Red Dry Rash Under and Above Eyes plus Acne

[michelle0405]

I'm 33 years old and was using Proactiv, til it was really drying my skin out. I started using a cleanser from the Body Shop since I have very sensitive skin. A few months ago, this red rash started appearing under my eyes, mostly the left. I thought it was just dryness and when I try to apply moisturizer, it burns. It will go away and it's just come back again. There's also a slight puffiness. I've switched to a cleanser made by Avalon Organics. My acne has really flared up again and I'm at my wit's end. I've enclosed two pictures:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/ryansvegasfan/Picture003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/ryansvegasfan/Picture002.jpg

I don't have health insurance as I'm not working, but finishing my degree. Please help!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It appears that you have eczema, not an allergy to ProActiv.  If you were allergic to ProActiv, you would have the irritated skin all over, nit around one eye.  When you have eczema--it's hereditary, by the way--products can make it redder, but aren't the cause.  Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% twice a day.  If that clears you up in a few days, you might have to use it from time to time as needed.  I suggest one visit to a skin doctor, though, because eczema is chronic, so you'll want a definite diagnosis before using hydrocortisone on an ongoing basis.  Think of the doctor's visit as a one-time, discretionary purchase.  

Best.

Dr. Rockoff