Seborrheic Dermatitis - Symptoms & Treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammation of the upper layers of skin, characterized by loose, greasy or dry, white to yellowish scales , with or without associated reddened skin. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is mainly affecting the scalp, face and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It is marked by small discolored patches or spots on the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is often aggravated by cold weather conditions. It particularly affects the sebum -gland rich areas of skin. It is caused by a fungal infection by the yeast Malassezia furfur in individuals with decreased immunity and increased sebum production. In adolescents and adults, it is commonly called "dandruff." In babies, it is known as "cradle cap." Seborrheic dermatitis may involve the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, nasolabial creases, lips, behind the ears, in the external ear, the creases of the arms, legs and groin, and the skin of the trunk. Seborrheic dermatitis usually causes the skin to look a little greasy and scaly or flaky. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects millions of Americans. Seborrhoeic dermatitis may appear at any age after puberty. It fluctuates in severity and may persist for years. It may predispose to psoriasis . However, the plaques of psoriasis are more persistent, thicker, and a deeper red colour, with large flakes of white scale. Psoriasis is very likely to affect elbows and knees as well as the scalp. However, sometimes it is difficult to tell psoriasis from seborrhoeic dermatitis on the face, scalp and chest and your doctor may diagnose an overlap condition, known as ‘sebopsoriasis'.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes flaking of the skin. The flaking most often occurs on the scalp, on the face, and behind the ears. Sometimes thick layers of scales form on the skin. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and appear as fine white scales without red skin or inflammation. Dandruff can also be caused by other skin conditions, especially in children. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, mild disease of newborns. The red, scaly rash can spread to the forehead, behind the ears, and in the creases of the neck and armpits. The rash is not itchy and usually does not bother babies. Occasionally babies also develop this skin disease in the diaper area. When seborrheic dermatitis occurs in the diaper area, it is often accompanied by a yeast infection. When yeast is present, the rash is itchy and uncomfortable. Seborrheic dermatitis usually disappears by the end of the first year and does not reappear until puberty .

Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. However, there may be a genetic link because this condition tends to run in families. Researchers believe there may also be a link to a certain type of fungus found in hair follicles. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not contagious or related to diet, but it may be aggravated by illness, psychological stress, fatigue, change of season and reduced general health. Those with immunodeficiency (especially infection with HIV ) and with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and stroke are particularly prone to it.

Find common causes and risk factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis :

• Alcoholic and oily skin peoples are more prone to be involved in seborrheic dermatitis disease.
• Certain medications such as auranofin , aurothioglucose , buspirone , chlorpromazine , cimetidine , ethionamide etc. also induces seborrheic dermatitis.
• The fungal infection i.e. dandruff in a child is also lead to the condition of seborrheic dermatitis.
• The neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy are also linked with seborrheic dermatitis.
• People with immune system disorders are more prone to get affected by seborrheic dermatitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Skin lesions .
• Mild redness.
• Greasy, oily areas of skin.
• Red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
• Plaques over large area.
• Itching or soreness.
• Skin flakes or dandruff.
• Small, reddish-brown bumps.

Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Treatment may include:

• The ultraviolet light treatments i.e.UVA, UVB, can be come in use for seborrheic dermatitis.
• Steroid lotions may be used in adolescents and adults.
• Special shampoo, as prescribed by your child's physician.
• The use of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis are found very effective without any side-effects.
• Antihistamines is also a useful treatment of this disease.
• The immunosuppressive treatments are also helpful in some cases of seborrheic deermatitis.
• Selenium (Selsun) and topical cortisone-like drugs , such as betamethasone and fluocinonide can also be used.
• Rubbing the scalp with baby oil or petroleum jelly (to soften crusts before washing).