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You clearly find your red nose very embarrassing and depressing. Don't despair. There is a good chance things can be improved with treatment.

It sounds as if the condition you are suffering from goes by the name of rhinophyma. Your nose has chronically inflamed skin, the exact cause of which is unknown.

Some evidence suggests that a microscopic mite called demodex folliculorum, which normally lives on human skin, may be more numerous in people with your symptoms.

Factors that can cause deterioration include – smoking, alcohol, hot drinks, spicy food, extremes of temperature, excessive sunlight and cosmetics or creams containing alcohol.

Therefore it is important when using any creams on your face that they are water-based products.

Go along and have a word with your doctor about this problem. It is likely that he or she will be able to prescribe oral or topical antibiotic treatment that will significantly help your appearance.

Although the condition naturally tends to flare - up from time to time, symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment.

As you have had the condition now for several years, the changes to your nose may have started to become established, with the formation of prominent blood vessels and a slight enlargement of your nose.

If this is the case, and you fail to respond adequately to antibiotic treatment, your doctor may refer you for consideration of electric needle or laser treatment to destroy any prominent vessels and remove excess tissue.

Following this treatment, your nose would remain red for around a year before assuming a normal colour.

A final point to consider is that your anxiety may be causing the condition to worsen, resulting in a vicious circle.

Whilst you are commencing treatment, it could be worthwhile considering whether you would find it helpful to be referred for counselling to address some of these issues.

If things are really bad, you might discuss a course of antidepressant treatment with your GP who will be able to prescribe it if appropriate.

Be positive! There is help at hand and you are not condemned to a life time of nose related misery.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team