14 replies to this topic

[PWPager08]

I was looking back at pictures from when I was young and my skin was perfect. From 1st grade through 8th grade my skin was flawless, no redness, no dryness, no acne, nothing. Just a smooth even complexion that actually glowed. Freshmen year through sophomore year my skin was marginal, not red, but acne and red marks scattered throughout. Junior year, things picked up, the redness got a little worse, acne increased, and as a result more red marks. Senior year things got increasing worse. After using massive amounts of BP last summer, my face has yet to recover. Its dry, red, and I now blush/flush. I've also started taking an antibiotic. I want to know if my skin is just irritated and will eventually return to its normal state or if I'll just have bad skin the rest of my life. Any thoughts?

[Seattle JT]

What antibiotic? What areas of your face get red?

[PWPager08]

Erythromycin and basically my entire face except for the forhead.

[Wynne]

Erythromycin increases sun sensitivity, so be sure you're wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside or even when you're inside sitting near a window. Rosacea frequently causes redness on the forehead as well, so it's not likely you have rosacea. It seems more likely you have irritated skin.

[AsiaXiah]

I agree with Wynne - I had to deal with a very similar redness/flushing/blushing up till a few weeks ago. I was so convinced that I had rosacea, but it turned out that my skin was just screaming out in pain from all of the retinoid/hydroquinone use.

Usually, a good dermatologist can monitor you so that you don't cross the fine line between clearing up your acne vs. having your skin irritated. That's what finding the "right medication for yoU" is all about -- it's different for every person; some people can tolerate accutane without a hint of a side effect, while others will have irritated skin just from using over-the-counter BP.

If it is irritation, it should subside if you let your skin just breathe for a bit. For me, it took me 2 weeks to start noticing significant improvement in the redness (using only a mild, over-the-counter cleanser, and nothing else). However, some people I know had to wait out months in order for their skin to recover from the topical-use irritation.

I would definitely try giving your skin a bit of rest. I don't know if it will work for you, but for the few weeks that I was using no topicals, I was using the Neutrogena Acne-Free Cleanser (the orangy-yellow salicylic acid one). Also, make sure that you're not rubbing or scratching your skin when you wash it, and be especially careful of hot showers.

Best of luck.

[Cecelia]

Sounds like irritation to me, too. What is your skin care regimen?

[PWPager08]

Currently I just use proactiv at night and then a basic face wash in the morning. That is it. Since I've been doing that my flushing has decreased and the redness is slightly fading, but there is still noticeable redness. I've been doing my new regimen of proactiv and a gentle face wash for about 6 weeks.

[chaosorc]

It sounds like the medication, I am trying to find out if I hae a similer problem

[Cecelia]

With the erythromycin I'd definitely add a sunscreen.

[NCK]

WHATS UR AGE I HAVE HEARD SOMEWHERE THAT ROSECEA HAPPENTS TO PEOPLE AFTER THEY PASS 30

[PWPager08]

I'm 18, but I heard it could happen at any age.

[PWPager08]

Just wondering, what strength spf should I use, and should I use it every day, even though I'm indoors throughout the majority of the day, if I'm outside I'm usually driving home or some place else indoors.

[NCK]

Just wondering, what strength spf should I use, and should I use it every day, even though I'm indoors throughout the majority of the day, if I'm outside I'm usually driving home or some place else indoors.

15 + MUST WORK

[PWPager08]

So in order to resolve my red skin problem I should use a sunscreen daily plus a moisturizer? Any other ideas?

[Deadbeat007]

I stared getting redness out of nowhere a few months ago, along with a rapid increase in breakouts. Like you, my skin always used to be very pale and clear. I also started getting severe flushes or "hot flashes" and eye symptoms. If ever your symptoms start to get severe, please see a doctor. Many people's skin problems, myself included, are only outward symptoms to an internal problem. However, I think for the majority of people, facial redness is most likely due to skin irritation and/or sun exposure. Give your skin four weeks or so of a gentle regimen. Everyone else has posted good advice on how to go about doing this. ^^ Best of luck!