Could this be rosacea?

[FelixFelix]

Didn't know if I should post on health or S&B but thought I may get more of a response here!

I've had terrible skin for around 10 years now (I'm 23) and it was always put down to teenage acne and I assumed I'd grow out of it but I never have. I've tried every acne product on the market and tried a simple skincare routine with gentle products many times and nothing makes it better. Going without makeup for weeks makes no difference at all, and neither does a change in diet.

I've read about rosacea recently and I'm sure that's what I have. I get painful lumpy spots on my chin, and the odd spot elsewhere but nowhere near as bad at my chin. I have a very red nose and the redness spreads from the bridge of my nose accross my cheeks. Also my skin can get very greasy but also very flaky around my nose and especially on my forehead.

Does this sound like rosacea? My sister was diagnosed with it recently but she just has a red nose/cheeks and apart from that the rest of her skin is fine. If I go to the doctors, what are they likely to give me for it? (if anything!)

There are several good websites dedicated to rosacea, but it does sound as though it could be. There are different categories, i.e. just facial redness; just spots; redness and spots and then changes to shape of nose. There are several treatments GPs can offer, it may be you need to try several before you find the one that works for you. Its also worth knowing the triggers i.e. sun; stress; alcohol; spicy food etc. and trying to avoid/minimise these.

I am not sure, but I don' tknow much about rosacea.

Get to the GP. The GP may or may not know what it is and what to prescribe. The best way to get a good treatment is to ask for a referral to Dermatology.

I have a friend with rosacea who has recently started antibiotics- and it has made a dramatic difference.

I suffer with acne - and a different antibiotic works for me.

OTC products, creams, washes etc don't do much IMO.

Thanks for the reply! Luckily I'm not a big drinker or lover of overly spicy food but don't know what I can do about the stress

I will try and get an appointment with my GP and see what they say. My sister was prescribed something which cleared hers right up but afterwards it came back and the GP wouldn't prescribe it again as it's too expensive

Thanks lazy. Were you referred to a dermatologist? I know it depends on the area, but did you have to wait long if so?

Yes, I have seen two different derms over the years via the NHS - and a private one (which i am going to return to). My most recent NHS referral was only a matter of about 3 weeks wait.

Definitely see a gp