Skin irritation, razor burn, water or medication or an allergy to something?

[keysersoze276]

Man, I have red blotches on my face, mostly in the areas that a man shaves his face.  The phenomenon is increased with shaving, but also present without shaving for a few days.  I would really appreciate to know if anyone else has this going on, so I'll give a little background to answer the first questions that pop up.

I'm "farang", living full time in Thailand for 13 years.  Never had a skin problem.  Mid 40's.  I've been living in the same condo for 10 years.  I don't do drugs, but I look like a poster child for "Don't do meth".  Blotchy skin.  Not blue or purple, just red blotches.  It started maybe two years ago with dry skin, dandruff from my hair and dry facial skin.  I shower normally with the same normal soap and shampoo.  I used to drink more than I should have, but something off topic caused be to barely drink.  So I think we can safely rule out drugs or alcohol or new hygiene products.  My diet hasn't changed except for eating a little healthier, but it's all just normal food and I have no food allergies.  No problems with the rest of my skin other than my fat rosie gawddamn cheeks. 

 

I have some medication for a broken leg, but I have broken a lot of bones and any meds I have are really basic and I have taken them all before except Amitriptyline.  That's one possibility, but a long shot.

Heavy metals or lead in the water pipes?  An allergy to shellfish or peanuts of something that somehow developed in my 40's?  I don't know if that is a possibility or not.  Whatever it is, why is it only where my facial hair grows?  The skin is red and irritated, very minor patches of slight swelling.  

Anyone experiencing the same symptoms or have a guess to what may be causing this?  I just wanted to ask here first before I go to a dermatologist, which will probably be after the new year, so please don't bother advising me to go to a dermatologist or getting an allergy check.  I'll do that if I can't narrow it down.  It's not a huge deal, but kinda embarrasing in a way.  I hope I'm the only one, but please let me know if you have the same thing going on or have any ideas that could help identify the problem or narrow it down.  Thanks.

 

[keysersoze276]

@Sheryl  

 

[keysersoze276]

Oh, I'm in the BKK area.  Nonthaburi.  I could hit BKK with a nine iron, though.

[Sheryl]

In area where you shave, gollivuliyis or razor bumps or ingrown hairs  come to mind. 

 

See https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634

 

And

 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis

 

And

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-hairs/

 

If descriptions/ pictures seem to fit there are self cate suggestions in these threads. If those fail - or if descriptions don't seem to fit - then must see a dermatologist. For which I suggest  https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/niyom-tantikun

 

Probably about 2000 baht for consultation. Don't get meds at the hospital, buy at pharmacy as there is a big markup.

 

 

[IvorBiggun2]

Rosacea?

 

 

NHS inform

Rosacea | NHS inform