What is seborrheic dermatitis and how to treat it
Seborrheic dermatitis is a disease of the scalp and face that occurs when the skin is over-colonized with the fungus Malassezia Furfur.
The fungus lives on the skin, where there are a large number of sebaceous glands: the head, nose, forehead, and less often the chest and inter-arm area.
Types of seborrheic dermatitis
The disease can manifest itself in various forms and severity. The main types include:
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp: characterized by the appearance of yellowish or whitish scales on the scalp, accompanied by itching and irritation.
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the face: it can manifest itself in the form of oily sheen, redness of the skin, yellowish scales in the area of the eyebrows, nose and chin.
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the trunk and extremities: it can occur on the skin of the chest, back, groin and other parts of the body, manifesting itself in the form of scales and redness.
Each type of seborrheic dermatitis has its own characteristics and requires an individual approach to treatment.
Forms and severity of seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis can manifest itself in various forms and have varying degrees of severity, including:
Understanding the forms and severity of seborrheic dermatitis helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment methods and create an individual skin care plan for each patient.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
table
| Symptoms | Description. |
| Yellowish or whitish scales on the skin | Oily scales on the skin, especially on the head, face, chest and back. |
| Itchy skin | Mild to intense itching that interferes with normal life, especially at night. |
| Redness of the skin | Red spots on the skin in the areas of scales, sometimes with the formation of blisters. |
| Radiance of oily skin | The presence of an oily sheen on the skin, especially on the face, which causes discomfort. |
| Feeling of tightness of the skin | Feeling of tightness of the skin in places of rashes or redness. |
Diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis
In most cases, the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is not difficult and the diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical manifestations. In some cases, a differential diagnosis between seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne is necessary. However, it should be noted that there is often a combination of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and other dermatoses, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
The fungus is not isolated, as it can be present on healthy skin. Dermatoscopy helps in the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis. This method allows you to visualize inflammation on the scalp, determine the presence of flaking and control these symptoms during treatment
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
| Causes of occurrence | Description. |
| Excessive sebum production | The production and excretion of sebum (oil) can increase due to hormonal changes, stress, imbalance of the sebaceous glands, and other factors. This promotes the growth of fungi that cause dermatitis. |
| Hormonal changes | Changes in hormonal levels, for example, in adolescence, during pregnancy, menopause, or when using certain types of contraceptives, can trigger seborrheic dermatitis. |
| Genetic predisposition | Heredity also plays an important role in the development of seborrheic dermatitis. If one of your family members has been diagnosed with this type of dermatitis, the likelihood of developing it in other family members may also be high. |
| Imbalance of skin microorganisms | An imbalance of microorganisms on the skin, including fungi of the genus Malassezia, can lead to the development of seborrheic dermatitis. |
| Stress and emotional tension | Stress negatively affects the functioning of the immune system and sebaceous glands, contributing to the development of seborrheic dermatitis. |
| Influence of external factors | These include climate change, the use of aggressive cosmetics, allergic reactions to food or cosmetics, and other external stimuli. |
External factors include climate change, the use of aggressive cosmetics, allergic reactions to food or cosmetics, and other external stimuli.
Folk remedies:
1. tea tree oil: Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton swab and gently treat the affected areas of the skin. Repeat this procedure 1-2 times a day. Avoid contact with eyes.
2. Soda-based skin wash: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the skin with gentle movements, massage for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.
3. Oatmeal mask: Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with a little honey and enough water to make a paste. Apply the mask to the skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a week.
4. Tar soap: Use tar soap for daily skin cleansing. Wet your skin and apply a small amount of tar soap, lather and massage gently for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Aloe vera: Use a gel made from fresh aloe vera leaves. Apply the gel to the affected areas of the skin and leave for several hours or overnight. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a day.
6. Apple cider vinegar: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the solution to the skin with a cotton swab after cleansing. Do not rinse off. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a day.
7. Olive oil: Apply a small amount of olive oil to the skin after cleansing and massage for a few minutes until completely absorbed. Can be used daily or as needed.
