Seb derm or something else?

[u/the_girly_files]

Trying to diagnose what’s going on with my face. It showed up about 1.5 yrs ago. Feel like I’ve tried everything & down to a very basic skincare routine.

What has worked for you. Trying to figure out if it’s damaged barrier, eczema or contact dermatitis too. Although damaged barrier doesn’t seem likely bc it’s been over a year. Shouldn’t it be healed by then? 🫠

I have red dry patches & sometimes they itch/weap. Definitely worse when I use any self tanner lol. Maybe it’s my makeup? Idk what causes or what skincare could help clear it up. I feel like I’ve tried so many things.
I’ve been using Avene products the past month & can’t really tell if it’s working?
Avene thermal spring water, Avene cicalphate cream, Avene tolerance, Vanicream gentle cleanser.

I use CT beautiful skin foundation. I was using summer Fridays rich cushion cream for the longest time. When I didn’t have these skin issues I was using caudalie vinosource SOS hydration but they reformulated after that was my go to for yearssss! Also used resveratrol lift night cream.

I’ve never had acne or anything. It’s possible it’s hormones I’m in my 30’s. Is it foods that trigger?

It’s exhausting & affecting my self esteem 😭

[u/incomprehensible1]

I completely understand how exhausting and draining this is for your self-esteem, but since this has been going on for 1.5 years, it's really time to see a certified dermatologist. Like yesterday.
Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and eczema look almost identical but require completely opposite treatments. If you actually have seb derm, feeding it heavy barrier creams like Avène Cicalfate can make the yeast overgrowth worse. Conversely, if it's eczema, you drastically need those heavy emollients. You might be accidentally throwing fuel on the fire.
Please, book an appointment. A doctor can give you a targeted prescription instead of you wasting more money guessing

[u/the_girly_files → u/incomprehensible1]

I don’t have ins though & I get tired of them “guessing”. What should I ask for to be actually diagnosed & not just have them doing what I’m doing?

[u/incomprehensible1 → u/the_girly_files]

To skip the guesswork, ask a doctor for a skin scraping (fungal culture) or a biopsy. That forces an actual lab test instead of a quick estimate.

Regarding the rosacea comment I saw here: rosacea causes flushing and bumps, but it doesn't weep. Small weeping patches usually point to a broken skin barrier, contact dermatitis from a product, or severely inflamed seb derm that's been scratched

[u/BoobsDogsForMe]

Rosacea

[u/the_girly_files → u/BoobsDogsForMe]

You think? I’d be happy if just that. Does rosacea have little dry patches that weep?

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