red face,itching-burning scalp

dear doctor Rockoff,
  i suddenly at the age of 43 devoped reddness on my face with flaky skin espially aruond my eyes and mustache.other symptoms are burning itching scalp and ears and small red goose bumps in my under arms that dont itch or pustulate.in addition my finger nails espially the thumbs have a hard growth at the tips that are pushing the nails up and back.even my toe nails seem to be turing yellow and hard.please tell me what i can do.
                                          sincerely yours
                                              Tim C.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Tim:

I think that the facial rash is probably eczema, which often appears with no particular provocation.  You can treat it with 1% hydrocortisone (over-the-counter.)  If that doesn't help in a few days, you should see a doctor.  As for the nails, I cannot think of a connection, nor can I explan anything firther without seeing them.  Again, a doctor's appointment would seem to be in order.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff