EDIT: I have hemochromatosis and just learned of its strong link with PCT (Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.) I am fairly young and hoped to avoid blood letting for as long as possible, but strongly thinking this may be an explanation and have already messaged my PCP about re-testing my iron levels as well as porphyrin testing to confirm. 🙃
This is I guess a point of pure desperation post. I’ve been in active flare up for over 2 years now, and I just can’t take it anymore. I’ve been to the dermatologist twice and both times received a “dermatitis” diagnosis and then sent away with either basic steroids or anti fungals. The pustule patch under my eye specifically has not gone away in years, but now if I get too stressed it’s creeping further and goes through phases of consuming my whole face/scalp/neck.
Now for the past 8 months my under eye and majority of face have been even more awful. Constant pustules, flaking, weeping, intense redness, etc. It’s so itchy.
I hate looking in the mirror.
I have completely stopped allowing myself to be in photos, and I no longer go out in public. I’m totally vegan, don’t consume processed foods, eat only organic, have hypoallergenic everything have low/no oil in my diet, take skin vitamins & probiotics daily, exercise daily, and don’t use any inflammatory or yeast feeding products on my face or body. Also, just dropped $650 on ordering the Therabody Theraface light therapy mask. Really hoping that helps to at least lessen the severity...
I will list below what I’ve done/tried, and I’d love to hear any helpful suggestions that maybe I haven’t considered? I’m willing to do or try just about anything to have my face back.
Things I’m currently doing to my head/face:
-Wash face in AM & PM with vanicream dermatitis facial cleanser
-Moisturize with MCT oil (C8 & C10 only) with a small amount of pure organic aloe & tea tree added.
-Shampoo 3 times a week interchanging between Nizoral, Vanicream Z Bar, or Coal Tar. All formulated for Seb-derm.
-Gently Exfoliate every 3 days
-No hair products or any other products
-NO TOUCHING
Other stuff I’ve tried that hasn’t worked:
-Salt & Magnesium Sprays
-Vinegar dilutions
-Sun exposure
-Water Only
-Water & Cleanser Only
-The usual topical anti fungals
-Crying
Things Trying next:
-Kaolin Clay
-Red, Infrared, & Blue light therapy mask