Red Cheek

When I was thirteen or fourteen, a parrot bit my left cheek. Since it has healed, that side of my face has always been much more red than the other. I've assumed it was due to broken blood vessels as it gets much more red when I'm warm. Is there anything I can do to minimize the redness?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Broken blood vessels or telangiectasia are small dilated blood vessels present under the skin especially on the face. It can be due to environmental changes, skin trauma, overuse of steroids, acne rosacea or venous hypertension. Telangiectasias on the face are often treated with laser. My sincere advice is to consult a cosmetologist and discuss this with him.
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.