Facial Scabs/Scales

I went through a period where I was scrubbing my face almost compulsively because I thought it would help rid me of my acne.  Sometimes, my face would look smooth and pimple free, but other times it was inflamed with some pimples.  Anyway, I decided to stop doing this and allow my facial skin to develop naturally.  After a few days of no scrubbing I noticed that small scaly, slightly yellow (I'm white) formations were forming over the portions of my face that I had been scrubbing.  Eventually, they formed into a series of scab-like formations that are now covering all the areas that I had been scrubbing.  It's almost like my face has grown yellowish scales over those parts of my face.  They are somewhat dry and hard, like small scabs, which I what I think they are.  I was just wondering if it is possible that I scrubbed my face so hard and so often that I actually removed a few layers of my epidermis.  And if so, whether or not these formations on my face are likely just scabs that will heal over time or something else that requires medical attention to resolve.  Also, I had previously removed a few of these scales and beneath them was reddish/pinkish skin, like it was still somewhat raw; consequently, those portions of my skin would form the scales again, which lead me to believe they are indeed scabs.  The reason why I'm not sure if they're scabs is because of their yellowish color.  Normally, a scab looks brown or dark yellow, but these are waxy colored.  Someone told me it looked like I had sand on my face.  

Anyway, some advice would be greatly appreciated.  My face has been this way for about two weeks and it's becoming very frustrating not knowing what is happening.

P.S. - I've refrained from scrubbing or using any products on my face.  I simply rinse with water when I shower at night.

[maatson]

The waxy scales could well be "Seborrheic dermatitis' This is considered as a variant of dandruff cause by yeasts(Malassesia furfur).  You can get treated by your doc eminently. Generally ketoconazole cremes help but diagnostic confirmation is pending. Best wishes.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is believed to be an inflammatory reaction related to the proliferation of normal skin habitant Malassezia – a yeast, which produces toxic substances that infect and irate the skin. The disease is neither contagious nor related with diet but it may be aggravated by other illness like Psychological stress, immune compromised patients, neurological diseases like Parkinsonism and stroke.

Treatment usually involves use of antifungal, anti inflammatory and sebo suppressive or Keratolytic ingredients. Dermatologist also recommends the use of photodynamic therapy which involves the usage of UV- A, UV- B laser and red or blue LED light to inhibit the growth of the yeast and reduces the inflammation. If symptoms do not improve with ketoconazole then these treatment options can be planned.

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.