Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic inflammation that usually presents as red patches with yellowish scales. These appear on the scalp, face and occasionally on other areas of the body.

Although not painful, it can be embarrassing, irritating or itchy, and may change in severity from day to day. It may possibly persist for years.

Non-inflamed patches are called dandruff in adults and cradle cap in infants. Babies generally outgrow seborrheic eczema in 6-12 months.

In adults, it usually occurs between the ages of 30 - 70, in men

Possible causes and contributing factors

• a reaction to a yeast (malessizia) that's naturally present in the skin

• a fungus (since anti-fungal treatments are often successful)

• stress

• hormonal changes

• fatigue

• diet

• oily skin

• exfoliating too often or too deeply

• not shampooing often enough

• using cleansers or moisturizers with alcohol

• weather conditions

• a form of this type of dermatitis occurs in over 80% of people with AIDS

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

• skin lesions that form where the skin is oily or greasy

• broad raised areas (skin plaques) covering large sections

• greasy/oily skin sections

• scales - yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face and, at time, on other parts of the body where oil glands are more concentrated.

• itching - if lesions become infected

• mild redness

• hair loss

• worsening of the condition in cold weather

Home treatments - and when to see a doctor

• Start treatment as soon as the problem is spotted on the scalp, usually as mild dandruff. Although not contagious, if not treated, seborrheic eczema can spread to the face; eyebrows; edges of the eyelid; ears, the crevices of the nose; chest and the skin folds of the armpits and groin.

• Begin treatment with drinking enough water to keep the skin hydrated (8 glasses a day is a good amount).......leaving the patches alone (no picking scratching or peeling them) and.......avoiding skin-care products that contain alcohol or are drying to your skin.

As far as home treatment is concerned, be sure you know what you have before you begin treating it! Many conditions have similar symptoms - for example, seborrheic eczema may be confused with psoriasis.

If you treat the wrong condition, you may miss discovering an underlying problem or delay the correct treatment, making matters worse.

Be aware that home treatments are not a cure but rather a way of reducing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. That may be all you need.

• Give some thought to your surroundings. Any product(s) or behavior may be triggering seborrheic dermatitis. You can change shampoos or skin-car products, drink more water, keep the temperature around you constant, avoid stress, etc.

• To deal with unsightly flaking and dryness, there are medicated shampoos, moisturizing creams, bath oils and special formulations.

Medicated shampoos generally contain one of the following ingredients: Ketoconazole, tar, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid. Use an anti-fungal cream or ointment when necessary.

• To avoid ingredients that are known to be toxic or harmful, read labels carefully.

An herbal alternative is Neem oil which is often used to maintain healthy skin. For any product, herbal or chemical, read the label and follow the usage directions and any cautions.

If home treatments are not working, or if you're not sure what you have, it's time to see a doctor. A medical professional can diagnose the condition and possibly take a biopsy to determine the condition, cause and proper remedy.

Living with seborrheic dermatitis

With proper skin care and overall good health, seborrheic eczema can be kept under control and not cause embarrassment or discomfort.

Latosh Foster

credit: adaenn

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