Facial Rash

I am a 23 Year old white male.  For the last 6 months or so i have noticed a strange facial irritation/rash.  It occurs mostly on my forehead, but has slowly spread down to my cheeks.  There is a red discoloration that sometimes is covered with white VERY scaly skin that just flakes off. It almost appears as if I have a very bad case of sun burn and the skin is flaking off.  This "rash" has good days and bad.  I've used serveral different kinds of shampoos and soaps and that doesn't seem to be the problem.  I would appreicate any advice you have on how to treat this.  I would like to get rid of the redness and the scaling if at all possible.  Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The most likely condition is seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea.) You can suppress this very easily with over the counter 1% hydrocortisone.  If that fails, get a prescription for something a bit stronger.  Be prepared, however, for having to use this with some regularity, since the condition comes and goes on its own schedule, for no particular reason (soaps and lotions fon't matter, for instance.)  See a dermatologist for definitve diagnosis.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff