Seborrheic Dermatitis on Face

I was diagnosed with SD yesterday. I have red itchy scaley skin around both eyes (below and above) and a small patch on my chest, also a few patches on legs (behind knee) and one patch on side of hip.The dermatologist prescribed Aclovate ointment (.05) for my face for one week, a low steroid cream .(01) for my other areas and Nizoral shampoo to be used 3 times a week.  After the Aclovate treatment I was advised to use Elidel on my face until it goes away.  I'm concerned about using steroids on my face especially so near my eyes.  Will it cause scarring if I only use for one treatment? I'm also worried that the steroids will do more harm than good.  Is Elidel safe to use as well? I feel like this is too much medication at once. What do these do to your immune system?  Please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Steroids are one of the most effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis of face and other body parts. It is with the long term continuous use of steroids that the side effects like thinning of skin appear. My advice is to follow your dermatologist’s advice as steroids is the only treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.