Red rash around nose...

[mhusername]

Here is a pic of my problem...

http://i50.tinypic.com/2zpm88j.jpg

When I was 13 (I am 29 now) I saw a doctor about a bad cold, and he pointed out some dry flakey skin around my nose and behind my ear. He told me to use some Hydrocortizone cream, and sure enough it cleared right up. But after a week or two, it came back as a red rash, and has been red ever since. It doesn't really itch or hurt, and it doesn't dry up unless I skip washing my face for a day.

As you can see in the pic, I have little red dots (are those my 'pores'?) all around my cheek, and a red rash around my nose. I have alwasy been pretty pale, which just makes the redness stand out even more! Is there anything I can do?

Thanks in advance!

[maatson]

Possibly Atrophoderma vermiculatum otherwise known as Acne vermoulante (ulerythema). Essentially a cosmetic problem.  Dermabration may help in the appropriate after confirming diagnosis.
Best wishes.

[mhusername]

Eeek Dermabration huh? I have read some sketchy stuff about that... and I hear you are NEVER supposed to do it on/around the nose.

Anyone else have any insight? Does it definitely look like 'Atrophoderma vermiculatum'? Keep in mind this started 10+ years ago, and the rest of my skin is pretty clear. I almost never get pimples, the rest of my skin is in pretty good shape (just pale, and very thin under my eyes hence the dark circles).

[maatson]

While the diagnosis is based on a photograph this could be at best an opinion. Do consult your doc.
Also while I do not advocate Dermabration to all, this procedure is also done on the nose in many conditions like acne scarring,Rhynophyma,nasal reconstruction,and as a part of cosmetic surgery on the nose.
References do maintain the role of dermabration in selected cases but complications are there for every procedure!
Best wishes.

[mhusername]

Is there any over the counter products I can try before going to the doctor? My insurance ***** so I don't think they will cover a 'cosmetic' issue like this :(
.

I recently started using coconut oil (eating 1-2tbsb a day, and using it as a facial mosturizer in the morning and at night). Anything else I can try?

[mhusername]

*Update*

Well for the last month I have been very disciplined about washing my face in the morning and before bed (using avenos foaming cleanser). I also use a clean n clear blackhead eraser scrub in the shower every few days (it has micro beads and syasilic acid). I also started using (and eating) coconut oil almost daily. Unfortunately there has been NO change whatsoever in the red rash around my nose :( .

Anyone have any other ideas I can try? I would really like to try a few more things before I make an appointment with a dermatologist... I just have a bad feeling they are going to order a bunch of tests and perscribe a bunch of things my insurance wont help me pay for :(

[mhusername]

Well guess I am going to have to see a dermatologist and pray he has a cheap simple solution. Are there any specific questions I should ask him?

If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know! Since dermabration was brought up, what about those 'at home' micro dermabration kits, would they be worth a shot?

Thanks

[mhusername]

*update

Well I finally went to the doctor. After taking a quick look, he was pretty convinced it was some form of yeast, gave me Ketoconazole cream and 30 days of Oracea. I applied the cream in the morning and before bed, and did 40mg of Oracea. At the end of the month, there was zero difference, the skin around the corners of my nose still looks red (exactly like the pictures in the first post).

Still seeking help! Somebody out there must have had this problem and found a cure!

[Dr_mohammadi]

Hi,
If you used hydrocortisone for a long time, this redness is probably a side effect of hydrocortisone.
Which, unfortunately, is not spontaneously good and its treatment is laser.
Good luck