DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...

DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

Rosacea is quite common, especially in women.

It runs in families and the cause is unknown, but typically the rash is bright orange-red and rather sore-looking, affecting the cheeks and the bridge of the nose.

Sometimes it can be itchy and produces little white pimples and visible blood vessels.

Sadly it’s incurable but symptoms can be reduced by avoiding hot rooms, sunlight, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods and stress – all of which make it worse.

Although rosacea is not caused by infection, the antibiotic oxytetracycline which Erin took can be helpful, and gels like metronidazole or azelaic acid reduce inflammation.

Both are available on prescription.

Erin could also consider using a medically-
formulated camouflage cream to match her normal skin tone, such as Covermark or Keromask, available on the NHS.

'Stress makes my rash worse'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT’S STRICTLY COME DANCING'S ERIN BOAG, 34

I developed a red rash on my cheeks and chin during the third series of Strictly, and had no idea what it was.

I hadn’t changed my diet or washing powder so I didn’t think it was an allergy, and I knew it wasn’t eczema.

It got steadily worse and soon it was covering my whole face.

My cheeks were as red as beetroot.

It was so bad that I didn’t want to leave my home, but I had to work so I had no choice.

The make-up girls on the show tried to cover it up with thick foundation but that really stung.

Eventually I saw a doctor who diagnosed rosacea, a skin condition which causes redness on the face and neck.

He gave me some steroid cream for the rash.

Initially it worked a treat, but a couple of months later the rash came back and it was just as angry and sore.

I saw another GP, who said that although the cream would have initially cleared the rosacea, the steroids would have aggravated it.

He gave me antibiotic tablets instead and, thankfully, they calmed the rash down.

My skin hasn’t been as bad since then, but the rosacea does come back every so often.

I’ve discovered that it’s worse when I’m stressed and working on Strictly, just when I want to be looking my best.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of it completely?”

Strictly Come Dancersize, £17.99, is available to buy now.

Photography: Gavin Smith/Camerapress

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