So, I am 32/F living in Manhattan and the past 8 months have been pretty painful, both emotionally, and often times, physically. I was diagnosed (by 2 dermatologists) with rosacea, and recently prescribed Oracea, Soolantra, Azelaic Acid and sulfur face wash. My skin is already extremely sensitive and reactive so I was hesitant to start the Soolantra, but as you all know, desperate times call for desperate measures. As I suspected, the Soolantra made my skin breakout in a furious rash, the likes of which I have never experienced in my whole wide life. Even the Azelaic acid bothers my skin, but I stuck with using that (sparingly), and discontinued use of the Soolantra after speaking with my Derm.

Important to add that since this situation reared it’s ugly head, I have done EXTENSIVE research, and have tried pretty much everything under the sun (which I now avoid like a plague). My main triggers (flushing and burning sensation) are sunlight/heat, sugary foods, gluten, alcohol and stress- the latter being a real doozy since it’s something I have trouble managing. To be quite honest, it has also been a motherfucking challenge to cut out sugar, gluten, alcohol, AND sunlight because welp, there goes my social life. It is now summer in NYC and needless to say, I have sunken into a dark pit of despair and desperation.

But alas, hope! As I said, I have done EXTENSIVE research, and most recently started looking into demodex mites as the culprit to my angry, red, and lately, itchy rashes. An angel sent from God posted that a product called Cliradex (containing tea tree oil) helped them with the demodex situation. They’re pricey, but I ordered them on Amazon and started using them last night. I applied the wipe to my face and the rash actually cleared up on my face and SPREAD to my neck (where I had no applied the Cliradex). I have never had a breakout on my neck or any other part of my body, only my face, which, (while taking extra precautionary measures) has been pretty clear for most of my adult life.

I did some more reading about the demodex and apparently, they migrate when the affected area is treated. I used the Cliradex wipe on my neck before I went to bed and when I woke up this morning, there was a drastic improvement. I should also mention that I did a thorough washing of my linens and pillows with hot water and free&clear detergent, adding 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to each load of laundry. I concocted a spray using distilled water and TTO, and sprayed my upholstered furniture with it.

Y’all, I am convinced that these wipes are a game changer. If you look into demodex mites, you will find more information— just be prepared to vomit a little.