dry skin

[crp1029]

I have skin that flakes right around my eyebrows, and you can see where it looks like salty white patches, not big flakes or anything. What can I do about this, and what is the cause?

[crp1029]

It is not infected, it is not itchy, just looks likesalty patches, and is dry. Is this something to do with a dry scalp that could be flaking onto my forehead and eyebrows?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This seems to be contact dermatitis from what you describe. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. Only the superficial regions of the skin are affected in contact dermatitis.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate dermatitis a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.