re: dermographic,demodex or sun damage

[tittensaw]

Thank you for your response. The reason why rosacea was discounted was because my skin appeared dermographic, I had no pustules and the bumps that came up disappeared within 12 to 24 hours. The flushing was irregular, might be one cheek, or the forehead, and would just occur with  no triggers. Suddenly I would get a warm patch on my face and that area would go red. cool the skin and the redness would subside.
I am wondering whether my problem could be sun damage that has weakened the blood vessels? But I am more worried that I could have something of unknown origin that is untreatable.
This whole thing started with spots and red cheeks 4 months ago. No history of flushing or any skin problems. It just occured. 18 months ago my husband died from a very aggressive cancer which was a shock at the time and I am also wondering if these two are related. My body is telling me something.
Do you still think from my description of symptoms that this could be rosacea?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't think that sun damage would explain these vascular changes, nor do they fit with rosacea.  It is possible that the stress resulting from the terrible shock you have just gone through could indeed explain them, however.  It is disconcerting when something happens that no one can put a name to or explain.  This inevitably raises the concern that something is terribly wrong.  This is especially true when it happens after something like your husband's terrible illness.  Still, minor and unexplainable things happen all the time, and I'm frankly unable to think of any serious underlying condition that fits with your particular symptoms.  You seem to be under proper care and surveillance b y doctors who know what they're doing.  I suspect that with time, your body will readjust and your symptoms stabilize or subside.  It's hard to suggest waiting, but at times that's best, and I think this is one of those times.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff