What is this rash?

I have a rash that appears around my nose.  I went to one dermatologist and he gave me clindamiacin but it doesn't help.  It doesn't ich but it stays red all the time.  I have had it for almost two years!! Do you know what to do?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jamie:

It could be rosacea, seborrhea, irritation, or your natural skin color.  There are many things needed to establish the diagnosis, but all of them require asking a number of questions and, even more important, looking at it.  Are you uncomfortable with the dermatologist you saw?  Did you ask him or her whether there was an alternative, or confirm that you used the clindamycin long enough (usually 4-6 weeks) to work?  If you didn't, maybe you should, or perhaps get another opinion.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[WatchingYou]

Ask your dermatologist:
1)what he thinks this is
2)why he thinks so

...Get a second opinion...always.