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What Causes Scaly And Flaky Skin On The Face And Scalp?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016

Question: Hello,

I am a 31 year old male from Toronto, Canada and I believe I have seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp and face.

I'm not sure what triggers it, but I get scaly, flakey skin from time to time. The flakes range in size, but sometimes they are fairly large.

Sometimes it goes away completely and sometimes it's really bad (on my upper lip, chin, and right sideburn.

It seems to be in specific spots.....I'm not sure if it's dehydration, a food I'm eating, stress, etc.

Was wondering if you recommend anything in particular.Forgot to mention a couple of things:

1) This issue is also on my eyebrows almost every day.

2) My water intake is pretty low.

Thanks and talk soon,

XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seborrhiec dermatitis; Ketoconazole based shampoo and topical steroid

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of scalp and face, commonly. It presents with redness, itching and scaling.

Scalp seborrheic dermatitis is a commonly treated with a ketoconazole based shampoo e.g Nizral Or Nizoral shampooo. However, if this alone proves insufficient topical steroid lotion e.g mometasone furoate 0.1% lotion or clobetasol propionate 0.05% lotion can be used for a short period of time

Seborrheic dermatitis is a steroid responsive dermatoses and they are the mainstay of treatment for facial involvement. I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream, twice daily for facial involvement.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 minutes later)

Thank you doctor.

So just to clarify, Nizoral can be used on BOTH my scalp and my face?

If Nizoral is not safe on my face, where do I find the fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream? Is there a brand I can look for in my pharmacy? Or is it a prescription?

Should my face be wet or dry when applying?

And finally, will this steroid typically fix the problem forever or for a few weeks? Or will this likely be something I have to apply forever?

Thank you again. I really appreciate your advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Advice regarding seborrheic dermatitis of face.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Nizoral is for scalp. Steroid cream is for face.
Fluticasone propionate is prescription mefication. Another alternative is triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream. You may try it if you can find it otc. Else you may even use cortisone cream on face. Cortisone is otc brand.
Apply cream on dry face. Dont apply when it is wet.
Steroids rapidly clear seborrheic dermatitis but it may come back. In that case you may use topical pimecrolimus 1% cream (elidel) for milder involvement or for maintenance of improvement.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Thank you Doctor.

I appreciate the detailed response.

One more question:

With the face cream, do I only apply it to the trouble areas (spots on my chin, upper lip, eyebrows, etc.)? Or do I apply it to my entire face?

Thank you again,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Apply cream only on affected areas

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Only on affected areas.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 minutes later)

Thank you doctor! That's a huge help.

On average, how soon can I expect to see improvement with my scalp and face?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
1-2 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Within a week you should have noticeable improvement. However, maximal improvement by 2 weeks by which time it should clear

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Thank you again! This service is AMAZING.

I will leave a high review for you Doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar