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Red Itchy Recurrent Rash

Hello,

I am struggling with a red, itchy rash on my face, specifically around my nose creases and upper lip area, and also under my lip.

For years I have dealt with it off and on. It is accompanied by a hot burning sensation and often becomes scaly and flaky. In the past it has become infected with staph and was treated with antibiotics. I use mild cetaphyl soap and eucerin to calm it. Sometimes I use olive or coconut oil.

I suspect it may be seborrheic dermatitis, and have also used t-gel shampoo as face wash. Everything I use relieves the symptoms a little, then it flares back up with a mind of its own. I don't want to use steroids, because they feed bacteria. I don't want to use antibiotic cream because that feeds fungi, and I wonder if I may have a fungal infection.

I am at my wits end with this guessing game! I eat incredibly well and have stopped drinking alcohol until I can get to the bottom of this. It will be 2 more months until I can, once again, see the dermatologist. Any ideas or suggestions would be so very welcome...

Thanks.
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Avatar universal
I have exactly what u have and it's driving me nuts I had it when I was 20and now I'm 28 and it last awhile and it itches and burns I hate it I guess what I have been reading I am going to try olive oil so hard not to itch it
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hello and thanks for responding..

i did see a dermatologist and am now being treated with antibiotics for what she thinks is staph. she did a culture and i will know for sure next week.

it is much better and at first cleared up completely. but now, like always, the redness, dryness, and itching has returned. maybe the antibiotics just need more time, but i feel like it is something else and i am so tired of being told there is nothing that can be done to treat/prevent the eczema/dermatitis i have struggled with for so many years.

thanks again and i will post more when i go back to the doctor.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
It can be due to seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or rosacea. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, scales to form on oily areas esp under the nose or anywhere on face. Rosacea is a cutaneous disorder primarily of the central part of the face , such as forehead; cheeks ;nose; and chin and presents as redness of these areas. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).
I suggest you to get it examined from a dermatologist so as to confirm the diagnosis.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

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