red scaly skin around eyes eczema?

for a bout 2 years now i have had dry skin around my eyes - its red and scaly and sore

the doctor has given me creams and none of them work - the skin is scaly and inflamed all at the same time

anyone had this before?

ive not drank alochol for a while- not used hair dye and not used perfume

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such red, scaly skin can be due to contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. It is usually caused by overgrowth of Malassezia furfur. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates and is aggravated by sweating and humidity.

Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases. The other possibilities are of eczema, lupus erythematosus or dermatitis. Best would be to consult a dermatologist and get biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.