Ask the expert: my skin is red and flaky

I’m a 30-year-old male. For five years I’ve been suffering from severe redness and scaly skin around my nose, cheeks, scalp, eyebrows and ears. The creams I’ve been prescribed haven’t helped. The condition flares up so badly at times that I cancel meetings as I’m so embarrassed.

This long list of causative contributors itself indicates that a total cure or even a prolonged remission is usually hard to achieve. Together with the medical treatment, lifestyle changes are also equally important for a successful management of the condition.

In severe cases, a short course of oral antifungals belonging to the imidazole group usually prove to be of great help, but cannot be recommended for prolonged use. Shampoos containing tar, selenium sulphide or ketoconazole can also be used as supportive treatment. Frequent application of any suitable moisturiser can provide significant relief.

Consult a dermatologist for a detailed investigation.