Thank you so much for your response. Would some type of allergy testing also be beneficial? I have not narrowed the foods that flare it up although I think it is some type of preservative because it most often occurs when eating out. The redness will increase very rapidly after ingestion. Also even when I have had this area under control I am only able to use bare minerals make up, and cetiphil lotion .I Never try any other products because I have had increased irritation. Over the last several years I have never been able to wear sunscreen on my face as this causes more irritation. Thank you so much for your time and professional opinion.
Hi,
This sounds more like eczema rather than seborrhoeic dermatitis.Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking etc.
Although it is an inherited disease, eczema is primarily aggravated by contact with or intake of allergens. It can also be influenced by other "hidden" factors such as stress or fatigue. This explains the flare-up prior to your daughter's surgery.
To combat the severe dryness associated with eczema, a high-quality, dermatologist approved moisturizer should be used daily. Moisturizers should not have any ingredients that may further aggravate the condition. Moisturizers are especially effective if applied within 5-10 minutes after bathing. This helps to lock in the moisture into the skin.
Corticosteroids have traditionally been considered the most effective method of treating severe eczema. Disadvantages of using steroid creams include stretch marks and thinning of the skin. Higher-potency steroid creams must not be used on the face or other areas where the skin is naturally thin; usually a lower-potency steroid is prescribed for sensitive areas. So Desonide would be the ointment for you to use.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atopic_eczema
I suggest that you first start with moisturizing the face and avoiding using any other soaps/face washes etc. on the face.
A non-soap cleanser can be used. Showers should be kept short and at a lukewarm/moderate temperature.
If these measures fail then you can think of applying the steroid medication.The immunosuppressant Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used in the treatment of severe
cases instead of traditional steroid creams. However, there can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such as intense stinging or burning.
It could be eczema or seborrhea dermatitis. It sounds like eczema. Desonide is a very low dose of steroids. Stress could indeed bring this on or exacerbate the situation. Their is no cure and no reasonable treatment. Steroids are the typical treatment but most can't be used on the face. Cetaphil or Vaseline will help. Apply a thick coat after shower. Try not to use soap on the area, it tends to dry the skin.
There are a couple of prescriptions that work for some people but they have black box warnings.