Please someone tell me whats wrong with my cheeks?

[hrs90]

Hello, I am a 21 year old guy and I have had red cheeks for like 4-5 years now. I strongly doubt its acne, because its only on my cheeks and no where else on my face, plus it really doesn't look like acne. Over the past 5 years it has gotten worse or better, and I have noticed that it gets worse during the winter and improves slightly over the summer. These started around when I was 17, before that my skin was clear. I have been to the dermatologist for this before, and he too says it can't be acne or rosacea. They did a blood test to rule out lupus, and turns out that it has nothing to do with lupus. Now they want to do an expensive biopsy, to figure out what this is, but honestly I'm a college student and broke, and can't afford that type of money. I have also tried Erythromycin before and that didn't seem to do me any good. Anyway, if you think you know something that I don't please feel free to post. I appreciate all the answer I get. Thank you in advance.

here are pictures:

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8779/p4080067k.jpg
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/2272/p4080071.jpg
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6634/p4080065.jpg
http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/9917/p4080066c.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7240/p4080073.jpg
http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/6816/p4080056.jpg

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Unfortunately the pictures could not be opened but from the symptoms, rosacea needs to be ruled out. Rosacea is a cutaneous disorder primarily of the central part of the face , such as forehead; cheeks ;nose; and chin.
I agree with your dermatologist that in the absence of lupus, rosacea is an important possibility to be ruled out and you need to get a biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[jenma]

I don't know what it is exactly, but do try cleaning it with peroxide and dry. Then, Apple Cider Vinegar (dilute if it stings,bc it is very strongly acidic)... ACV usually helps with SEVERAL different ailements...lots of luck!