Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Scaly Patches On The Face?
Question: I have patches on my face that itch and get scaly. It is only on my face. If I don't shave for a couple of days it gets quite itchy. It seems to be around my eye brows, moustache, and chin. I was given a steroid base crea but the relief is only temporary. What can be done?
Brief Answer:
Possibly seborrheic dermatitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,
While I can't know with 100 percent certainty without seeing the rash, the location, description that it is itchy and scaly, and that it comes back, makes it likely that it is seborrheic dermatitis. This is a scaly, oily rash that happens in the areas that you described and can also happen around the hairline of the forehead, and around the sides of the nose. It can also affect the scalp, causing dandruff.
One thing dermatologists recommend is to alternate (weekly) product that has zinc with a product that has selenium. Even though the area needing treatment is on your face, you can use
Head and Shoulders Antidandruff which contains Zinc
Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment
Use one of these shampoos daily for one week then switch to the other. Apply the shampoo to the affected area and leave on for a few minutes, then rinse off.
I've also had good success with Ketoconazole 2% cream. This is an anti fungal that also may have mild corticosteroid affects. Use this for 2-4 weeks to get control of the rash, and then stop. You can use the ketoconazole in addition to the dandruff shampoos to get the rash under control.
Once the rash is under control, discontinue the Ketoconazole, but continue the shampoo regimen every other day. (Switching to the other shampoo the following week.)
Stress and excessive alcohol can make seborrheic dermatitis worse or increase the risk for it to come out. But sometimes people have a genetic predisposition for it.
Sunlight is helpful although this time of year it is harder to come by. But in summer, take advantage of getting some sun on your skin if you can.
If none of this helps (but I think it will help you), ask for a referral to a dermatologist.
I hope this information helps.
Possibly seborrheic dermatitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,
While I can't know with 100 percent certainty without seeing the rash, the location, description that it is itchy and scaly, and that it comes back, makes it likely that it is seborrheic dermatitis. This is a scaly, oily rash that happens in the areas that you described and can also happen around the hairline of the forehead, and around the sides of the nose. It can also affect the scalp, causing dandruff.
One thing dermatologists recommend is to alternate (weekly) product that has zinc with a product that has selenium. Even though the area needing treatment is on your face, you can use
Head and Shoulders Antidandruff which contains Zinc
Selsun Blue or Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment
Use one of these shampoos daily for one week then switch to the other. Apply the shampoo to the affected area and leave on for a few minutes, then rinse off.
I've also had good success with Ketoconazole 2% cream. This is an anti fungal that also may have mild corticosteroid affects. Use this for 2-4 weeks to get control of the rash, and then stop. You can use the ketoconazole in addition to the dandruff shampoos to get the rash under control.
Once the rash is under control, discontinue the Ketoconazole, but continue the shampoo regimen every other day. (Switching to the other shampoo the following week.)
Stress and excessive alcohol can make seborrheic dermatitis worse or increase the risk for it to come out. But sometimes people have a genetic predisposition for it.
Sunlight is helpful although this time of year it is harder to come by. But in summer, take advantage of getting some sun on your skin if you can.
If none of this helps (but I think it will help you), ask for a referral to a dermatologist.
I hope this information helps.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
