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[Gokette]

I'm new here but here are some of my pics. Some background info: I'm 17 and have looked like this for a while. I've noticed my face turns EXTREMELY red after very strenuous exercise. I also get people that randomly tell me your face is red (as if I didn't already know). Sun, wind, and spicy food all seem to trigger the redness as does the aforementioned exercise.

Also, due to a leg injury, I haven't run in about three months so I've put on about ten lbs. It shows in my cheeks but I am by no measure overweight. Also I do not believe diet has much of an effect because when I was running I was on a fairly strict diet of healthy foods.

So after a long time of "suffering" I look up rosacea on wikipedia and BINGO all the symptoms seem to match up. Also my nose used to be much smaller when I was younger, and when I feel my nose now I notice many asymmetrical features. However when I showed this article to my mother she's like, "it's just acne." (I was on a cocktail of acne medications that culminated with isotretion or however you pronounce/spell it that killed my skin (even worse than benzoyl peroxide)). So by looking at these pics do you think I have rosacea or some other skin problem?


In this pic I showed my hand to show the difference between my face color and the rest of my body (I am naturally very pale)



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[claudia]

Welcome!

You could have a very early stage of rosacea. The sensitivity to triggers that you experience is certainly a good indicator. The hard thing will be convincing a regular doctor to take it for something other than acne, especially at your age. Many of us have struggled with that problem! And it doesn't help that most people are pretty ignorant about rosacea...so parents aren't much help (...mine weren't).

It'd be best if you could be seen by a dermatologist who specializes in rosacea. Take some photos of yourself when you're really red and keep a journal of your reactions to triggers...ie date - what you did or ate - what happened to your skin. Take the photos and the journal to the dermatologist appt. Sometimes this really convinces them.

If you can start treatment now you'll be catching it early before real damage is done from the use of harsh acne medications and/or triggers.

Good luck!

CV

[phlika29]

I agree with what Claudia said. Your skin looks fine in the pictures, maybe a little red looking but if you say that you flush then I would advise that you treat your skin very carefully.

The main aim is to reduce the flushing and so it might be that you need to change your diet, exercise outine, etc.

If I were you I would find a less strenous exercise routine and stop before you flush or try doing what you you do in front of a fan/with a cold wet towel around your shoulders.

Try to work out what foods triggers a flush, this may not occur immediatly and so can be quite hard to work out. I avoid dairy and sugery foods along with any prepared foods.

As you are already aware avoid any harsh topical creams etc. My rosacea developed really quickly once I was using acne products such as differin. Find a very gently moisturiser and only use tepid water on your face and in the shower.

Think about taking some supplements such as grape seed extracts.

Seek medical advice from a derm if possible.

Best wishes

Sarah