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Suggest Treatment For Recurring Dry And Flaky Skin
Question: I have a recurring dry/scaly/flaking of the skin in and around the folds of my ears (outer ear more specifically.) I can usually alleviate it by showering (which I do every day) and carefully washing/q-tipping these areas, but it always comes back. Usually notice it in the mornings after I get up. Not sure what this is, but have been thinking it might be some sort of dermal fungus. I do sweat sometimes when I sleep and thought that might be contributing to it. Just curious if there is something I can do or try to make it go away...it is a nuisance.
Brief Answer:
may be seborrheic dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that it maybe seborrheic dermatitis.
This can cause scales around the ears, in the scalp, around the nose, eyelids.Some persons may have in one of these areas only, as in your case around the ears.
It is linked to different factors- fungal infection with fungus malassezia and an abnormal immune response to it (the fungus).
You should consider the use of creams such as ketoconazole, naftifine, ciclopirox. These are anti fungal creams.
When the acute flare up resolves (this can sometimes take a few weeks), you can use a mild steroid (eg hydrocortisone) to suppress any flare ups.
This mild steroid is over the counter and should be used for only a few days , 3 to 4.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be seborrheic dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that it maybe seborrheic dermatitis.
This can cause scales around the ears, in the scalp, around the nose, eyelids.Some persons may have in one of these areas only, as in your case around the ears.
It is linked to different factors- fungal infection with fungus malassezia and an abnormal immune response to it (the fungus).
You should consider the use of creams such as ketoconazole, naftifine, ciclopirox. These are anti fungal creams.
When the acute flare up resolves (this can sometimes take a few weeks), you can use a mild steroid (eg hydrocortisone) to suppress any flare ups.
This mild steroid is over the counter and should be used for only a few days , 3 to 4.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your advice. One note, I do also have sebaceous cysts below my earlobes and have had them in varying degrees since early high-school. Could these two be related and/or will the creams you mentioned assist with these as well? Lastly, are the creams you mentioned as precursors to the steroid treatment OTC also?
I guess while I am at it, one more question..have had these sebaceous cysts for a while obviously. Besides excision/extraction is there any new research on the treatment or reasons for flair ups? If you have a suggestion on where to go to look I will be happy to look it up and research myself, just curious. Thanks again!
XXXX
I guess while I am at it, one more question..have had these sebaceous cysts for a while obviously. Besides excision/extraction is there any new research on the treatment or reasons for flair ups? If you have a suggestion on where to go to look I will be happy to look it up and research myself, just curious. Thanks again!
XXXX
Brief Answer:
no link likely though can check further
Detailed Answer:
HI
In terms of the creams for the seborrheic dermatitis, for the flare ups like you have now, can use both the steroid and and anti fungal cream. The steroid cream you would use for only a few days but the anti fungal would be used as long as needed.
Recently, what was called sebaceous cysts are now called epidermal inclusion cysts. It was realized that they actually do not arise from the sebaceous glands.
Typically the cysts are not known to be treatable with creams. They are treated when they are irritating, large or infected. Treatment for these cysts is surgical.
Please feel free to ask anything else
no link likely though can check further
Detailed Answer:
HI
In terms of the creams for the seborrheic dermatitis, for the flare ups like you have now, can use both the steroid and and anti fungal cream. The steroid cream you would use for only a few days but the anti fungal would be used as long as needed.
Recently, what was called sebaceous cysts are now called epidermal inclusion cysts. It was realized that they actually do not arise from the sebaceous glands.
Typically the cysts are not known to be treatable with creams. They are treated when they are irritating, large or infected. Treatment for these cysts is surgical.
Please feel free to ask anything else
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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