I've recently started getting red hot ears on a daily basis. My ears are naturally slightly red, could this be rosacea? (Photos)

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Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I would call your ear problem a type of atypical rosacea.  When flushing happens repeatedly the skin gets and stays more and more red longer.   I would see a Board Certified Dermatologist, and I do agree with you that Intense Pulsed Light treatments are probably your best option.  Sometimes antihistamines can help reduce a flushing episode.  I know rosacea patients that will take a Claritin or a Zyrtec before public speaking or a party.  Have you tried taking a Claritin at lunch time yet?  Have you evaluated what you are eating or doing at lunchtime that may be triggering the flushing response to happen a couple hours later?

Best see a medical dermatologist first before a laser or procedural dermatologist to get a diagnosis. Rosacea is very complex and a tailored treatment program give the best results. This is because there are many types of rosacea (telengtctatic or capillaries, flushing and redness, acne like rosacea, ocular rosacea and even rhinophyma rosacea.)

To add to the complexity, everyone has different flare factors- Sunlight, stress, foods, chemical irritants, creams, changes in temperature, alcohol. The list goes on. 

A detailed history, together with a treatment tailored according to YOUR type of rosacea will give the best results. As a guide, I use a combination of -

1. Lasers ( to treat redness, broken capillaries, rhinophyma, flushing)- best laser is the V BEAM. IPL can be used, but usually not as effective. Laser toning using the long pulse Nd Yag at 1064 can help with background redness. 

2. Creams - anti inflammatory

3. Tablets -anti - inflammatory and sometimes low dose Vitamin A. 

4. For females- Mineral make up is recommend, over make up that contains parabens. 

For the best results, consult a dermatologist for both medical and laser treatment options. 

Kind regards.

Dr Davin S. Lim.

Laser Dermatologist.

Brisbane, Australia.