Seborreric dermatitis & pigmentation damage?

[DCgirl5]

Hi,
I would like to know if seborreic dermatitis can cause permanent skin pigment damage. I am an African-American woman who was diagnosed with this condition by my doctor. I am currently dealing with a flare up on my face that has been present for almost a month now. It is very frustrating because I have been to my dermatologist twice and have been prescribed Locoid lotion & desonide ointment for my face. I have also received Clobetasol foam for my scalp. The skin under and around my mouth continue to be red and irritated and I'm peeling there daily. The peeling seems to leave me with skin discoloration in that area, and I'm afraid it will leave me with permanent discoloration. Also, would a light chemical peel be beneficial to relieve my face of the scaly build up, and flaking?

[kylee425]

Are there ways to treat the discolored scalp until its back to normal skin tone again? What treatments would you reccomend? If the area has been scratched is there any over the counter medicine to help clear it up?

-Frustrated

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Seborrheic dermatitis does not cause any post inflammatory hyperpigmentation unless the area is scratched and bacterial infection sets in.

I 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.

[jagesh50]

While I know that seb.dermatitis does not leave behind permanent damage,the awarness that too much of cortisone may leave behind makes me tell you to go easy on the therapy per se, making a peel superfluous.