Red dry eczema on face!!!! Plz help

[felicity11221]

I have what I believe is eczema on my face and it's red and itchy and I really just want to get rid of the redness and its very embarrassing to go anywhere!!!! I haven't been to a doctor because it comes and goes sometimes I don't know why and I just need something to get rid of the redness I'm visiting my dad and I don't want to go anywhere because it's just a red blotch around my mouth and Lower cheek... I had eczema as a kid and it all went away but all of a sudden it's back but worst... It's on my face!!!! Please help me!!!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In most cases of eczema no one treatment will be effective. Medical research shows that the most effective treatment plan for eczema involves using a combination of therapies to treat the skin and making lifestyle changes. This is probably the reason that the calendula oil is not working now.

Topical (applied to the skin) medication like mild steroids(hydrocortisone)to higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide) is frequently prescribed. If the eczema is more severe, phototherapy (a type of treatment that uses light therapy) or systemic (circulates throughout the body) medication like oral steroids may be prescribed.

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.

[felicity11221]

Thxs but does calendula ointment mixed with lavender oil work cause my grandma made that for me and it worked for a while but now it's not working

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For eczema, do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

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.