New Here!

[junegloom]

Hey everyone, I'm new here and just had some questions.

I'm 19 and since as far back as I can remember I've always been rosy cheeked, until recently I had just thought that it was just the way I was; pale and rosy.

My mother was diagnosed with Rosacea a couple of years ago. About two weeks ago it all of a sudden hit me that I too might have it. I have the constant rosy cheeks, reddish chin, I also have those little red lines at either side of my nostrils, and sometimes my forehead has a reddish look about it. While the lines at the sides of my nose aren't noticable they still trouble me.

I have been reading up quite a bit about Rosacea and I fear the worst. With my mother having it, is it almost 100% likely that I too have it? I will be making an appointment with the doctor sometime this week to get it checked out by a professional.

While I hope I do not have Rosacea, I suppose the best thing would be getting it under control as soon as possible. Any input I would greatly appreciate.

[redhotoz]

Hi junegloom

Welcome to the Forum!

There are differing views as to whether Rosacea is genetic. Many of my family also have Rosacea which leads me to believe that I have a genetic pre-disposition for Rosacea.

As you have been doing, keep up the reading. The more informed you are the better.

Jen

[claudia]

Welcome junegloom :D

It's great you're paying attention to this early on and if you're diagnosed with it that you and your mom can be of support to each other. For many of us that's the hardest part...feeling all alone!

Hopefully your mom has a really good dermatologist who specializes in rosacea. Be wary of dermatologists that suggest using anything harsh on your skin. The reason I share this is because it's not unusual for dermatologists to try some of the more harsh topicals on younger people's skin and that makes rosacea much worse! Use your common sense...if it stings or makes things redder don't use it.

Do lots of reading...and it doesn't hurt to try avoiding some of the standard "triggers" of rosacea to see if you notice less blushing. (hot beverages, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, sugary foods, sun, wind, etc.)

CV

[Kelli]

What Claudia said!

And welcome... here's to hoping you don't have rosacea! :-)

[jsack214]

Hey there!

Im 19 too and definitely DO have rosacea (the kind where I flush intensely but look normal otherwise). I think if you have those symptoms it is great to take care of them early on! No one in my family has ever had it, that I know of, and I am not very fair skinned so I ignored all the early warning signs.

Unfortunately, because I didn't do my research and had a doctor who dismissed the flushing as normal, it got pretty bad before I got it under control (my affinity for red wine certainly did not help). I am now undergoing IPL treatment which hopefully will help but I certainly wish I had done something about it before it got to this! It didn't become a problem for me until I started noticing burning/stinging/throbbing sensation in my cheeks--so my advice would be to pay special attention to that! Good luck!