Q: I am suffering for the last 2 years with small allergies on my cheeks, chin and nose. It gets itchy sometimes. It flares up after a bath or when I go out and also when I do a facial. I went to a dermatologist and she had suggested elocon for 3 days, emolem cream and to wash my face with cetaphil lotion. It got worse. I consulted another doctor and she had given me aloegerm cream, nothing happened. I then consulted another well known dermatologist in my city and he told me it is Rochesia, he prescribed metrogyl gel to be applied only at night. Still my rashes don't seem to go. Please help as it looks really bad during the day. I am 36 years old (female).

A:From your description the allergic rash could be one of the following types: 1. Contact Dermatitis 2. Photodermatitis 3. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis 4. Acne roseacea. Local steroids and antiallergics will give you relief. However long term use of steroids should be avoided, especially in acne roseacea. Metrogyl will work in Acne roseacea; in severe cases this alone may not suffice. Appropriate preventive measures, which vary with the type of disorder, should be taken.