Red skin on face

[frasera]

Dear DOC,
Going on 5 years I have had this red skin on my face that does not seem to go away. I have previously retained a position that required me to work out doors prior to the last 2 years. Because I worked out doors I thought it must have just been sun burn, however since I ceased out door work I still have retained this appearance. I have tried to use various anti-bacterial washes, dietary changes. I have been to a GP to obtain blood results for protein and hormone levels which are normal, and my urine diagnostic pH is close to alkaline / weakly acidic. I also have slightly distinguishable vertical ridges on my finger nails and hair loss combined with dry brittle looking hair and occasionally dry itchy elbows. Upon these symptoms I self diagnosed my condition to be a lack of zinc in my diet, however upon doing a zinc test the results alleviated that prognosis. I am stuck, I really need some answers, my condition is starting to affect my self confidence.

Please help.
Best regards Frazer  

[frasera]

Thank you very much for your reply, I sure hope this is not the case, as rosacea seems to be a permanent effect.

Best regards

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you can be experiencing is prerosacea. In this, individuals generally come to the dermatologist for acne treatment and exhibit flushing and blushing episodes that last longer than normal. The prolonged redness usually appears over the cheeks, chin, nose or forehead.

Once identified, these rosacea-prone individuals can be counseled to avoid aggravating lifestyle and environmental factors known to cause repeated flushing reactions that may lead to full-blown rosacea.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.