Seborrheic Dermatitis

What Is It?

Seborrheic dermatitis is sometimes referred to as seborrheic psoriasis. It however is not a psoriatic condition.

There are also similar treatments for both this and scalp psoriasis.

This particular skin condition affects the face, scalp and trunk.

The reddened skin is flaky and itchy.

It is more commonly seen on the scalp where there are sebum-rich areas of skin.

Prevalence:

Approximately 5% of people will suffer some form of dermatitis.

However about 15-20% will at some time have the milder form “dandruff”.

In infants it occurs as “cradle cap”.

It is more common in men than women. And it occurs in all races.

Causes:

1. Although this cannot be confirmed at present; it is thought to be triggered by a specific yeast infection called Malessizia. The yeast produces toxic substances.

   This causes irritation and inflammation of the skin affected. There also appears to be a diminished resistance to this infection, in a person with seborrheic dermatitis.

2. Environmental factors
3. Genetics may play a part.
4. Hormonal imbalance
5. Some neurological conditions are associated with this skin condition such as Parkinsons Disease
6. Depressed immune system; often following illness
7. In children – excessive vitamin A intake
8. Lack of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
9. Lack of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
10. Seasonal changes can often affect the severity of this skin condition.
11. Stress can precipitate this condition and cause flare-ups.

Symptoms:

1. The first indication that a person may suffer from seborrheic dermatitis are the presence of white skin flakes called dandruff.

   The site becomes flaky and the skin is red. The flakes are white, yellow and grey.

2. As the condition worsens, there will be thick yellow oily scales present. In severe cases red or yellow pimples appear in many areas of the body.
3. There may also be some temporary hair loss. If left untreated for long periods of time, there may be damage to the hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss.

   At present there is divided opinion on the cause: either from the yeast infection or from other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

4. If this condition is detected in infants, may be misdiagnosed as nappy (diaper) rash. Will often resolve without treatment.
5. Symptoms can last months or even years. There can be periods of improvement, followed by times when the condition gets worse.

   And if the condition is not responding to treatments, advice should be sought from a dermatologist.

6. This is a chronic condition that may have periods of inactivity. These are often then followed by flare-ups.

Treatments:

This condition can range from mild dandruff to more serious scales that are dense and diffuse when present on the scalp. If present on the face or the trunk, it could be either greasy or powdery scale.

Therefore the treatment would be according to the area and severity of the condition.

Also the age of the person would be taken into consideration in relation to treatment prescribed.

Treatments would include:

• Topical creams
• Topical corticosteroids
• Medicated shampoo to treat scalp
• Coal tar products
• Natural organic creams
• Essential Oils
• Nutritional supplements if deficient

For some seborrheic dermatitis sufferers, medicated shampoos have little or no effect. I am one such person and therefore have chosen to use an organic shampoo that I know is devoid of harmful chemicals and gentle on my scalp.

Healthy Eating

It is also important to eat a healthy diet. Optimum health can only be a positive for all of us.

However, as we are all individuals, there will be different triggers with each person with this condition. I have written about this in an article Seborrheic Dermatitis Diet

And for me, keeping a food diary to eliminate those foods that may exacerbate my dermatitis is something I have just started to do.

And I am trialling different organic products to see which is most effective.

Please note, if this condition gets worse or does not respond to topical treatment; it is advisable to seek medical advice. And a dermatologist will confirm diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Related Articles:

Difference between Scalp Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis Diet

Return to Home Page from Seborrheic Dermatitis

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