Itchy, burning, tingling skin please help!!!

It started about a month ago right after my major exams. My face become itchy where my hairline begins in the front of my face. After alot of scratching the skin turned white and flacky. I visited the doctor who said it was some time of eczema however he was unsure if it was from allergies. he prescribed a steroid cortizone lotion which didnt help much the skin was still itchy however the white skin had disappeared the cream had caused the skin to turn a pinkish colour. Then i went back to the doctor who prescribed allergy tablets which didnt work the itching and burning skin continued. So i revisted the doctor again who this time prescribed some type of antibiotic, which also did not work. the skin is still itchy and really dry and burning and tingling however it seems to have moved down my body in my chest area. The skin feels like leather and seems to have lines or cracks in it. The pain has become unbearable the excessive burning and itching is driving me crazy and feel it is causing depression. I went to the beach today and after going into the water my skin begain to burn on my scalp and chest area this went on for 5 minutes, it felt as if someone had poured boiling water on me or i had been stung by hundreds of bees. after a while the burning relieved and i could enter the water normally without pain however the dry skin was still visible. i just dont know what to do. the itching and burning and tingling is killing me it is uncomfortable what is it please help i am a 17 year old male if that helps

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination,but it can be due to seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky,dry, itchy scales to form on oily areas of the face esp cheeks and forhead. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin if the rash itches.
For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide) which are available only on prescription.

Also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If the symptoms persist,then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist.Fungal infections,eczema and atopic dermatitis have to be ruled out in that case.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.