Often known as dandruff, seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis causes red, scaly patches on the scalp, face, chest, back, and other oily areas of the body.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it may be related to:
An overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that normally lives on the skin .
An abnormal immune response to the fungus or other factors that trigger inflammation in the skin .
A genetic predisposition or a family history of seborrheic dermatitis .
Hormonal changes, stress, cold or dry weather, and certain medications that may affect the oil production of the skin .
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may vary depending on the severity and location of the condition, but they typically include:
Red, flaky, greasy, or crusty patches of skin that may be white, yellow, or gray in color .
Itching, burning, or stinging sensation in the affected areas .
Hair loss or thinning in the scalp or eyebrows due to scratching or rubbing .
In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis may also affect the eyelids, ears, nose, mouth, groin, or armpits .
Doctors diagnose seborrheic dermatitis based on the appearance and location of the lesions. Sometimes, a skin biopsy or fungal culture is performed to exclude other skin conditions that may look similar, such as psoriasis, eczema, or ringworm.
The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis aims to reduce the inflammation, itching, and scaling of the skin, as well as to control the growth of the fungus. The treatment options may include:
Topical medications, such as antifungal creams, shampoos, or lotions that contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or salicylic acid .
Oral medications, such as antifungal pills or steroids, that may be prescribed for severe or widespread cases that do not respond to topical treatments .
Phototherapy, which involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision, that may help improve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in some people .
There is no definitive way to prevent seborrheic dermatitis, but some general measures that may help reduce the risk or frequency of flare-ups include:
Washing the scalp and other affected areas regularly with a mild shampoo or soap that does not irritate the skin .
Avoiding scratching or picking at the skin lesions, as this may worsen the inflammation and increase the risk of infection .
Managing stress, as this may trigger or aggravate the condition in some people .
Avoiding or limiting the use of hair products, cosmetics, or skin care products that may contain alcohol, fragrances, or other ingredients that may irritate the skin .
Moisturizing the skin with a non-greasy lotion or cream that does not clog the pores, especially in dry or cold weather .
Despite the fact that seborrheic dermatitis can affect some people's quality of life, it can be effectively managed and controlled with proper diagnosis, treatment, and self-care. In case you have any questions or concerns about seborrheic dermatitis, consult a dermatologist or doctor for further guidance and advice.
