Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment: Causes & Symptoms

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Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment: Causes &  Symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis is generally not harmful to the body or hair. It manifests as red, dry, flaky, and itchy patches on the scalp and other areas. While it’s a common condition, it’s important to note that it is not contagious. Having seborrheic dermatitis doesn’t indicate that your skin is unclean or infected. Fortunately, medications are available to help control the symptoms.

SUOXI Skin Care & Aesthetic Center is the largest aesthetic clinic in Bangladesh. We have the latest skincare technology. Our skin specialists are highly qualified and experienced in skin care treatment. Our skin care products and materials are genuine and imported from authentic sources. All the skincare devices are US FDA-approved.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a prevalent and noncontagious skin condition that’s relatively straightforward to manage. It typically manifests as itchy red patches with dry scales on the skin, accompanied by white or yellow crusty flakes on the scalp.

This skin condition can also occur in other areas of the body specifically where sebaceous glands are most active. Common locations include the scalp upper back and chest, face and forehead, around the base of the nose, behind the ears, the navel (belly button), eyebrows, under the breasts, and folds of the arms, legs, and groin. Seborrheic dermatitis is usually a lifelong issue; it can appear and disappear with treatment, often flaring up periodically.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis 

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition causing red, scaly patches, greasy skin, and persistent dandruff. It often affects oily areas like the scalp, face, or chest. Symptoms include itching, flaking, redness, and yellowish crusts. Triggers like stress or weather changes can worsen it, but treatments can manage the symptoms effectively. Some common symptoms are given below: 

  • Cradle caps appear as crusty yellow scales on the heads of infants. Although it is usually not itchy, scratching can cause further irritation and break the skin.
  • Blepharitis is characterized by scaly redness along the edges of your eyelids.
  • Thick, pinkish plaques of scales can be observed on both sides of your face.
  • Reddish discolouration in the skin folds and creases of the genital area, under the arms, and beneath the breasts.
  • Inflammation of hair follicles on the cheeks and the upper body.

What causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Researchers are still exploring the precise causes of seborrheic dermatitis, and it’s believed that multiple factors could be involved.

Some of the elements thought to contribute include:

  • An increased level of androgens (a hormone).
  • An increased level of skin lipids.
  • hormonal changes or illness
  •  harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals, and soaps
  • cold, dry weather, or a change in the season
  • Family history (dermatitis runs in the family).
  •  certain medical conditions, such as HIV and Parkinson’s disease

Like all forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. You cannot “catch” it from another person. Instead, it’s the result of environmental and genetic factors.

Who gets Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting 3% to 12% of the population. It has a biphasic incidence occurring in infants’ adolescents and adults. Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis affects babies under the age of 3 months and usually resolves by 6-12 months of age. Adult Seborrheic Dermatitis tends to begin in late adolescence. Prevalence is greatest in young adults and older people. It is more common in males than in females.

  • Organ transplant recipients.
  • Adult Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
  •  HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
  • Use of neuroleptic medications
  •  Adult Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
  • Lack of sleep, and stressful events.
  • Treatment for psoriasis with psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy

Why does the weather make seborrheic dermatitis worse?

Seborrheic dermatitis can worsen with weather changes due to several factors. Cold, dry air in winter can lead to skin dryness, exacerbating flaking and irritation. Conversely, hot, humid conditions can promote excessive oil production, creating a conducive environment for Malassezia yeast, which is linked to the condition. Seasonal changes may also impact immune responses, potentially triggering flare-ups.

Additionally, exposure to harsh weather conditions can compromise the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants. Overall, fluctuations in temperature and humidity play a significant role in the severity of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

What’s the difference between seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis?

Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions but differ in appearance and causes. Seborrheic dermatitis typically presents as, flaky patches, often in oily areas like the scalp and face, linked to yeast overgrowth. In contrast, psoriasis manifests as thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, resulting from an accelerated skin cell turnover. While both conditions can cause itching and discomfort, their treatments and triggers vary significantly.

Diagnosis & Test

Seborrheic dermatitis is straightforward to diagnose due to its distinct appearance on the skin and its typical location on the body. There’s no need for blood, urine, or allergy testing. If the treatment isn’t working, your dermatologist may conduct a skin biopsy to exclude other potential conditions.

  • Differential Diagnosis
  • Patch Testing
  • Additional Tests
  • Aesthetic Center Evaluation

 Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment at SUOXI Skin Care

Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis in Bangladesh typically involves affordable and accessible options. Dermatologists often recommend medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc parathion for scalp symptoms. Topical antifungal creams and corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation and scaling on affected skin areas. SUOXI Skin Care has been providing advanced treatments with confidence.

For mild cases, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos and moisturizers are commonly used. In addition, SUOXI Aesthetic Center conducts treatments using advanced technology. In severe or persistent cases, systemic antifungal medications or immunomodulators may be advised.  SUOXI Aesthetic Center also emphasizes lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and maintaining proper hygiene. Herbal and natural remedies are also popular alternatives. Public and private healthcare facilities in major cities ensure broad access to treatment, though rural areas may have limited specialized care.

Prevention

Preventing seborrheic dermatitis involves regular cleansing with gentle, non-irritating shampoos or cleansers to remove excess oil and flakes. Managing stress, avoiding harsh skin products, and maintaining a healthy diet can help minimize flare-ups and keep symptoms under control. Early treatment with corticosteroids or immunotherapy can limit progression. In adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (dandruff) or the face and body is a condition that comes and goes throughout life. Fortunately, it can be controlled with treatment. The condition improves quickly with regular treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits such as effective stress management and ensuring adequate sleep can significantly enhance the health of your skin. Among these changes, addressing stress can lead to the most notable improvement in conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Here are some highly effective techniques to alleviate stress:

  •  Journal about stress and negative feelings;
  • Perform light exercises, such as yoga or a gentle walk;
  • Spend time in nature, even if it’s just five minutes.
  • Develop a mediation or breathwork practice.

Conclusion

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, manageable skin condition characterized by flaky, red, and greasy patches. While its exact causes are not fully understood, factors like oil production and yeast overgrowth play significant roles. Effective treatments range from medicated shampoos to topical therapies, aiming to reduce symptoms and improve skin health. You can contact SUOXI Skin Care & Aesthetic Center for treatment if possible.

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