Red, itchy,and flaky on face

[momof6and2]

I have this red rough and itchy patches on my face on and off. It will get better and seem to go away only to come back. I have tried to see if I was allergic to something but I cant figure it out. It itches and burns and nothing I put on it helps. The doc put me on antibiotics for 10 days and it helped alittle but came back. My skin will flake after it starts to get better and then it will start all over. I thought maybe rosacea but I am not sure. I wanted to try some things before I went to a dermatolgist. I am using Acnefree for redness and it seems to be alittle better but it does that. Any suggestions as to what it could be or what I can try?
Thank you

[momof6and2]

I have been taking a antihistamine too. Today it is much better but it is flaking. Kinda like when you get a sunburn and it peels. Does this sound like eczema? I will get some dermacort. Lotions burn. Do you have any recommendations for a mild face lotion? I leave for vacation in a few days and I hope it stays under control.
Thank you so much!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to eczema. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash). 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 and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema 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).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

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