The Flaking That Keeps Coming Back at the Sides of the Nose and the Eyebrows – and Why Moisturizer Doesn't Always Help?

Sometimes we notice small flakes at the sides of the nose, between the eyebrows, or at the hairline.

The skin can be slightly red, sometimes itchy, and sometimes dandruff also appears on the scalp.

We apply moisturizer, and the condition improves for a short time, but after a while the flaking returns.

One of the possible reasons for this is seborrhea, or by its medical name, Seborrheic Dermatitis.

What is seborrhea?

Seborrhea is a common inflammatory skin disease that tends to appear in areas rich in sebaceous glands.

It can affect the scalp, the eyebrows, the sides of the nose, the ears, and sometimes also the chest.

One of the factors involved in the phenomenon is a yeast called Malassezia, which is found naturally on the skin of most of us.

In some people an inflammatory reaction develops that is related to this yeast and to additional factors.

It's important to understand that seborrhea does not indicate a lack of cleanliness, and it is not a contagious disease.

Why does it keep coming back again and again?

Seborrhea is a chronic condition that tends to appear in periods of flare-ups and calm.

In some people it worsens during periods of mental stress, cold weather, or changes in the environment.

It's not always possible to identify a clear cause for a flare-up.

How do we distinguish between seborrhea and ordinary dryness?

Simple dryness can cause flaking and a feeling of tightness.

In seborrhea, redness and relatively oily scales often appear too, especially in typical areas such as the sides of the nose and the eyebrows.

But it's not always possible to distinguish between the conditions by appearance alone.

Eczema, psoriasis, and other skin diseases can also cause similar flaking.

Why isn't moisturizer always enough?

Moisturizer can help reduce dryness and discomfort, but it does not necessarily treat the inflammatory process that causes seborrhea.

In suitable cases, antifungal products are used, such as ketoconazole, and sometimes anti-inflammatory treatments as well, according to a doctor's recommendation.

It's important to be especially careful about prolonged use of steroids on the face without medical guidance.

What should we do in daily life?

Use gentle cleansing products.

Avoid strong rubbing of the flakes.

Choose skincare products that do not cause irritation.

If there is seborrhea on the scalp, a suitable therapeutic shampoo may help control the symptoms.

And understand that sometimes maintenance treatment is needed even after the skin looks better.

My daily recommendation

I think one of the mistakes we make is treating every flaking of the skin as if it stems from a lack of moisture.

But sometimes the flaking is only the external sign of another process taking place in the skin.

When we understand the difference, it's easier to choose an appropriate treatment and avoid unnecessary attempts.

Not every flaking skin needs another rich cream, and not every redness is only sensitivity.

Sometimes we first need to understand what is really happening beneath the surface.

Nurit Rozenblat

With love,
Nurit Rozenblat
OrOrgani

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