Middle age / menopause/ dry skin

[Guest Posts]

I’ve hit middle age and menopause and I notice my already dry skin has become rough, red and flaky on my chin, nose and forehead around the hairline. I’m moisturising a lot, using spf50 and exfoliating every now and again but it is not improving. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks N

[Dr Penelope Pratsou]

Dear N,

As we get older, our skin can get more dry and sensitive. However, you are describing redness and flaking despite regular moisturiser use and at specific sites, which can be suggestive of a skin problem known as seborrhoeic dermatitis (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis). This can occur in middle age and result in redness and flaking of the scalp, the eyebrows, sides of the nose/inner cheeks. This is thought to occur due the skin's oversensitivity to yeasts sitting on oil rich parts of the skin.

People with seborrhoeic dermatitis find it useful to use anti-yeast shampoos such as Ketoconazole a few times per week on the scalp and affected skin. Sometimes a mild anti-yeast/steroid cream combination is prescribed.

There are of course other causes for dry, red and flaky skin on the face and if unsure it would be best to check with your own GP on the best course of action.

I hope this helps.

[Dr Stephanie Gallard]

N, I entirely agree with Dr Pratsou. Seborrheic dermatitis is rather common in middle aged ladies, and it is usually easily managed with anti yeast/steroid combinations - although it is important to understand that we don't have a cure. Do see your GP.