|
 |
 |
| Frequently Asked Questions Archive |
Dr. Scott Sheftel
Board Certified Dermatologist
|
Search our FAQ Archives by topic:
Have a question for YourSkinDoctor?
Click here
|
|
Q: I have a lot of white flaky white heads on my chin and around my nose. If I scrub hard enough they come off but I'm worried I shouldn't be doing this. I assume they're just white heads but they don't look like they need to be squeezed. What are they and how should I treat them?
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
A: White flaking areas on the face are suggestive of seborrhea (dandruff). Seborrhea is not limited to the face. Involvement on the face around the nose, chin, eyebrows and upper chest is common. Seborrhea is a chronic condition that can be controlled but not cured. The cause is unknown however some scientists feel it is from an organism in the skin called Pityrosporon ovale. This organism is very common and is not considered an infection. Treatment consists of shampoos, topical cortisone creams, tar preparations and anti fungal agents. Read about Dandruff in YourSkinDoctor.com. |
Q: I can see no rash, but I have a slight burning sensation around my hairline above my forehead. I had minor surgery three weeks ago to remove a growth on the inside of my nose, a local was used. Any ideas? It takes two months around here to get in to see a good skin doctor.
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
A: Anytime the body is traumatized or a stressful event has occurred, seborrhea/dandruff will flare. We see this all the time when people are admitted to the hospital. This is easily treated with over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or antiseborrheic shampoos. Read about dandruff on YourSkinDoctor.com. |
Q: I am 17 years old and I have facial skin that is very reddish looking compared to the rest of the skin on my body. It has been this way since I got burned while taking the drug doxycycline for acne. I still have acne, but no products help, they only make my skin worse. The only thing that helps make my skin more "mild" is a cortisone. Could I have sundamaged skin since my skin is very pinkish and older looking?
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
|
A: Most sun damage accumulates from adolescence to the early twenties. I have seen skin cancer in teenagers but it is rare . Usually the effects of sun damage will not disappear with cortisone. Seborrhea (dandruff) is very common on the face and responds readily to mild cortisones. Too much cortisone on the face can cause redness and acne. This is one case where it sounds like multiple things are going on. Take a step back and stop everything. Have your dermatologist sort it out!
|
Q: My skin around my mouth and nose is red & flakey, and stings. I am putting moisturizer on every hour or so. I thought it was windburn from walking the dog, but three days out of the cold & it is worse. Usually my skin is normal in this area, with the T zone kind of oily. I have not changed soaps, detergents, etc. Although I did use Neutrogena acne soap (by mistake) one time about three days before I saw signs of trouble. I am now using regular Neutrogena soap. Help!
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
A: Red, scaling rashes on the face are suggestive of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). This condition is a common problem of unclear origin. There is no rhyme or reason why people get this and it can be controlled but not cured. Read about Dandruff in YourSkinDoctor.com. |
Q: I'm a African American female age 27. My skin complexion is brown. The problem is that the area on my face that they call the "T" area is lighter than the rest of my face by one or two shades. I sometimes get dry patches on my face as well. What can you do to help me?
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
A: Sometimes darker skin can get lighter when there is associated inflammation. Seborrhea (dandruff) is very common in the "T" zone. Anti-seborrheic shampoos and over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams help control this. A sunscreen is also beneficial as the skin around the involved area will darken in sunlight andincrease the contrast between the light and dark skin. This takes many weeks to improve. Remember, African-Americans can get suntan andsunburn. (YSD product recommendations - Medicated Moisturizing Shampoo, Soothing Cream with Aloe and Daily Protectant Sunscreen.) |
Q: I have dry red patches and some itching on my face. What products should I use? I have very sensitive skin.
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
A: Dry patches and itching on the face is suggestive of seborrheic dermatitis (common name dandruff). Read YourSkinDoctor.com article on dandruff. |
Q: Can excessive scalp dandruff hair loss and broken blood vessels & red on the face be caused by environment ? In a new job for 6 months I am now experience these symptoms where previously no problems existed.
Show Answer »
« Hide Answer
|
A: Dandruff, also known as seborrhea, can occur on the scalp, face, and chest are. The exact cause is unknown. Some researchers favor internal inflammation and there areothers who favor external factors such as environment or an underlying fungus called Pityrosporum ovale. Whatever the cause, the condition is controlled and not cured. Usually anti-seborrheic shampoos are sufficient for control. The shampoos may be used on the face as well. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone may also help the facial involvement. See YourSkinDoctor.com write-up on Dandruff. (YSD Product Recommendations - Anti-Seborrheic Shampoos & 1% Soothing Cream with Aloe.) |
|
 |
|
|