Flaky skin under an oil slick, eczema, and pimples - HELP!
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Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:05 pm

I have extremely flaky skin on my face. Exfoliating scrubs and such don't help, neither do moisturizers and cortisone creams. But here's the kicker, I'm also an absolute oil slick in less than ten minutes after washing my face!

I also have a lot of redness which gets redder as I get oilier. An hour after washing (with either sensitive skin cleanser or just water), my face looks like I have a sunburn and coated my skin with cooking oil. So I have to wear powder, and spend forever using tweezers to get rid of the worst of the flaky stuff (because just glopping on lotion and then wiping it firmly off only gets rid of maybe half of the peely skin). I've had my dad tell me to go wash my face because I'm so shiny in less than two hours after washing and putting on powder!

I also get sudden, very inflamed pimple spots. It's so fast and dramatic that I'd swear they were bee stings or something if I didn't get a few every week. There's sometimes even swelling and redness around the spot for an area as large as a golf ball (but mostly they're more like the size of my fingertip, although still VERY red). Sometimes they'll itch a bit, but other times I won't even know until I see a mirror or somebody goes "OMG, I think a bug bit you!" The spots will either miraculously go away in a few hours, or they'll become regular pimples and stick around.

I also have what I think is some type of eczema on various areas of my body. It's like an itchy rash that keeps recurring in the same places (has been for years). Sometimes the areas will get like very tiny blister-like bumps. I saw a derm and was just prescribed hydrocortisone cream and some type of acne medicine. They did nothing, and I've no health insurance and don't have the money to go try another doctor right now.

Does anybody have any idea what the heck is wrong with me? I feel like a complete freak, and I hate this.

free skin care · Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:29 pm

A skin condition that last for years should probably be checked out by a derm. or doctor. Or maybe have your hormones checked to see if they might be impacting your skin...

Other than that, I might check out the oil cleansing method. It sounds like you might be drying out your skin in effort to deal with your problem which your skin is fighting by producing more oils... Do your research so you know what to expect.

Good luck!

free skin care · Thu Jan 27, 2011 1:18 pm

What sorts of foods are you eating?

free skin care · Thu Jan 27, 2011 1:39 pm

SoftSkin wrote:

What sorts of foods are you eating?

I was wondering about this too... allergies can be a driving factor here... Grains? Dairy?

free skin care · Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:36 am

This sounds a lot like seborrheic dermatitis. Have you asked a dermatologist about this?

Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:02 am

ClaudiaFE wrote:

SoftSkin wrote:

What sorts of foods are you eating?

I was wondering about this too... allergies can be a driving factor here... Grains? Dairy?

I've actually wondered if it's a food allergy also, but if it is, it's doesn't flare up or anything directly after eating certain things (except slight redness around my lips when I eat anything spicy), or at least not noticeably. But I've read that food allergies are very hard to determine because they can occur up to several days after eating something, or they can be from things you eat often enough that you just always have the reaction to it. So I guess food allergies are just really hard to pin down.

I was thinking about doing an apple fast for several days or something, but it would likely take weeks for the eczema-like rashes to fade enough to notice, wouldn't it? How long would I need to change my diet before seeing results if it is a food allergy?

I do eat some sort of diary almost every day, same with bread. I can try not eating those, but for how long should I avoid them (because it will be very difficult for me)?

Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:25 am

clare77 wrote:

This sounds a lot like seborrheic dermatitis. Have you asked a dermatologist about this?

Yes, I saw a dermatologist a while back. She looked at my skin for all of two seconds and didn't seem to even listen when I was describing the problem and the things I've tried. I wasn't given a diagnosis, just a prescription for hydrocortisone cream (which didn't really help). Oh, and acne medicine for the spots on my face (which also didn't help).

I also asked my local drugstore pharmacist (because hey, it's free advice), but she only told me to put lotion on it, as if I'd never thought to try that. I know I need to find another dermatologist to go to, but I've no health insurance and really no money. If I have to give $100 just to be told to put cortisone cream or lotion on it and come back in a month, I'll be very upset. And I'm sure paying for hormone or allergy tests would be a price I don't even want to think about because it's too depressing.

Fri Jan 28, 2011 5:37 am

ClaudiaFE wrote:

Other than that, I might check out the oil cleansing method. It sounds like you might be drying out your skin in effort to deal with your problem which your skin is fighting by producing more oils... Do your research so you know what to expect.

