Inflamed face

[pezbar]

Hi. Just over 2 years ago a rash appeared on both sides of my face in my beard area. They spread along my beard to my chin. During which time I visited the doctor 2 or 3 times and was told I have Seborrhoeic Dermatitis. Each time I was given steriod cream which done nothing to help. More recently my whole face has become inflamed (and I mean my whole face including my forehead). It itches and looks horrible. My face has also become very oily. I have tried Nizoral Shampoo on my hair and face, Tgel Tar, Born to be Mild, Ketaconozole creams, even honey. I have tried loads of different diets, cutting out wheat, sugar, saturated fats etc. Generally these days I just eat healthy food, but it is still getting worse. Any ideas please?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to seborrheic dermatitis or eczema skin. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is believed to be an inflammatory reaction related to the proliferation of normal skin habitant -Malassezia.

Treatment usually involves use of antifungal, anti inflammatory and sebo suppressive or Keratolytic ingredients. Dermatologist also recommends the use of photodynamic therapy which involves the usage of UV- A, UV- B laser and red or blue LED light to inhibit the growth of the yeast and reduces the inflammation. Adjuvant therapy includes use of dandruff shampoo, an antifungal agent or both are essential during the pulse therapy and should be continued here after as maintenance therapy after each pulse. Anti fungal diet includes the elimination of sugar should reduce seborrhoeic dermatitis.

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.

[JewelWild]

Since your flare ups seem to occur when you apply water, could it be that the water is too hard?  

I installed a water filter in my shower & my seb-Derm ceased up until 7 days before my menstrual cycle.  So I tried that organic raw vinegar (Braggs) and the inflammation ceased immediately but the smell grossed me out.  The vinegar requires multiple applications.  So my next experiment is to increase the pH balance in my drinking water during my pre-menstrual/ hormonal phase, drinking some new volcanic water with 7.8 pH by WaiAkea.  Also, shampooing with "DHS" Zinc Shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis along with Kerastase Nutritive Bain Oleo-Relax Smoothing Shampoo/conditioner.  I also take Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for the thinning caused by seb-Derm.
But most of all I have reduced my sugar intake to minimize yeast production. My reason for the above regimen is because I became cautious about long term use of all the topical steroid creams that eventually thin or damage the layers of skin.  As for my diet, broccoli, spinach, kale, Brussels & quinoa weekly along with plenty of water.  I'm still searching for a diet that help level the body's pH balance during my seb-Derm flare ups.