What is the cause of xerosis (dry skin) over the eyebrow area?

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Differential Diagnosis for Dry Skin over Eyebrow

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Seborrheic dermatitis: This is a common skin condition that can cause dry, flaky skin, particularly in areas with high sebaceous gland activity, such as the eyebrows. It is often accompanied by redness and itching.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema can cause dry, itchy skin on various parts of the body, including the face and eyebrows. It is a chronic condition that can be triggered by allergens or irritants.
    • Contact dermatitis: This is a skin reaction that occurs after contact with an allergen or irritant, such as makeup, soap, or shampoo. It can cause dry, red, and itchy skin on the eyebrows.
    • Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause dry, scaly skin on various parts of the body, including the face and eyebrows.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Basal cell carcinoma: Although rare, basal cell carcinoma can present as a dry, scaly patch on the skin, including the eyebrows. It is a type of skin cancer that requires prompt treatment.
    • Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that can cause skin lesions, including dry, scaly skin on the face and eyebrows. It can also affect other organs, such as the lungs and eyes.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Discoid lupus erythematosus: This is a rare autoimmune condition that can cause dry, scaly skin on the face, including the eyebrows. It can also cause hair loss and scarring.
    • Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: This is a rare type of skin cancer that can cause dry, scaly skin on various parts of the body, including the face and eyebrows.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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