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Adeel Arshad
Authored on 24 Jan 2024 by Adeel Arshad,Medically reviewed 24 Jan 2024 by Dr Ruch Karunadasa.Next review due: 24 Jan 2025

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What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and easily treated skin disorder. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red areas on your skin as well as oily scales and white or yellow crusty or powdery flakes on your scalp.

Dandruff, cradle cap, seborrhoea and seborrheic eczema are all other names for this condition. It may resemble psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction. It is most commonly found on the scalp but it can occur anywhere on the body. Common areas affected include the upper back and chest, behind the ears, in the eyebrows, the creases at the base of your nose, the face/forehead, under the breasts, in the navel (belly button), in the creases of your arms and legs and in the groin.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic disorder that develops, resolves with therapy, and recurs occasionally.

Seborrheic dermatitis affects around 11% of the population. It is most common in newborns under three months old and people aged 30 to 60. It affects men more than women, and Caucasians are more affected than African Americans.

Signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may include:

If you are stressed, the indications and symptoms may be more severe, and they tend to worsen during cold, dry seasons.

Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis

General Measures

Proper education of the patients regarding skincare routines can help reduce the incidence of this disorder.

Identifying modifiable lifestyle factors, for example, a high fruit diet is related to reduced seborrheic dermatitis, but stress can cause flare-ups.

Specific Measures

Seborrheic dermatitis is frequently treated with a combination of the following methods.

Scalp Treatment

Shampoos containing, zinc pyrithione, ciclopirox, ketoconazole, coal tar, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid can be used twice weekly for at least a month and indefinitely if necessary.

Face, Ears, Chest, and Back Treatment

Management in Infants

Home Remedies

With lifestyle adjustments and home treatments, you may be able to control seborrheic dermatitis. Many of them are available without a prescription (over-the-counter) and could be considered if your doctor has previously diagnosed the condition. You may need to try different treatments or a mix of products before your condition improves.

Alternative medicine

Many alternative remedies, such as those listed below, have assisted some people in managing their seborrheic dermatitis. However, the evidence regarding their usefulness is inconclusive. Before incorporating any alternative medicines into your self-care practice, always consult with your doctor.

Skin consultation £19.99

Skin consultation £19.99

Our simple consultation first process enables you to complete a consultation with a doctor, submitting photos of the affected skin and answering a set of questions that will enable a diagnosis where possible.

Common skin conditions can even include:

START SKIN CONSULTATION £19.99Find out more about the PrivateDoc skin clinic

Frequently asked questions about Seborrheic Dermatitis

Who is at risk of developing Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Although newborns are more prone to developing seborrheic dermatitis, adults aged 30-60 are equally at risk. As an adult, several risk factors that can increase your risk include:

  • Oily skin
  • Psoriasis
  • Acne
  • Depression
  • Alcoholism
  • AIDS
  • Rosacea

What are the complications of Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Major complications a patient with Seborrheic Dermatitis might encounter include;

  • Skin thinning, dilated blood vessels, and steroid-induced telangiectasia
  • Secondary bacterial or fungal infection
  • Psychosocial impact due to appearance of skin

What causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

The cause is not completely understood.

Hormone levels, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, and neurogenic variables are all linked to the illness.

The proliferation of the Malassezia yeast genus is believed to play a role. Malassezia, a saprophyte of normal skin, produces lipases and phospholipases that cleave free fatty acids from triglycerides in sebum. This could cause inflammation. Individual presentations may be explained by differences in skin barrier lipid composition and function.

How can I reduce my risk of Seborrheic Dermatitis?

There is not much that can be done to avoid seborrheic dermatitis. However, simple healthy things you can do to lower your risk include; getting enough rest, managing your emotional stress, and getting a daily little dose of sunlight (UV light). Stay out of the midday sun.

When using medicated shampoos and skin treatments, always follow the directions provided by your healthcare professional. Under or incorrect treatment can cause flare-ups of your ailment and warrant additional visits to your healthcare provider.

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