Tried it all--next step.

Hi.  I've got redness on my face- specifically across the tops of my cheeks and nose.  I also have redness on the tops of my forearms.  I went to the dermatologist who told me I have rosacea, but it has never itched, burned or developed any bumps of any kind. I do have some break outs, but they are lower on my face and have been linked to PCOS. I have hair loss, and my mother developed RA when she was 19, before I was born.

He has put me on a series of medications--metro gel, finacea, and now he's given me a "last resort" lotion... whose name escapes me, but starts with a "D." All of these medications I have taken as instructed for months (on top of using 85 SPF sunblock, avoiding sunlight as much as possible, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and getting too hot or too cold... which being in Louisiana... is really difficult) ... and none of these medications and "good behavior" have had any effect.

Could this be something else? Is there anything else I should try?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms,it sounds like 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.You can get a complete list of these triggers from the following website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosacea

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.

[Saturn_Calluna]

I also have Rosacea...Just go to the skin doctor and he or she will prescribe you a cleanser or moisturizers. They do help but when I eat spicy food my face turns red so yeah. :-p

[Deepbluekat]

That's just it.

I've been to the doctor who has given me several medications to use. I changed my facial cleanser to the recommended one, stopped eating hot foods, caffeine, rarely have alcohol, avoid the sun, and try to keep from getting "too hot" or "too cold"... and my nose and cheeks are STILL always red... and I have redness on the tops of my forearms right above my wrists that comes and goes.

I've got very oily skin, so I don't think the moisturizer would help, but I would try it if the doctor recommends it.

[Saturn_Calluna]

Hmm...maybe it could be another skin condition you don't know about? I really think you should see a different skin doctor. Rosacea can be easily controlled so it probably is something else. :-/

[Ellebell2009]

You can try Soothe from Rodan and Fields. It targets red, irritated, and sensitive skin. It will reduce almost all redness. My good friends redness is completely gone.
http://elleleatherman.myrandf.com/Shopping/Product.aspx?cid=68

SOOTHE REGIMEN FOR SENSITIVE, IRRITATED SKIN, AND FACIAL REDNESS
Where do you turn when your face can't take it anymore? Calm the flush-blush reaction of a hypersensitive complexion. SOOTHE Regimen purifies the skin, de-stresses redness and irritation, fortifies skin’s barrier, and relieves inflammation of your skin, while promoting an even-toned, luminous complexion.