Keep in mind that skin reactions to these folk remedies may vary from person to person. It is recommended to conduct an allergy test on a small area of skin before use. In case of any negative reactions, you should immediately stop using the product and consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis
Table with pharmacy drugs for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, their dosage and approximate prices in UAH:
| Name of the drug | Type of drug | Dosage. | Approximate price, UAH |
| Ketoconazole (shampoo) | Antifungal shampoo | 1-2% shampoo, 2-3 times a week | 50-150 UAH |
| Selenium sulfide (shampoo) | Antifungal shampoo | 1% shampoo, 2-3 times a week | 60-120 UAH |
| Ketoconazole (cream) | Cream | 2% cream, 1-2 times a day | 70-150 UAH |
| Clobetasol (cream) | Cream | 0.05% cream, 1-2 times a day | 90-200 UAH |
| Salicylic acid (ointment) | Ointment | 2-5% ointment, 1-2 times a day | 30-80 UAH |
| Hydrocortisone (cream) | Cream | 0.5-1% cream, 1-2 times a day | 50-120 UAH |
Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the pharmacy and the manufacturer of the drug. It is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Professional dermatological methods
1. LED light treatment:
– Uses ultraviolet radiation.
– Helps slow down the growth of skin cells.
– Reduces inflammation.
2. Erbium Laser Treatment and IPL Therapy:
– Uses IPL pulse to repair affected skin cells.
– Erbium laser is effective for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
3. Stem cell treatment:
– Uses stem cells from the patient’s adipose tissue.
– Stimulates skin regeneration.
Frequently asked questions and answers FAQ
What to do if a child has seborrheic dermatitis on the face?
If a child has seborrheic dermatitis on the face, it is recommended to use mild baby creams and oils specially formulated for the sensitive skin of babies. It is also helpful to use baby shampoos without aggressive ingredients.
How to choose the right shampoo for seborrhea?
When choosing a shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis, it is important to pay attention to its composition, which should contain antifungal components such as ketoconazole or selenium. You should also choose shampoos with a mild formula to avoid skin irritation.
What shampoo is considered the best for treating seborrheic dermatitis?
There are many effective shampoos for seborrhea, but choosing the best product depends on individual skin characteristics and reaction to the drugs. Before buying, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to choose the most suitable option.
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on a child’s face?
For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis on a child’s face, it is recommended to use mild baby creams and oils specially formulated for the sensitive skin of infants. It is also useful to use baby shampoos without aggressive ingredients.
How to choose the right seborrhea shampoo for children?
When choosing a seborrhea shampoo for children, it is important to pay attention to its composition, preferably choosing products with a mild formula and antifungal ingredients that are safe for use on children’s skin and hair.
What to do if a child has seborrheic dermatitis on the face?
If a child has seborrheic dermatitis on the face, it is recommended to take care of the skin with mild baby products such as creams and oils, as well as special shampoos that are safe for use on children’s faces.
How to choose the right shampoo for seborrhea?
When choosing a shampoo for seborrhea, it is important to pay attention to its composition, the presence of antifungal ingredients, and a mild formula to avoid skin irritation.
What to do if a child develops seborrheic dermatitis?
If your child develops seborrheic dermatitis, you should consult a pediatrician or dermatologist for treatment recommendations and to select the appropriate products.
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis in children?
For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in children under medical supervision, soft baby creams and oils specially formulated for sensitive skin, as well as shampoos that do not contain aggressive ingredients and antifungal drugs, are often used.
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on a child’s face?
Seborrheic dermatitis on a baby’s face can be treated with skin care using mild baby products such as creams and oils, as well as specialized shampoos that are safe for use on babies’ faces.
How to choose the right seborrhea shampoo for children?
When choosing a seborrhea shampoo for children, you should pay attention to its composition, preferably choose products with a mild formula and antifungal components that are safe for use on children’s skin and hair, and discuss the choice with a pediatrician or dermatologist.
What to do if a child has seborrheic dermatitis on the head?
If a child develops seborrheic dermatitis on the head, it is recommended to use special shampoos with an antifungal effect and regularly carry out skin care procedures using mild baby products.
How to treat dandruff on the face?
To treat dandruff on the face, it is recommended to use mild cleansers and moisturizers, and avoid aggressive products that can irritate the skin. If the problem persists, you should consult a dermatologist for advice and treatment.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that seborrheic dermatitis is a fairly common disease, but with the right approach, it can be successfully controlled and treated. It is important to remember that each case is unique, and what works for one person may not be effective for another. Therefore, always seek the help of specialists: dermatologists at DermaCom and Coolaser Clinic. Don’t forget that the health of your skin is the key to your comfort and self-confidence. Do your best to keep it in excellent condition.
