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Why Do I Have A Skin Rash On Both Ears For Over A Year?

Posted on Wed, 20 Mar 2024

Question: I have has a skin rash on both ears for a year. It's on the tragus on both ears. Started small and now has spread to the area where 'sideburns' would be if I were a man. I have it on both sides, however one side significantly worse than the other. Moisturiser makes it better, but it always comes back. It is spreading very slowly but steadily. Two doctors looked at it and didn't seem to worries, third one says he has no idea what it is and gave steroid cream. So far, no changes but I have only applied it once. Any idea of what it might be? As far as I know, I have no allergies.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for asking.
I am Dr Kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist).

I have noted your concern and reviewed the picture.

You seem to have seborrheic dermatitis. It presents as itchy, red, dry, scaly patches on face. I suggest you apply a topical steroid e.g cortisone cream, twice daily for a few days.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a steroid-responsive dermatosis.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 minutes later)

Thank you for the prompt answer. Just a clarification: the last GP I saw seemed to be puzzled by the fact that the skin damage appears simmetrically on both sides on nowhere else on my body. Also, it always comes back in the same exact spot. Does this still fit with the seborrheic dermatitis description? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, seborrheic dermatitis is usually symmetrical patches on face. Moreover the site of involvement is classical.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 days later)

Dear Doctor,

I have used a steroid cream for a week, but two days after I stopped the rash came back. It seems to be spreading faster than it did the first time. I had a skin swab and I grew a staph, so the doctor prescribed Bactroban 2% ointment 3 times/day. Two days later, the rash is still there and doesn't seem to be getting any better. My question is: if it were a staph infection, it would be strange to have it symmetrically but if it were seborrheic dermatitis, why has the steroid cream not worked? Is there any other test I can do? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It is seborrheic dermatitis. Not a bacterial infection. Mupirocin won't work for it.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a steroid responsive dermatosis, however, it can relapse soon after the steroid cream is stopped. I suggest you to use a mild topical steroid like cortisone cream intermittently. In addition to this you may use a ketoconazole cream (nizral) for maintenance i.e for mild involvement and to prevent relapse. Another option is to use topical tacrolimus 0.1 % ointment. It is also effective for seborrheic dermatitis and is non steroidal. So it can be used long term, however, it is a prescription product.

Regards

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. Raju A.T