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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
red-ish diffused patches on face, under eyes
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
red-ish diffused patches on face, under eyes
by patchy34, Jul 24, 2005 12:00AM
Hi, I’m 34yo active male, diagnosed 1 year ago with seborrhea (localised patch at center of my chest, refusing to tan).
I was prescribed Mycospor cream (bifonazole-based cream in Europe) and Elocom 0.1% (mometazone furoate-based) cream. Also tried after it being unresponsive prescription for 2% ketoconazole cream.
Apart from the fact that the patch didn’t respond to this either and this Summer stayed untanned & pink again :-(, since last winter there was an ‘extra’ thrown in: diffuse and slightly but noticeably red/purple-ish ‘bands’ on my face, about 2/3 of an inch wide, starting about 1/2 inch under my eyes (so not the very thin skin right under the eyes), going from nose to cheekbones as collection of diffuse patches.
No bumps etc. just more visible purple capillaries (on close-up)making it more darker diffuse patches than the rest of my face. Doesn’t itch just feels sometimes a bit like very mild burning. No flaking either or periodic dry/dead skin layer peeling etc.
Sun exposure makes it worse – usually calms down by next morning, but still slightly red. It has calmer days, sometimes flares up more in patches… and after washing it looks more irritated.
I haven’t had any ‘dark shadows’ under my eyes, or redness there before, don’t drink, don’t smoke etc. and no food allergies - could it be seborrhea/eczema showing up on face as well? Could it be related to the existing stubborn seborrhea on chest?
Wouldn’t like to experiment with antifungal nor steroids on that area, but it started to worry me, especially as it hasn’t got better even after Summer tan.
Any thoughts extremely appreciated as it became a visible, progressive change in the last 6 months or so and my doctor seems to adopt the wait and see policy that worries me more every time I look in the mirror.
I was prescribed Mycospor cream (bifonazole-based cream in Europe) and Elocom 0.1% (mometazone furoate-based) cream. Also tried after it being unresponsive prescription for 2% ketoconazole cream.
Apart from the fact that the patch didn’t respond to this either and this Summer stayed untanned & pink again :-(, since last winter there was an ‘extra’ thrown in: diffuse and slightly but noticeably red/purple-ish ‘bands’ on my face, about 2/3 of an inch wide, starting about 1/2 inch under my eyes (so not the very thin skin right under the eyes), going from nose to cheekbones as collection of diffuse patches.
No bumps etc. just more visible purple capillaries (on close-up)making it more darker diffuse patches than the rest of my face. Doesn’t itch just feels sometimes a bit like very mild burning. No flaking either or periodic dry/dead skin layer peeling etc.
Sun exposure makes it worse – usually calms down by next morning, but still slightly red. It has calmer days, sometimes flares up more in patches… and after washing it looks more irritated.
I haven’t had any ‘dark shadows’ under my eyes, or redness there before, don’t drink, don’t smoke etc. and no food allergies - could it be seborrhea/eczema showing up on face as well? Could it be related to the existing stubborn seborrhea on chest?
Wouldn’t like to experiment with antifungal nor steroids on that area, but it started to worry me, especially as it hasn’t got better even after Summer tan.
Any thoughts extremely appreciated as it became a visible, progressive change in the last 6 months or so and my doctor seems to adopt the wait and see policy that worries me more every time I look in the mirror.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 25, 2005 12:00AM
, Jul 25, 2005 12:00AM
I'm not at all sure what you have on your face, but it certainly doesn't sound like seborrhea. The first thing you need is proper diagnosis. This should be easily achieved by consulting a dermatologist. A single visit should suffice. That's better than waiting and seeing, I think, especially where your face is concerned. I'm confident that whatever it is can be treated.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
