Is this rosacea?

[Liz]

About a year ago, I suddenly developed an itchy, raised bright red rash my face, especially around the checks.  It started as a slight, but noticeable rash.  Thinking it was an allergy that I had acquired to my makeup, I switched to Almay, which is supposed to be "hypoallergenic".  I also used an OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream, which seemed to help.  I also avoided using makeup, whenever possible.  The rash would subside, then come back, usually after wearing makeup all day.  

The rash continued to worsen & spread, so that my entire check area was affected, & the rash also spread downward toward my jawline.  There are no pus-filled pimples, blackheads, or any acne-looking breakouts, & the rash doesn't burn, & the skin under the rash is not sunburned looking.  It does itch, esp. after wearing makeup for some time, or over the course of several days.

My doctor diagnosed it as rosacea, and presribed metrogel and an antibiotic, which I took for two months--neither helped.  As a matter of fact, the metrogel seemed to worsen (& sting) the rash, so I discontinued using it.  My HMO makes it difficult to consult
a dermatologist, so I'm wondering if this is the correct diagnosis & treatment?  Thanks!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Liz:

Sounds like eczema to me.  This is often mistaken for an allergy to makeup, etc.  It may coincide with the parts of the face affected by rosacea, and it is red, but of course it doesn't respond to rosacea treatment.

Hydrocortisone helps, though temporarily.  This is a sensitivity, usually inborn.  I wouldn't be surprised if you had sensitive skin as an infant or young shild which was passed off as allergy to milk or whatnot.  You "grew out of it"-- till now.

Try suppressing the symptoms ith occasional use of 1% hydrocortisone, which is safe.  Wangle a referral to a dermatologist for confirmation.

best.

dr. R

[Liz]

Thanks for your help!  I did a lot of searching about rosacea on the web, & didn't find anything that says itching is a part of rosacea, so I wondered if that is what I really have.  I have been going without makeup for the past several days, & using OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream, & the rash & itch are fading.

I might add that I almost always develop a vicious winter-time eczema on the shins of both legs, that only responds to Fluocinonide Cream USP, 0.05%. I haven't tried this on my face, because my doctor said it would only make rosacea worse.  But, if it is an exzema (eczema), not rosacea,  would that help it, too?  Thanks again for your help!

[Christine]

Liz,
At age 55, my mother has developed "facial eczema".  She has never had a history of sensitive skin or eczema anywhere else on the body, but her symptoms are very much like yours.  She finally got an appointment with a dermatologist who gave her something a little better than the OTC hydrocortisone cream.  It seems to have improved but is not 100% better and we still can't figure out if there is a trigger for it.  Like you, she thought it was makeup--but not wearing doesn't seem to help.
Christine

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Liz:

I wouldn't use fluocinonide on the face--too strong.  I'd use the hydrocortisone instead.

Good luck!

Dr. R

[Christine]

My face has broken out in a red, pimply looking red rash. It started on the left side of my face and has spread throughout my facial area. I am using westcort now, any suggestions? Christine.

[Tom Thuma]

(09 June 2000/Friday) I'm 54. Recently developed small 1/16", red, blisters on my forehead.
Shortly after much less defined 3/8" red blotches on my cheeks.
Then a large dard reddish rash on both sides of my neck (but not
front or back of neck).
Then well-defined 1/8" red spots here-and-there on my shoulders,
and upper chest/back.  A >few< have pus.  Sometimes one or two
may itch like crazy.

Notes:  My face does not itch but does feel "irritated" at times.

My neck does not itch & does not feel irritated.

All of the above is worse when I first walk up.  The forehead, ckeeks, and neck area tend to clear up during the day... But then it's time for bed again, where the process repeats.  (My
wife has none of these symptoms.) Heat & sweating aggravate my forehead.

I have sprayed & bombed the bedroom, washed the sheets/pillow
cases/etc., and vacuumed.  Sulphur dust on my shoulders & upper back/chest reduces the number of those bites(?). The only new item being used is a liquid soap with triclosan in it.

Hydrocortisone 2.5% helps clear up the redness on my forehead & cheeks.  Tried micronazole nitrate on 1/2 of my forehead just yesterday.  It caused a burning sensation, but this morning there are fewer & smaller blisters on that side of my forehead.

Does any of this suggest a fungus -vs- a mite -vs- whatever???

Many-many thanks for your help!!! --Can't wait to hear from you!      Take good care, Tom Thuma
     Greenville, NC  ---  ***@****

[ash]

Over the past year I have had exzema (eczema) of the scalp.  I have very
dry, sensitive skin.  I have been using 100% Tea Tree Oil(Metlaleauca) which helps a considerable amount.  I have been told it helps for any exzema (eczema) situation, but I was wondering if there is anything I can use to get rid of the dry skin cells that collect in the base of my hair.

[Karen - e-mail: [e-mail]]

About 5 years ago at the age of 30 I developed acne.  I have been to three different dermatologist and been on a host of medications (oral and topical) and still not luck.  In desperation started birth control pills 5 months ago because my family practitioner said it may help clear up the acne.  Still not luck.

I'm at a loss and wonder if this could possibly be Rosacea.  My sister was diagnosed approximately 10 years ago and I wonder if it could be herediary.  I have asked my dermatologist if she feels it could be Rosacea and have been told no.  I feel like I'm spending an awful lot of money ($100.00 per month) and not gaining any results.  

I have both non-productive and productive bumps, and most of the non-productive bumps stay on my face, chin, etc. for months.  Also, if this is just acne, why don't I have acne on my back or chest?  

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thank You! Karen

[Mark]

I am trying to figure out if I have eczema, rosacea or "none of the above."  I develop red, burning areas on my cheeks next to my nose (i.e., in the "valley" between my nose and cheek on each side of my face).  It does not develop in the "rosy cheeks" area.  It does develop on my chin, but not very often.  I develop red and flaking areas below my eyebrows.

Prior to seeing the Doctor, I used HC cream and ointment, Noczema, Desitin (for baby rash, has zinc oxide and cod liver oil...stinks), various Neutrogena products with acids and Retin A.  None of these seems to "knock" is out.  The Doctor said I have rosacea and prescribed Metrogel.  Metrogel, like the Neutrogena products, seems to make the areas burn more, especially around my nose and chin.  I have only been using the Metrogel for 3 days.

By the way, I have read some info on rosacea and seen some examples.  I do not think my redness resembles those examples.  My redness and burning occurs close to my nose, not out on my cheeks.  Also, I do not have anything that resembles pimples.

Can anyone help me with this problem?

Thanks, Mark.

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