Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Table of Contents
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Skin inflammation called seborrheic dermatitis usually waxes and wanes.
- SeborrheicDermatitis causes a red, scaling, sometimes weepy, and oozy rash.
- In most cases, seborrheic dermatitis affects parts of the scalp, brows, midface, ears, midchest, and midback. Baby and young children are frequently affected, where it usually occurs on the scalp (cradle cap) and in the diaper area.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is also called Seborrhea.
- There is no contagious form of Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Risk factors of seborrheic dermatitis
Most patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis are generally healthy, but there is some evidence that there is an association between neurological diseases and AIDS (HIV).
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
There is a lack of understanding among medical professionals regarding Seborrheic Dermatitis’ causes. Seborrheic Dermatitis is associated with some newly discovered genetic influences. Seborrheic Dermatitis patients are more likely to have 11 gene mutations or protein deficiencies. Genes are most commonly involved in immunity or epidermal differentiation. Considering that this dermatitis is often associated with oily skin, it is thought that oily skin may be affected.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
Typically, the rash is red and scaly but occasionally can be weepy and oozy. Patients may have significant dandruff from extensive scaling, and that may be their chief complaint.
When diagnosing this rash, it is often helpful to know where the inflammation is located. It commonly affects the scalp, outer ear, external auditory canal, forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks on either side of the nose, and occasionally the armpits, middle chest, and back of the body. A rash is commonly known as a “cradle cap,” which affects babies’ scalps. The problem can also extend to the diaper area. Children and adults may have no rash symptoms, but it often causes itching, especially on the scalp.
Methods to diagnose seborrheic dermatitis by professionals
Family doctors, pediatricians, internists, and primary care physicians can frequently diagnose and treat this condition. Sometimes, a dermatologist may be needed to diagnose patients.
The most common way that a doctor diagnoses seborrheic dermatitis is through clinical observation. Scrapings of skin scales can be viewed under a microscope to determine whether a fungal infection has occurred. Skin biopsies are rarely required for diagnosis.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis
The treatment of hair-bearing areas, like the scalp, often involves over-the-counter shampoos that contain any or all of the following:
- The Tar
- The prescription drug ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Zinc pyrithione (Head and Shoulders)
- Sulfide of selenium (Selsun)
- The salicylic acid
- A solution of 10% sodium sulfacetamide and 5% sulfur (Novacet, Sulfacet R lotion)
Home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis
The following substances are unlikely to be of any significant benefit in treating seborrheic dermatitis, either taken orally or topically: coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and biotin. A prescription-free ingredient such as 1% hydrocortisone, which can be obtained without having to pay a large amount of money, could be very helpful in controlling seborrhea.
Read More: Here are the 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Shampooing Men’s Hair
Complications of seborrheic dermatitis
This condition is rarely associated with complications. Problems are often caused by misdiagnosis or mistreatment. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes be compared to specific skin (dermatophyte) fungal infections of the face and scalp. Infections caused by dermatophytes can be exacerbated if anti-inflammatory drugs (topical steroids) are mistakenly prescribed.
Overuse of potent topical steroids in an ill-conceived attempt to treat this condition can cause numerous undesirable skin changes, such as skin thinning, especially on the face and armpits. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes result in hair loss and thinning, likely related to excessive scratching. Regrowth is expected after the disease has been controlled.
