What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis and How to Treat It 931 views
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also Seborrheic dermatitis AmE, seborrhea) (also known as “Seborrheic eczema”[1]) is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis may be visually unpleasant and moderately itchy but is a harmless condition. The condition is often persistent but is easily controlled using readily available medication. After treatment, the condition may recur after a time lapse of months or years.
As with other dermatitis conditions, seborrhoeic dermatitis is often loosely defined as a form of eczema although it differs from other more serious conditions more properly defined as eczema.
What causes seborrheic dermatitis?
The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unknown, although many factors have been implicated. The widely present yeast, Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale), is involved,[2][3] as well as genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors.[4][5] A theory that seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to the yeast has not been proven.[6] Those afflicted with seborrhoeic dermatitis have an unfavourable epidermic response to the infection, with the skin becoming inflamed and flaking.
Acute form of seborrhoeic dermatitis on scalpIn children, excessive vitamin A intake can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis.[7] Lack of biotin,[8] pyridoxine (vitamin B6)[8][9] and riboflavin (vitamin B2)[8] may also be a cause.
How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?
The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis depends on its location on the body. Treatment also depends on the person’s age.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (dandruff) in adults and adolescents. Dandruff is usually treated with a shampoo that contains salicylic acid (some brand names: X-Seb, Scalpicin), the prescription medicine selenium sulfide (brand names: Selsun Blue, Exsel) or zinc pyrithione (some brand names: DHS Zinc, Head & Shoulders). These shampoos can be used 2 times a week. Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week. If you have dandruff, you might start by using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled, and then use it 2 or 3 times a week.
When you use a dandruff shampoo, rub the shampoo into your hair thoroughly and let it stay on your hair and scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. This will give it time to work.
If the shampoo alone doesn’t help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the skin creases in adolescents and adults. Steroid lotions may be used in adolescents and adults.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (cradle cap) in babies. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in babies is treated with products that are not as strong as those used in adults. You might start with a mild, nonmedicated baby shampoo. Brushing your baby’s scalp with a soft brush, like a toothbrush, can help loosen scales or flakes. But be gentle when massaging or brushing your baby’s scalp–a break in the skin makes it vulnerable to infection. If a nonmedicated shampoo doesn’t work, talk to your doctor about switching to a shampoo that contains tar. Or your doctor may recommend a prescription shampoo that contains 2% ketoconazole (brand name: Nizoral).
Seborrheic dermatitis of the skin creases in babies. Gentle steroid lotions or creams may be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis in the skin creases of babies.
Related Posts and Content Provided by Sponsors
|
|
Do not use any products to treat seborrheic dermatitis in babies without speaking to your pediatrician first. Most doctors recommend using a mild baby shampoo and regular brushing of the hair.Avoid any type of products that may worsen the condition. Mild soaps and detergents should be used when laundering clothes.
Diet Suggestions
Certain foods can trigger inflammation, which is a trigger for this condition. Reduce consumption of saturated fats, like animal products and margarine, sugar and refined foods like white bread. Increase consumption of essential fatty acids, which are found in nuts and cold-water fish like salmon and halibut. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is also beneficial.