Itchy face!

[mpalooza]

Hi, I'm a 25 year old female who has been struggling with acne and itchy skin for 5 years now.  I've been to several dermatologists that debate the diagnosis of Rosacea or just sensitive skin.  I've been on all types of topicals and antibiotics with no relief from the itch.  My face itches and feels tight practically everyday and seems to come and go in bursts of intensity.  Some days it feels completely normal and then instantly becomes itchy and tight feeling.  It even itches across my upper lip and foreheard, eyebrows, etc.  I don't have horrible bouts of flushing and my acne doesn't follow the normal pattern of Rosacea.  I don't flush with alcohol and can tolerate being in the sun.  Alcohol actually makes the itching feel better.  What do you think this could possibly be?  Thank you so much!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to rosacea. If there is any dry itchy skin patches, then eczema and contact dermatitis to cosmetics needs to be ruled out. Rosacea is a cutaneous disorder primarily of the central part of the face , such as forehead; cheeks ;nose; and chin.
Treatment options vary from antibiotic creams, antihistaminics, sun screens to laser treatment. A dermatologist’s evaluation will be the best.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[mooksmom]

I had/have rosacea, also, a mild case, that took doctors of several specialties to finally diagnose (I finally went to a big teaching hospital and made appt with the head of the Dermatology Dept). I, too, get the occasional skin tightening, itching and the symptoms come and go at random, no food/drink makes it better or worse. I am sensitive to many things I put on my face, so when I find one that works for me, I stay with it. I also use a cool humidifier inside in the winter and moisturize my face daily after cleaning it. From what I have learned, Rosacea has no absolutes in it's symptoms.