Seborrheic Dermatitis is a prevalent skin disease that primarily targets the scalp, resulting in redness, flaking, and persistent dandruff. Seborrheic Dermatitis as a whole can affect any part of the body that produces oil besides the scalp, including the face (nose, ears, eyebrows, eyelids) and chest.
Seborrheic Dermatitis–also known as dandruff, Seborrheic Eczema, and Seborrheic Psoriasis–can improve without a need for medical interference, but you may also require a number of routine treatments to alleviate the symptoms, upon which the symptoms may recur after a time. Using a mild soap and shampoo on a daily basis can be helpful in controlling the oil production and getting rid of the accumulation of dead skin cells.
The most common Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms are:
– Scales on the scalp and hair, as well as your facial hair (also referred to as dandruff)
– Plaques of oily skin shrouded in yellowish or white flakes or crust on the scalp, face, chest, armpits, and groin
– Redness accompanied by itching
These hallmark symptoms are typically exacerbated by stress and cold, dry weather. You must consult your physician if your condition has an impact on your daily life or sleep; if seborrheic dermatitis has become a source of shame and stress; and if you are afraid your skin may have gotten infected.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Causes and Risk Factors
While medical experts have yet to pinpoint the primary cause of the condition, they assert that its development is connected to a fungus known as Malassezia found in the oil-producing layer of the skin and also a faulty immune system response.
Numerous risk factors are associated with Seborrheic Dermatitis such as:
– Conditions pertaining to neurology and psychiatry like Parkinson’s and mood disorders
– An impaired immune system that is typically a result of conditions such as HIV/AIDS, certain types of cancer, pancreatitis, as well as receiving an organ transplantation
– Healing from stress-inducing medical events like myocardial infarction
– Use of certain medications
Diagnosing Seborrheic Dermatitis
In order to reach a definitive diagnosis, your physician will initially need to perform a thorough examination of your skin. They may need to order a biopsy to eliminate the possibility of other conditions with symptoms similar to those of Seborrheic Dermatitis such as Atopic dermatitis and Psoriasis.
Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis
The primary approach to treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis typically involves the use of medicinal shampoos and medicated creams and ointments. Your physician will possibly suggest you try nonprescription treatment options first like a dandruff shampoo. However, if over-the-counter treatments do not prove effective, your physician may prescribe you topical corticosteroids or antifungal medications, which are applied to the affected parts of the body.
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Posted on May 22, 2023