Seeking Advice for Skin Issues 😢
I’m a 23-year-old female, standing at 160 cm tall and weighing 53 kg. Currently, I’m on birth control, taking antihistamines to manage my allergies, and I also have asthma. I vape, which might add to my concerns. For the past three months, I’ve been experiencing skin issues. I consulted two dermatologists; the first diagnosed me with perioral dermatitis, while the second suggested seborrheic dermatitis. Interestingly, the condition seems localized, as I do not have any rashes on my scalp or other areas. For nearly three weeks now, I’ve been applying fungoral cream (containing 2% ketoconazole) as recommended. Initially, there seemed to be some improvement, but unfortunately, my skin has worsened again. The doctor advised against using other products while applying fungoral, but after about ten days, my skin became extremely dry, prompting me to incorporate a moisturizer. My skin type is dry, and I’m not experiencing excess oil; rather, I have dry, peeling patches in the affected areas. I noticed my eyelids have been dry for several days, and starting last night, they became swollen and red, accompanied by a burning sensation. Additionally, there’s significant redness and dryness under one of my eyes. I previously had atopic dermatitis as a child and had initially suspected this was a recurrence; however, the dermatologists believe that is not the case. I would greatly appreciate any insight or advice on what could be happening with my skin.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 11:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating and uncomfortable situation with your skin, especially with the conflicting diagnoses and persistent symptoms. Your history of dermatitis, current skin condition, and treatment choices all contribute to understanding your situation better. Let’s break down the information and provide targeted advice.
Key Points:
- Skin Conditions: You have been diagnosed with possible perioral and seborrheic dermatitis, with symptoms worsening despite treatment.
- Treatment Challenges: The use of antifungal cream has initially shown improvement but has since led to dryness and irritation.
- Current Symptoms: Your eyelids are now swollen and red, indicating a potential allergic reaction or sensitivity.
Explanation:
Perioral Dermatitis often manifests as dryness and redness around the mouth and, occasionally, the eyes. It can be aggravated by harsh products or even topical treatments. Seborrheic Dermatitis usually appears as flaky, itchy patches and can sometimes co-exist with other skin conditions.
The dryness and swelling around your eyes, especially after starting the fungoral cream, may suggest an adverse reaction to the treatment or a sensitivity to something else in your routine. Given that you have a history of atopic dermatitis, this could also influence your skin's reactivity to irritants.
Next Steps:
- Discontinue Fungoral Cream: Stop using the ketoconazole cream to see if your skin improves. Given the dryness and irritation, it might be causing more harm than good at this stage.
- Switch to a Gentle Moisturizer: Use a basic, fragrance-free moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. Look for products containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid to help restore your skin barrier.
- Cool Compress: For immediate relief of the swelling and redness around your eyelids, try applying a cool, damp cloth for 5-10 minutes a few times a day. This can help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from any new skin products (including makeup) and strong soaps that might contribute to irritation.
- Consider Antihistamines: Your allergic history might relate to this irritation; if the swelling does not improve, over-the-counter oral antihistamines may help reduce allergic reactions.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of any changes in your skin condition, including flare-ups, new products, or environmental factors, to help pinpoint triggers.
Follow-Up:
If your condition does not improve in the next week or worsens further (particularly if you experience severe swelling, pain, or other systemic symptoms), it would be wise to revisit a dermatologist. They may consider patch testing for allergens or alternative treatments more suited to your skin’s specific needs.
I hope you find some relief soon; if you have any more questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
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