Advertisement

Treatment for dry and scaly facial skin

Dr Sanjiv Kandhari
Consultant Dermatologist,
Batra Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: Since a year now I constantly get red patches on my face (cheeks and on forehead between the eyebrows). The skin also tends to dry and peel off at these spots leaving a burning sensation. I have taken various medical opinions (including skin specialists Dr. Rekha Sheth, ayurvedic etc.) but nothing seems to help. One doctor advised application of Sofradex cream. If I apply this for about 3 days it improves. Once I stop application, it recurs within 3\4 days.. I have been advised to stop applying any soap or after shave on the face - only Cetaphil lotion as face wash and 50 SPF sunblock lotion after wash, shave etc. But the dry skin condition is a continuing problem and in fact gets even more aggravated after Cetaphil. I am frustrated with this problem. Is there anyone/any medication that can help me with this? If I sleep in airconditioned rooms I invariably wake up with very dry patches around my face. I have traditionally had dry hair & flaking scalp since my younger days and an otherwise fairly dry facial skin. But off late this is getting quite difficult to manage.

A:The condition you are suffering from seems to be either sun sensitivity or seborrhoiec eczema. I wonder if any diagnosis was made or not? Also, do you have or had any acne? At present try application of a cream called Dipgenta twice a day and write back with details.