SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes irritation or an itchy rash. It also causes redness on fair skin and light spots on tanned skin. This condition looks similar to an allergic reaction, eczema, or psoriasis. It transpires typically on your scalp, yet you may still acquire it in any part of your body. 

If someone obtains seborrheic dermatitis, it mostly disappears and comes back again. So, applying steroid creams and antifungal medicines in the inflamed or affected part of the skin will be very helpful. 

The exact cause of this condition is still unknown. It seems to be a combination of some things, including:

  • Weather
  • Genes
  • Immune system
  • Stress
  • Certain medicines 
  • Medical conditions
  • Yeast that exists on your skin

This disease does not come from an allergy or being unclean. There are factors that increase the risk of having seborrheic dermatitis, including:

  • Weakened immune system including people with cancers or HIV/AIDS
  • Some certain medications
  • Neurologic conditions, including depression 
  • Recovery from stressful conditions, including heart attack

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

  • Red skin
  • Itchiness or irritation
  • Dandruff on your hair, scalp, beard, or eyebrows
  • Spots of greasy skin covered with yellow scales or flaky whites

The symptoms and signs of seborrheic dermatitis might become more serious if you are stressed, and they are triggered in dry or cold seasons. So, it is essential to visit your doctor when you feel uncomfortable, irritated or if it affects your daily life. 

DIAGNOSIS

In diagnosing seborrheic dermatitis, your doctor may look at your skin, ask about your symptoms, and review your medical history. Additionally, the doctor may scrape your skin and examine it under the microscope to determine the conditions that cause your symptoms. These conditions include:

  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Allergic reaction
  • Rosacea
  • SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus

TREATMENT

Seborrheic dermatitis usually disappears on its own. However, it is often a lifelong problem that fades and flares. You can generally manage it with proper skincare, or you can talk to your doctor about the best treatment options. They will most likely tell you to begin with OTC medicines or home remedies. These treatments include:

  • Antifungal medications
  • Sulfur products
  • Corticosteroid products

You can also use OTC shampoo that has these ingredients:

  • Salicylic acid
  • Zinc pyrithione
  • Coal tar
  • Selenium sulfide
  • Ketoconazole

If symptoms persist, visit your doctor.

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