I don't use anything other than powder to combat the oil. No toners or anything. I only wash with gentle cleansers (such as cetaphil), and only twice a day. During the day, I blot to remove excess oil, and just live with the fact that I'm still shiny. And I moisturize every day also. I am aware that going overboard in trying to fight oil can cause your skin to just produce more.

free skin care · Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:38 pm

Goodness, I can certainly understand your frustration. Sorry your dermatologist was so unhelpful. You may want to simply begin researching OTC SD friendly skincare products and try them. Also, though I know you mentioned getting in with another derm would be difficult, but I'm wondering if seeing a GP might be more financially feasible than a speciaslist. Just tell him you can't afford a derm, the meds you've tried that didn't help, then ask him if SD is a possibility or he has any other advice. Good luck.

free skin care · Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:57 pm

aliasjanedoe wrote:

ClaudiaFE wrote:

Other than that, I might check out the oil cleansing method. It sounds like you might be drying out your skin in effort to deal with your problem which your skin is fighting by producing more oils... Do your research so you know what to expect.

I don't use anything other than powder to combat the oil. No toners or anything. I only wash with gentle cleansers (such as cetaphil), and only twice a day. During the day, I blot to remove excess oil, and just live with the fact that I'm still shiny. And I moisturize every day also. I am aware that going overboard in trying to fight oil can cause your skin to just produce more.

Hi there,

I feel for you and I'm sorry you're experiencing this right now. What caught my eye was that you use Cetaphil. I think Cetaphil is absolute garbage. I used it twice and ended up with flaking, peeling and irritated skin similar to what you have described. I have very sensitive skin myself and one of the best cleansers for me is Olay Sensitive Foaming Face Wash. It gets rid of all the oil, dirt and makeup and leaves my skin soft and smooth. It sounds to me like you're having an allergic reaction to a product in your routine and I would be willing to bet it is the Cetaphil. Good luck to you!

Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:11 pm

alilicious wrote:

Hi there,

I feel for you and I'm sorry you're experiencing this right now. What caught my eye was that you use Cetaphil. I think Cetaphil is absolute garbage. I used it twice and ended up with flaking, peeling and irritated skin similar to what you have described. I have very sensitive skin myself and one of the best cleansers for me is Olay Sensitive Foaming Face Wash. It gets rid of all the oil, dirt and makeup and leaves my skin soft and smooth. It sounds to me like you're having an allergic reaction to a product in your routine and I would be willing to bet it is the Cetaphil. Good luck to you!

I actually was using Olay Sensitive Face Wash (although I don't recall if it was the "foaming" version), but the last time I went to buy it, the store didn't have it and I was told it had probably been discontinued. So the Cetaphil is new, but my problem isn't. But I think I agree with you, the Cetaphil cleanser really isn't any good.

free skin care · Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:30 pm

One of my boys seems to react to wheat.

Honestly, I think you're right that a food elimination diet may take a while.

However, I wouldn't be very random I'd go for common triggers. They generally are wheat and dairy.

And I'd bet on wheat. 'Cause you'd probably be having stomach issues with dairy... That's a guess.

And again, I'd look into oil cleansing method. I know it sounds counter intuitive. I actually called my sister the Chemist about this and she says... "yeah, it makes sense... LIKE DISOLVES LIKE." Oh, I didn't know that.

So, I suspect, if you were to work with some the resident experts here you could concoct a nice oil to start disolving the oil you're dealing with. (Try just your forhead, if you don't want to risk your whole face) Making sure of course, you wipe it all clear, No dirty oil left behind!!!!

Once you get the oil under control, perhaps the flaking will stop???? Or you can use an exfoliant without risk of staring another oil slick.

I just wonder if the flaking is an inability to naturally exfoliate because your oil production is so high, and kind of creating a sticky mess???? (these are the things that float around in my head...)

Don't do all things at once!

Best,

free skin care · Thu Feb 10, 2011 6:25 pm

clare77 wrote:

Goodness, I can certainly understand your frustration. Sorry your dermatologist was so unhelpful. You may want to simply begin researching OTC SD friendly skincare products and try them. Also, though I know you mentioned getting in with another derm would be difficult, but I'm wondering if seeing a GP might be more financially feasible than a speciaslist. Just tell him you can't afford a derm, the meds you've tried that didn't help, then ask him if SD is a possibility or he has any other advice. Good luck.

