Reoccurring face rash

I'm an 18 year old male and I have had a reoccurring face rash for 6 years. The rash is typically on my upper cheeks, 1/2 and inch or so below my bottom lip, sometimes and my jaw, and sometimes on my forehead. It seems to be triggered by almost everything. If I ever sleep anywhere other than my house I will surely get it. I also get it from swimming, being in nature (mountain biking and hiking). Being in the sun irritates it. Water makes my skin feel constricted. I also can't wash my face, because that triggers it also. I have found it usually takes 3-4 days to develop. The rash is not particularly bumpy. It's red and not horribly noticeable, but it is extremely uncomfortable. I've gone to the doctor many times and the dermatologist a few. The doctor told me it was rosacia and gave me a metronidazole cream. I used this when I did have a rash and the next it was unbearable. I didn't use it anymore and I ended up just taking prednisone. Prednisone is the only thing I've found to work although I don't take it often because I know its bad for you.  I went to the dermatoligist and she told me I had atopic dermititus and gave me 2 preventative creams, epiceram and proactive. At first I thought these prevented it but I've been using them for about 4 months, and have gotten then same rash 3 times. Just recently I've noticed my nose gets red the day before I get it. The rash usually lasts 1 week if I don't take prednisone, if I do then only 2 or 3. Any ideas what to do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is difficult confirming a diagnosis without examination , but it can be rosacea. Rosacea is a cutaneous disorder primarily of convexities of the central part of the face , such as forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Pimples are sometimes included as part of the definition.

Treatment options vary from antibiotic creams, antihistaminics, sun screens to laser treatment. Also the triggers of rosacea have to be avoided. My advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[Kyle594]

if it is rosacea, is the medicine supposed to make it worse before it gets better?