Red blotches on face

[Kriselle]

I have someone with red blotches on his face starting from his hairline down the side of his face to his chin. Whenever he is in the sun, these spots get brighter and they itch. The spots are not scaly. Whenever he applies a dandruff shampoo to it, it eases and goes away. He has been told that it is the dandruff that has run down to his face.Others say that it is his high alcohol consumption which is in correlation to some liver disorder. The spots tend to look like ring worm but not exactly. When the weather becomes cool, it also surfaces. What do you think this condition sounds like?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It sounds like seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp. under the nose or anywhere on face. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[Kriselle]

I really don't think this is folliculitis