Face,nose,ear and eyebrow eczema spreading

I am suffering from sebhoric eczema( as diagnosed by dermatologist). It started with a very small red patch on my upper lip. Doctor prescibed Novasalic oint and I used it for three years off and on. With time its spreading more and more over the face. I do not use any soap or cleanser at all on my face. (just fresh water wash) THe doctor then prescribed oral Adoxa, Ketoconazole and and it helped for just the duration of medication course. Again i was given injections of lonacart but it did not help. He has again prescribed me with stronger steroid BETASALIC which is also loosing its effect now. my eczema is spreading faster than ever and I am worried if it will continue to cover my whole face and if i will ever get rid of it?three days ago  I started taking doxicycline 100mg for UTI prescribed and today i have noticed that almost all my face is dotted red and itchy and burning. I have used hydrocortisone oint but it does not seem to help. I want to get rid of my skin condtion and need some good advice. thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Seborrheic dermatitis is usually caused by overgrowth of Malassezia furfur. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates and is aggravated by sweating and humidity.

Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases. The other possibilities are of eczema, lupus erythematosus or dermatitis. Best would be to consult a dermatologist and get biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.