Facial rash – Seborrheic dermatitis
Ask:
I have a rash on my face, which is red and swollen. I am quite itchy and it shows up on different areas including my nose and chin. It is very shameful. Can you tell me what it is and what can I do about it?
Answer:
You have seborrheic dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin condition. (‘Derma’ refers to the skin, ‘itis’ to inflammation.) It is similar to dandruff (see column to the right) and appears on the face wherever there are hair follicles.
There are basically two types of glands that expel toxins through the skin: sebaceous glands and sweat glands. In general, the sweat glands expel toxins that dissolve in water; This is what happens when you ‘detox’ in a sauna or steam room. The sebaceous glands, however, excrete oily and greasy toxins. Normally they would produce a certain amount of sebum, which appears in the hair or on the skin. But if there are too many of these fat-soluble toxins in the body, the sebaceous glands become overactive and produce more sebum, which irritates the subcutaneous layer, the layer below the top layer of skin, which is actually dead skin cells. . This leads to the type of rash you are experiencing or to acne. The tip of the nose has a particularly large collection of sebaceous glands. In seborrheic dermatitis, the production of the toxins is so intense that the skin becomes ‘angry’ and this results in a red nose, as you describe.
Sometimes, I’m sure not in your case, this red nose is associated with excessive alcohol intake. Seborrheic dermatitis is exacerbated by alcohol, particularly beverages that contain yeast, such as beer and stout. In some people, consuming too much citrus, sugar, or fried foods can cause a rash.
The most effective treatment is to avoid the following foods: products that contain yeast (bread, pizza, nan, pita bread, yeast extract, artificial sauces, brewer’s yeast, etc.); excess sugar (chocolate, cakes, sweets); citric fruits; fried food; excess alcohol (beer, lager and stout should not be drunk at all); cheese and butter; very spicy curry.
Also, you should make an infusion of Black Kadu, or hellebore: overnight, soak one or two sprigs in a cup of hot water, then drink hot or cold on an empty stomach in the morning, for a month. This is a bitter drink and you may feel nauseated for the first few days. If that happens, drink a few sips at a time to get used to it. It can also soften your stool in the first few days.
A chickpea powder preparation (known as besan in Indian shopkeepers) will help suck excess oil from the sebaceous glands. Mix a tablespoon of chickpea powder with a little cold or lukewarm skimmed milk. Rub this paste on the face, concentrating on the affected areas. Scrub for a while and then wash your face with lukewarm water. This is best done at bedtime. The skin will feel quite dry. Let it act overnight. There is also a useful cream, called Aru Cream, which you should apply twice a day to the affected areas. Aru Cream is a blend of homeopathic remedies and is helpful in reducing inflammation, itching and any stinging sensations. In general, this advice is also useful for acne sufferers.
SCALP PACIFIERS
In the case of dandruff, sebum production causes the dry, dead outer layers of skin to flake off and become trapped between the hair roots. They can also appear on the face and earlobes. The treatment of dandruff is the same as that of seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, sufferers can use an oil extracted from the red flowers of a plant known as the llama of the forest that grows wild in the tropics. Apply one to two tablespoons of oil to the scalp. Gently massage until completely absorbed and leave on overnight. In the morning, apply Margosa Shampoo to the entire scalp and rinse with lukewarm water.
STUBBLE PROBLEM.
Men often have sensitive skin around the beard area, usually with small bumps that become red and angry after shaving. The same treatment plan as for seborrheic dermatitis (above) will work for this ‘barber’s itch’.