I suspect possible SD also.

Here is a link to a NZ medical site on seborrhoeic dermatitis. Towards the bottom of the page is suggested treatment. I suggest keeping a log of the products you use. Also I would do a spot test first. (Maybe the inside of the elbow. I like to do the chest area. It is sensitive but can be covered up.)

A lot of these products are anti-fungal and available OTC.

What is your scalp like? Do you have breakouts in your hairline or by your ears?

http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/seborrhoeic-dermatitis.html

Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:22 pm

Autumn1995 wrote:

What is your scalp like? Do you have breakouts in your hairline or by your ears?

Well, I do have a bit of dandruff, which seems to fit with SD, but I almost never have any breakouts or irritation near my hairline. And my worst area right now is actually on my hand, where my skin isn't oily at all, just very dry. I have a red, itchy patch about the size of a quarter.

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 4:49 am

Hi aliasjanedoe, my skin is very much like yours, and i feel for you! I have very oily skin, but at the same time its very sensitive and also parts of my skin have dry patches due to eczema. Its now winter here but since using pine tar oil, my skin has healed a LOT! If you havent heard of pine tar, google and look into it. To me, its the best thing i've used for my troubled skin. Whenever my skin flares up, I literally run for my Ego pine tar rinse!! http://www.homepharmacy.com.au/products/products_view.cfm?ProductID=371 ..they also make a pine tar soap but i find it too drying. Im using Clove's pine tar soap and it works wonders!
http://www.cloveskincare.com.au/pinetarbar
Im also using their Juniperberry skin gel, which i find great for controlling my oilies as well as moisturising the skin. But yeh give pine tar a go! And make sure you use all natural skincare! Anything with chemicals can trigger our already sensitive skin more sensitised! Good Luck!

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 6:14 pm

Ya if I were you I'd stop using the cetaphil - it's crap, IMHO.

I would maybe stop using everything you are using for the next little while, including makeup, and just begin rinsing your face with water without rubbing your face (be very gentle).

Do that for at least a month and see if it helps.

Then later on you can introduce a ph balanced cleanser with no sulfates (I like the PSF ones, but Dianna Yvonne makes some good ones too), and maybe use something like jojoba oil for moisturizing.

Tue May 10, 2011 8:05 am

Last summer I had what was diagnosed as SD on my forehead (the oil slick, flaking, and red bumps). It was such a pain to deal with and I tried the zinc pyrithione soaps to treat it with no result. What did work for me was Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother, and Derma E Tea Tree & E Oil. What I would do it make a 1:1 dilution of apple cider vinegar and water (1 tsp and 1 tsp), then soak a cotton pad in it, squeeze out the excess, and gently buff my skin. The buffing would remove the dead skin cells that accumulated, and the apple cider vinegar solution would tone and clean the skin. I would let that dry, and then I would massage some of the Tea Tree & E oil into my skin. After a couple weeks, my SD cleared up and I haven't had any issues since. These products are fairly inexpensive, so it is worth a try, and the products were gentle yet effective on my dry and sometimes sensitive skin.

My other suggestion would be to moisturize with a facial oil rather than a lotion. Some lotions can prevent the natural sloughing off of skin, and oils can mimic the natural oils your skin would normally produce.

free skin care · Tue May 10, 2011 9:02 am

mur wrote:

Ya if I were you I'd stop using the cetaphil - it's crap, IMHO.

I would maybe stop using everything you are using for the next little while, including makeup, and just begin rinsing your face with water without rubbing your face (be very gentle).

Do that for at least a month and see if it helps.

Then later on you can introduce a ph balanced cleanser with no sulfates (I like the PSF ones, but Dianna Yvonne makes some good ones too), and maybe use something like jojoba oil for moisturizing.

I wouldn't say cetaphil is crap. It's just the most basic of basic cleansers that only contain the very essential ingredients. For some people, it really is the only cleanser that doesn't cause irritation because of its few and simple ingredients

free skin care · Tue May 10, 2011 12:26 pm

Your skin sounds just like mine. I still havent found a solution.

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