Is it a seborrheic dermatitis?

[Phorisis]

Hello,

Recently, before my exams, I have developed symptoms that can suggest, according to what I read on the Internet, a seborrheic dermatitis. I had (and they slightly persist, although it is less important):

- My skin is generally oily, but I think it has never changed;
- I don't have any real scale, but my skin peels a little when I rub it strongly;
- These "lesions" are not very itchy;
- I have no real redness, which seems strange because all descriptions on the Internet imply redness;
- Dandruffs on my hairs and eyebrows;
- I have an associated blepharitis. I think the cause can be a lack of hygiene on this area, because I have a kind of phobia concerning my eyes, and I fear to touch or to rub my eyelids.

Can you give me a first "diagnosis" before I search for a doctor? Is it a seborrheic dermatitis although I don't have any redness?

Is it associated with HIV, because I had insertive unprotected oral sex two years ago? But I got tested at seven weeks, then one year, and the tests came back negative...

Can it be just stress linked with great anxiety during my exams?

[Phorisis]

Thanks for your precise reply, Doctor. And thanks for these advices.

I understand that it could be difficult to give a diagnosis without examination, but you gave me some important clues. I will consult a doctor as soon as possible.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that the problem only concerns my face (around the nose, eyebrows and forehead). I can't see any red area, but the skin seems "dirty" although it is not the case; and it peels (sometimes, there is minor itching).
But since several weeks, these symptoms have regressed.

So, once again, according to the fact that there is no red area (except when I strongly rub my skin) and no real "scale" that could be detached, can it be a seborrheic dermatitis?

And, according to you, is it possible that these symptoms are due to a very stressful period, and that they persist thereafter?

Regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be simple dryness of skin and dandruff scalp which is falling on the face. The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day.You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone) after consulting your dermatologist. Seborrheic dermatitis causes flaky,dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp under the nose or anywhere on face. If you do not benefit from moisturizers then it should be ruled out.
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.