sudden dry flaky facial skin

[curn]

Over the past year the skin around my mouth and nose has become very dry and flaky.  At first I thought this was a very negative side effect of Proactiv, but I haven't used it in months.  No about of lotion has helped.  Before I go to see a dematologist is there anything over the counter to dry first?

[CrunchyFries]

Does't water increase dryness of the skin? My doctor told me to keep as much water off my skin as possible. I have cases of eczema and water does prove to make the dryness worse.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such dry flaky skin could be due to xerosis or eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. 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. 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).

Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections have to be ruled out then.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[RJ233]

I used to have that problem in the cracks of my nose. I found it was caused by yeast. Sometimes eating too much sweets and other things will cause it. You can by Monistat over the counter. Get the tube of cream says 7 day treatment. It works just like any other cream, except it is for yeast and can be used on the outside of the skin anywhere you have the problem. I used it and it cleared up. Women tend to get it in the cracks of their legs and under the breasts also, and it works for all of those areas, but it is always best to use it daily for a week or it will come back. RJ