Reoccurring (weekly) dry patch on Cheek

[M Osti]

Hello,
About 6 weeks ago (on a Thursday) I developed a patch of what looks and feels like dry skin on my cheek. Its about 1.5cm in width and sort of looks initially like a small cluster (3 or 4) of bumps/spots but over time (a day or so) develops into a dry rough patch of skin that over time goes smooth but still looks red. The first time I had it I also had what looked like a rash on my face around my eyes and nose (including 3 small spots on my lower eyelid). This developed into very dry skin in those areas. I put this down to a change in shower products at my gym and didn't really worry about it. The dry patch faded by Sunday and all was ok until the following Thursday the same patch appeared along with a similar patch on my forehead. This cycle has continued ever since - skin fine until Thursday when I get this patch on my cheek. I cut out going to the gym ,changed my shampoo,changed my shaving routine and foam (I shaved on Sun and not then until Thurs), I changed my diet, I changed my pillows and it still happened. In fact I changed anything that it could be and still no joy.I do get dry (scaly sometime) skin under my eyebrows (sort of above my upper eyelid but not on it) and dry skin on the sides of my nose. I can get dry patches on my forehead as well but they seems to have eased since changing to Head and Shoulders sensitive shampoo. I have always had dry/sensitive skin on my face and use E45 daily on it and I can tolerate that mostly. What I can’t work out is why it always happens on a Thursday! Its Thursday today and again the patch is back - having last night thought it was looking like it would be clear today (sometimes I can tell the night before that the skin in that area is starting to change). The patch on my forehead seems to be not as bad I do intend to see my local Dr But fear he will simply prescribe a cream and I am not keen on putting chemicals on my skin.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds as though you are describing eczema.  Eczema is a hereditary condition that ofteh starts in early childhood and may disappear, only to come back in adult life.  Eczema is often ascribed to foods, soaps, and detergents, but changing them usually doesn;t help, as I believe you have discovered in your own case.  Eczema can't be cured, but it can easily be made to go away, rapidly and safely, if medicated creams are applied when needed.  Most of these contain forms of hydrocortisone, which is quite safe when the proper ones are used.  While it is true that hydrocortisone is a "chemical," a decision not to use it often results in just letting the condition take its own course and enduring the symptoms.  You should see a skin dcotor in person to confirm this diagnosis and get suggestions for treatment.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[M Osti]

Many thanks Dr

Its really flared up today (just my luck). The dry patch on the cheek is twice the size (and looks red and angry but then again I have just washed and applied moisteriser) and is joined by dry patches on nose and below eyebrows.

Not  a great start to the weekend :-(

[M Osti]

A picture to indicate the size and shape of the patch

http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picturejr3.jpg