Seeking Guidance on Facial Flare-Ups
I am a 36-year-old female and currently take Flonase every day. For the past few years, I have been experiencing flare-ups. My cheeks often become intensely red, extending to my neck and chest area. A dermatologist diagnosed me with rosacea, and I do occasionally notice pustules forming. However, there are times when the symptoms worsen significantly, leading to severe abdominal pain and an urgent need to use the restroom. I have consulted with several doctors, and they have consistently attributed these episodes to my rosacea. Interestingly, today, the redness is only present on one side of my face. Does this still point to rosacea, or could it indicate a different issue? I have a nagging feeling that there might be more to it than just rosacea.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 6:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing distressing facial flare-ups that may be linked to your diagnosed rosacea, but it’s also clear you are concerned about additional underlying issues due to associated abdominal pain and urgency for restroom use. Let’s break this down.
Main Points
- Current Symptoms: The redness and pustules on your face are consistent with rosacea, but the unilateral (one-sided) redness and your abdominal symptoms could suggest additional concerns.
- Possible Interrelation: Flare-ups in rosacea can sometimes correlate with gastrointestinal issues, indicating a possible connection between skin and gut health.
Explanation
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pustules. It can exhibit variability in symptoms, leading to areas of the face being affected differently, such as one side being red while the other is normal. However, your experience of severe abdominal pain and an urgent need to use the restroom could suggest another gastrointestinal condition, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can sometimes coexist with skin conditions.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note when flare-ups occur, their severity, and any dietary or environmental factors that may correlate with your skin and abdominal symptoms. This will be useful if you decide to consult a healthcare provider again.
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Dietary Considerations: Identify potential dietary triggers. Some people with rosacea find that certain foods exacerbate their symptoms. Common triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages. Consider keeping a food mood journal alongside your symptom diary.
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Skin Care: Continue with your Flonase as directed, and consider using gentle skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh scrubs, and opt for fragrance-free moisturizers.
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Consult Again If Needed: If symptoms persist or worsen, especially the abdominal pain, think about seeing a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation. They might explore conditions like IBS, Crohn's disease, or other gastrointestinal issues that could relate to your skin symptoms.
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Stay Informed: Research more about rosacea and its symptoms and stay aware of any new developments or treatments that could be suitable for your situation.
Please remember to be gentle with yourself as you navigate these symptoms. You are advocating for your health, which is very important. Keep an open dialogue with your healthcare providers about your ongoing concerns.
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