this is my face

[thermal]

if anyone could offer any tips on a cream or non perscription med, i'd appreciate it :D

here is me on a good day:
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/7597/dsc05986cm9.jpg

normally like this:
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8638/p1010027ch7.jpg

and when drinking, it gets really quite bad:
(feel free to laugh at the girls facial expression in this one)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7206/april14144tc0.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=april14129zc2.jpg

not too sure if thats rosacea or not, it's been like this as long as I can remember. I'm 16[/img]

[nk104]

Hi there!
before is say anything, it is wise for you to visit a dermatologist to evaluate your skin's condition. Im no doctor and i'm not trying to replace one.
it looks like rosaca to me, it was pretty much your age when my rosacea started (now i'm 25).
You mentioned that alcohol makes you flush, that is one of the rosacea's worst triggers. Unfortunately there are many triggers and if you want to improve your skin's condition you will need to do certain lifestyle changes which sucks. The good part is that i saw a big improvement in my flushing frequency.
Now you asked for creams or non prescription meds that may help for the redness. There are some creams in the market (like Eucerin Redness Relief) which may work a bit but dont expect any wonders. Your best bet would be the standard rosacea treatment including topical and oral meds (prescription) but im not sure whether these are prescribed at your age.
The no1 treatment for rosacea associated redness is with lasers, but you need to do a proper survey before you decide anything because there are some risks involved.
In general you need to read a lot in order to understand rosacea (we call it the red beast!). For every individual works something else, so you may need to experiment a bit to find what is right for you (always consult a doctor before trying anything). This forum is the best place to start.
What im hoping for in the near future is a cream addressing the vascular symptoms will become available.
Good luck

[DonH]

You drink, you look around 15 to me?

[phlika29]

Every teenager drinks, thats one of lifes rules :wink:

[Skywolf]

Ouch that looks like a painful flush. Though catching this and realizing what it is at such a young age help you SO much. Us oldtimers spent our youth not knowing what was going on and putting harsh chemicals on our faces and just well yipes.
I would reccomend to stop the drinking, not just because of your age, but because of what it does to your skin. And do see a doc, we critisize them a lot on this board (sometimes with good reason) but we here are not a replacement for proper medical treatment. Arm yourself with knowledge, write down the questions you want to ask, bring a note pad or the computer hand held of your choice and also write down the answers you get. We tend to have the "What did he/she say about that again now?" syndrome, and its normal for any doctor visit. Dont be afraid also, if the doc talks too fast or is using terms you do not understand to say so, they may look at you like you are completly stupid, but hey, we all didn't go through years of med school!
Keep us posted on how you do, and also, congrats on having the guts to post up your pics, (and admit you drink, lol, I NEVER did at your age. **lightning bolt hits skywolf instantly vaporising her**)

Laura

[Cali Kid]

I had REALLY bad outbreaks and flushes, and I gotta say -- quitting the drinking of alcohol made all the difference in the world. Esp. red wine and hard liquor (vodka, etc.). I can have one beer and be okay. I've also taken to quite a regiment of creams and ointments. First, I use a Cetaphil soap bar to wash my face. Then I use an all natural aloe cream as a moisturizer. Then, oil free sunscreen (30 SPF). Then, Avar-e green, which is a green colored ointment that balances out the red (genius idea... green and red make brown aka skin tone). At night, I wash with the Cetaphil soap bar and put on a thin coat of Metrogel (really helps).

And within the last two weeks, I've been using my secret weapon -- Nutrogena Healthy Glow skin cream/make-up. Yes, I'm a dude and put on a little of this make-up. But you know what? It works great. Goes on very thin and is totally undetectable, but does a great job of mellowing out those red patches.

So, cut waaay back on the drinking and stick to a good cream regiment.

[DonH]

Every teenager drinks, thats one of lifes rules :wink:

Wow where you from, around here most 15 year olds don't drink jack and cokes! :lol:

[fut]

Every teenager drinks, thats one of lifes rules :wink:

Wow where you from, around here most 15 year olds don't drink jack and cokes! :lol:

Gentleman's Jack, on the rocks please 8)

[DukeCity]

Don't hesitate to go see a good Derm or get your Doc to refer you to one, this is something that obviously bothers you - so get serious and see someone who can really help you. I really don't think that something OTC will help you at all.. Reading as much as you can here, will also give you some good info and get you prepared for when you do visit the Doc.. I think you should read up on Laser/IPL treatments and learn as much as you can. Best of luck.

[Froggirl]

It's a big difference when you drink. I've always gone really red when i drink too. How does it feel? Is it hot or painful? And is your effected skin rough or smooth?
They might be the deciding factor in whether what you have is rosacea or something else. And whether or not you want to see a dermatologist about it. Some possibilities are rosacea, or KPRF (Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii), which is where the effected area is red but it also feels rough.

It is worth finding out what you have because while annoying KPRF is pretty benign and not greatly influenced by what you do, so if you have this and drinking makes you temporarily redder it's not going to do any damage or makes things any worse.
Whereas with rosacea lifestyle factors like drinking and skin care can make things much worse as can not treating it.

[equagesic]

I think i have the same thing as you man
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/Rickystyle88/IMG_0298.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/Rickystyle88/IMG_0316.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/Rickystyle88/IMG_0299.jpg
Do you have reddness on your checks with no large bumps? Does it get worse when your in a hot or dry room? Does it sunburn faster than your other skin?
If you have the same symptoms as me hit me up and give me an email I let you know what helps me with keeping it down.[/i]


{edited by Skywolf, forum Moderator} Sorry, you can post a link to your email in a PM, but on open forum its considered spam. Sorry, its just the rules of the board.

Laura

[Skywolf]

OK not the rules, but a no no. We have SOOOOOO much spam around here its unreal.

[Froggirl]

Plus it might leave you open to spam, i never knew how much spam end up on this forum until i became a mod, it's incredible! So like Laura said it is best to Pm your email address to be safe.

There is some more info on here about KPRF, the pictures look similar to both your pictures but only you will know if your skin feels rough as well..

http://health.allrefer.com/health/keratosis-pilaris.html

[princess_illusion]

Hi,

Thanks for posting your photos, I know it takes some courage to do so!

Your skin looks very much like my brothers...

I'd try and cut down on the drinking (I know it's not easy!! :P, but it will help!)

I am a complete beauty lotions & potions junkie - anything that says will help redness I have tried!! You may want to look in to these products below: (I found them very helpful - & there not make-up by the way!!)

SYNCHROROSE®

Guinot Anti-Redness Treatment

EAU THERMALE AVENE DIROSEAL ANTI REDNESS

MEDIK8 RED ALERT - Anti Redness Formula

clinique cx redness relief anti oxidiant rescue serum

Best of luck,

Mel xx

[thermal]

hey equagesic, I do think we have the same thing. I have registered an account so if you want you can PM me. Of course, you also might be able to find me on msn. perhaps if you took my first name... (therrol)... threw in an @ sign, and maybe a gmail.com?

[yeah, I am cheating]

anyway, thanks to all of you for your help. There are no derms around here ( I live in a very small town) but I made an appointment with my doctor.

Although my cheeks are quite a bit more flushed with alcohol, I have noticed no difference when sober. I didn't start drinking until recently (and even now, not all that much), but I will try and cut down on that.

depending on what my doctor says, I may try some topical products. Thanks guys, i'll keep you filled in on whats happening.

EDIT: also, could a mod pretty please shrink down that middle photo, or just make it a hyperlink? that think is WAY to big