisturisers on my skin, and I use SURCARE for my laundry.

Contact ACNE & ROSACEA SOCIETY for more information.

Finacea gel is very effective - prescription only I think.

Roaccutane is usually prescribed for acne and can have serious side effects, so do be careful if your OH is prescribed them. DD was given a prescription at one time but decided not to get the tablets in the end. However, a rash like that can make your life a misery so I can understand someone deciding to take them.

I was prescribed Rozex cream for rosacea which worked well. The dermatologist said that it can be caused by stress.

Thanks again, good information. He IS very stressed, long story. We have financial problems due to him being unable to work due to stress, so I know there is a cause for the stress that won't go away. Also he is outside a lot, we have a huge garden that needs lots of work. Now the pustules make him self concious....It's all a vicious circle.

I will get him a long lasting sun block at least, and try docs again for a different cream, hopefully one you have recommended.

I absolutely believe (and as Lynne points out above) that certain food (e.g. spicy food) and drinks (e.g. drinking strong coffee, alcohol) make it worse.

Thanks. He doesn't eat spicy food or strong coffee. Only has a coffee once every 4 or 5 days. Likewise alcohol. He may have one beer at night, or one small whiskey, but not every night. Perhaps he should cut this out totally for a month.

Also I read somewhere that sugar makes it worse. He does like cakes and biscuits!

He has been out working in the sun a lot of the last 2 days, and getting sweaty with digging. That obviously sets it off.

Some think microscopic mites may be present and cause this. I have found a relatively new treatment Soolantra (Invermectin) that sounds good and has been approved by some NHS Trusts (probably not ours). Back to the doctor I think.

I'm prone to rosacea and take a mild antibiotic which works but also bad with coffe, alcohol etc so have to keep an eye and also a menopause thing for me anyway