Hi everyone,

I am new and posted this in the main forum but perhaps it would be best to post in this forum since I am 45.

I have always had a few pimples on my face somewhere since my teen years. Recently however I developed acne all over my face, on my neck, on my upper chest, and even in my nostrils! I have seen my family doctor and two dermatologists. I am seeing a third dermatologist later this week. My family doctor gave me a Clindamycin topical solution that burned my skin and made me sick to my stomach a little.

The first dermatologist told me I had rosacea and prescribed Finacea. I used it and it didn't help me even a little. I saw my ENT for the pimples in my nostrils and he swabbed my nose and it was normal nasal flora thank God and he said it was just pimples. He gave me some Bactroban for any that hurt a lot. It helps and they come and go quickly.

My acne on my face, neck, and upper chest were no better so I just saw a second dermatologist. I liked her but she rushed me through my appointment and didn't answer my questions. She looked at me quickly, told me I have adult acne level 2 from stress and hormones, she had her assistant swab dry ice that smelled terrible all over my face, and she gave me Doxycycline to take for 30 days and a medicine called Epiduo to use. She gave me no instruction as far as things to avoid, things to use, etc. I am truly very lost.

I am unsure if I have rosacea or acne or both. How would one know for sure? My chest flushes a lot and I have had that for years. Now though it has pimples - whiteheads all over it too on top of the flushing it does.

Thanks,

Shell