Question 1

Should I avoid spicy foods and chili?

Accepted Answer

Capsaicin dilates vessels and triggers/worsens facial flushing. If it burns instantly, avoid it.

Question 2

My scalp is oily and smells

Accepted Answer

Typical seborrheic scalp dermatitis. Sebum and keratin tangled and hardened on the scalp can produce odor; if neglected can lead to hair loss.

Question 3

Flakes appear next to eyebrows or nostrils

Accepted Answer

T-zone seborrheic dermatitis. Eyebrows, nostrils, around the lips are common areas where keratin and redness easily appear due to high sebum.

Question 4

I turn red as fire when drinking alcohol

Accepted Answer

Acetaldehyde produced when alcohol is broken down dilates blood vessels. This 'Asian flush' is common in East Asians who lack the ALDH2 enzyme.

Question 5

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

A chronic inflammatory skin disease producing red patches and yellow/oily flakes in sebum-rich areas like scalp, face T-zone, chest.

Question 6

Why does facial flushing occur?

Accepted Answer

Vessels easily dilate but don't constrict, causing facial redness. Alcohol, hot/spicy food, mood swings, temperature changes, hormonal changes are main triggers.

Question 7

Are rosacea and facial flushing the same?

Accepted Answer

Facial flushing is broader; rosacea is when flushing persists with acne-like papules, pustules, capillary dilation.

Seborrheic Dermatitis