Advice on red skin - dermatologist?

dazey

My face is red and it's really getting me down. I am pale and I understand that a high colouring can generally be found on people who are fair skinned. My skin stays red for at least an hour after a shower. It can look like I have scrubbed my face raw when I haven't. I also have purple veins around my nose which create a dark shadow either side. It's not painful just unsightly. I am quite young so I'm worried that it will only get worse with age.

I use gentle products on my skin and have started wearing SPF every day. I also wear makeup every day and never leave the house without it. Only select family members have seen me without makeup in the last 5 years. I have attended two pseudo medical skin clinics for their advice. Each time they suggest a course of laser treatment, with no real indication of how long I will need to be doing these. I can't help but feel these places are out to make a buck and that their advice is not the best I could be receiving.

Will a doctor refer me to a dermatologist? Has anyone got advice for treatment going forward?

on_my_oe

I suffered from 'high colouring' and went down the laser route, but I went to a consultant rather than the el cheapo €75 per session places; it's run by a doctor with sessions done by nurses (not fetac beauty therapists). If you have veins around your nose, a dermatologist is unlikely to fix that. I saw a clinic across the road from the Mater in Eccles Street, and can recommend the nurse Ruth. PM if you want the name

Sorry forgot to say they usually recommend 6-8 sessions

jadie

Sounds like you have Rosacea. IPL or laser can work quite well in dealing with the redness but there isn't a cure for it. Some topical creams may also help depending on the severity, your GP can prescribe. Rosacea.org is a helpful source of information.