Seborrhoeic dermatitis

[mysignisflower]

Hello, my name is Beata, I'm 19 and I would like to share my skin problem with you. I really need some help or advice because I feel desperate and really don't know what to do about that.

I always have had oily skin. When I was 15-17 it was really horrible, my face was all about shining. When I applied foundation, after one hour I was totally oily. But my face was always really smooth and I had a minimum of blemishes. I always got compliments on my skin. At the end of 17 my face was getting better and better in oilness. It wasn't so bad as it was.

Approximately six months ago I went to dermatologist, because I noticed flakes on my skin. They were almost unvisible on bare face, but when I applied foundation it was terrible, visible mostly on forehead, cheeks and chin and top of the nose. I had also strong dandruff on scalp and really dry flakes behind the ears. My dermatologist told me I suffer from seborrhoeic dermatitis. She prescribed me Bioderma shampoo and Belosalic behind the ears and they really helped, but flakes on skin were still there.

Four months ago, a lot of tiny red bumps appeared on my forehead, cheeks and chin. They aren't itchy at all and there is some rednees as well. At first I thought it's an food allergy, but I really don't think so. I thought it is caused by my makeup blender, so I stopped using it, but they are still there. Then I thought it's my foundation, but it's not. And my face cleanser and cream don't cause it as well. I have always used them and there was no problem. So my only hope was that seborrhoea could cause it, but I really don't know. I'm not sure If it's a symptom of seborrhoea. But my face is in really bad condition now. I regulary take care of my skin I always use scrub on my face, then tonic and then face cream and always have that flakes on skin. I'm really desperate, I don't know what to do. I appreciate every comment or advice, but mainly your time. Thank you very much.

[lovesradio]

Dear Beata I am so sorry you are distressed. For a number of years I have used only water to clean my face, then I apply a face cream - as long as it is described as hypoallergenic I don't go for a particular brand. Sometimes manufacturers change the formulations of scrubs, cleansers, toners and creams and it's really hard to get information. I would go back to your dermatologist to see if you can get some help.

Best wishes for a healthy skin x

[Bobbiefox]

I suffered from inflamed, itchy and flaky oily skin (although not the red bumps you describe) for several years. On the recommendation of a dermatologist I started applying Vichy Ideal Soleil Factor 50 as a moisturiser every day after cleansing, and I haven't looked back. As a sun screen it provides a barrier to protect your skin from irritants in the atmosphere, and you can get it for sensitive skin ( usually from independent pharmacists, or I sometimes buy mine from the hospital pharmacy - you don't need a prescription). I also use diprobase ointment in the evening - this apparently builds up the fragile surface of the skin, again to act as a barrier against irritants, although rarely need to use that now. As for cleansing, I use aqueous cream and water as it is mild and an emollient. When you have oily skin it seems counter-intuitive to use these creamy treatments, but it seems to be what protects against hot flare ups. I only occasionally use a facial scrub as this can damage the surface of the skin. Spraying my face with Avene spring water prior to moisturising with Vichy is very cooling and hydrating, especially if you apply the moisturiser while your skin is still wet. I still sometimes have problems with flakes showing through foundation if I use it too often, but at least I have got my flare ups well under control. I do hope this is of some help, but if nothing else, make sure you only use gentle products on your face. Good luck.