Seborrheic dermatitis: symptoms, causes and treatment
Posted by Ivatherm
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, scaling, and dandruff. Most commonly, seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp, but it can also develop on the face, upper chest, and back.
When infants develop this condition, it is called cradle cap. It usually develops within the first few weeks after birth and gradually disappears by the age of 6 to 12 months.
Table of Contents
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Considered a chronic form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis occurs on areas of the body where there are numerous sebaceous glands, such as the upper back, nose, and scalp.
Being a chronic inflammatory medical condition, it can affect different parts of the body at the same time.
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect people of any age, but it is most common in infants and adults, especially men aged between 30 and 60.
Dandruff is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis and manifests as fine scales scattered in the hair-bearing areas of the scalp.
Microscopic examination of the hair and skin of the scalp.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are observed especially on the scalp and face. In rare cases, this skin disease can also affect other areas of the body, such as the upper chest and back, armpits, and groin area.
Specific symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
Fine, small, white scales (dandruff) on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and mustache
Dandruff represents skin desquamation. Dead cells accumulate and, at some point, become visible. In short, dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp at an accelerated rate. In most cases, dandruff is only noticed when it falls from the scalp – onto the hair, shoulders, neck, or eyebrows.
Redness and sometimes crusts on the skin
Inflamed skin often appears as red, sometimes scaly, patches.
Red patches on the face
Patches of thick, pinkish skin can appear on both sides of the face, especially around the nose.
These can appear beneath scaly, flaky skin. Those with excessively oily skin are more prone to seborrheic dermatitis.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Seborrheic blepharitis can cause redness on the edges of the eyelids and dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. It can also cause itchy eyes.
Inflamed hair follicles
Sometimes, seborrheic dermatitis can lead to inflammation of the hair follicles on the cheeks or upper body. In very rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can contribute to damage to the hair follicles on the scalp and may lead to temporary hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually causes itching (pruritus) and irritation. Scratching can cause additional irritation to the affected area, leading, in some cases, to bleeding. Thus, the risk of developing minor infections increases.
Redness in the folds and creases of the genitals, armpits, and under the breasts
Crusty patches on the scalp
This symptom occurs in infants who develop seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike adult manifestations, infantile seborrheic dermatitis rarely causes itching.
Symptoms may be more severe during periods of high stress and manifest, especially, in cold and dry seasons.
Types of seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis manifests in infants or adults, having different symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis in infants
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis affects children younger than 3 months. As a rule, the form of seborrheic dermatitis that infants develop, also known as cradle cap, does not require medical treatment. Most often, it disappears on its own within a maximum of six months from appearance.
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis manifests through the appearance of yellow, scaly crusts on the scalp. Also, the affected areas become red. The rash can also appear in the armpit folds or the groin area (it is often confused with diaper rash).
In most cases, infants are not bothered by this condition, as the level of itching is minimal. For better management of the infant's symptoms, certain habits in the daily routine are recommended:
massaging the infant's scalp, either with the palms or a special soft-bristled brush;
washing the infant's hair with a gentle shampoo;
rinsing the hair and scalp with plenty of water;
brushing the infant's hair with a clean, soft-bristled brush.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid are generally not recommended for infants. Likewise, cortisol products or antifungal creams can be toxic to infants when absorbed through the skin. Before using any products to treat seborrheic dermatitis in children, a dermatological consultation is advisable.
Seborrheic dermatitis in adults
The first symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis specific to adults tend to appear in late adolescence. Prevalence is highest in young adults and the elderly. It is more common in men than in women.
Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp, face, especially around the nose and inside the eyebrows, behind the ears, as well as the upper trunk.
Among the manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis in adults are:
flares exacerbated by stress;
itching;
oily and scaly skin in the center of the face;
blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins);
dandruff;
rashes in the armpit area, under the breasts, in the groin folds;
superficial folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) on the cheeks and upper trunk.
Extensive seborrheic dermatitis, which affects the scalp, neck, and trunk, is often called pityriasiform seborrhea.
What are the causes of seborrheic dermatitis?
For now, the exact cause for the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis is not known, however, several potential triggers have been identified:
a fungus called Malassezia furfur, which is found on everyone's skin, but in some cases, it grows more;
an increased level of androgens;
an increased level of skin lipids;
an inflammatory reaction;
genetic factors;
an abnormal immune system response.
There are also several factors that can increase the risk of triggering seborrheic dermatitis or worsening its symptoms:
neurological and mental conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and depression;
a weakened immune system (people who have undergone organ transplants, those infected with HIV/AIDS, as well as those suffering from alcoholic pancreatitis and some types of cancer are in the risk category);
obesity;
recovery after stressful medical conditions, such as a heart attack;
Seborrheic dermatitis is a dermatological problem that is easy to diagnose due to the way the appearance of the affected skin changes. The type of treatment recommended by the doctor depends on the severity of the condition, as well as the affected area. There are certain habits that can diminish symptoms of dermatitis or prevent the development of the condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will perform a clinical examination and carefully inspect the affected areas. Also, to better understand if it is indeed seborrheic dermatitis, the dermatologist will ask questions related to symptoms: when they appeared and how they manifest.
Although blood, urine, or allergy tests are not necessary, in some cases, before establishing a diagnosis, the doctor may perform a microbiological test so that other skin conditions that may have similar symptoms can be ruled out. Among the skin diseases that have similar manifestations to seborrheic dermatitis are psoriasis, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is healed with the help of locally applied treatments, but a medical consultation is mandatory if:
symptoms do not improve after using an anti-dandruff shampoo;
the affected areas are very red;
the pain is persistent;
crusts or pus appear;
discomfort is severe.
Seborrheic dermatitis: treatment
As a rule, in adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis does not go away on its own without treatment. The type of treatment depends on which area of the body is affected and how severe the symptoms are.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the visible signs of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as the itching. The treatment includes both the use of over-the-counter products (in the case of mild forms) and prescription products (in the case of severe forms).
For mild forms of seborrheic dermatitis, anti-dandruff shampoos can help remove scales. Also, creams and cleansing gels help to soothe irritated skin and decongest seborrheic areas with redness and scales.
Ivatherm has developed a range of products dedicated to skin rich in sebum, with redness and scales. Products from the Ivadermaseb range contribute to reducing sebaceous gland activity, diminishing inflammation and reducing pruritus, strengthening the skin's barrier function, treating and cleansing the scalp and face affected by seborrheic dermatitis, while also having an antifungal action.
Ivadermaseb Intensive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – regulates desquamation, redness, excess sebum, and the feeling of itching on the scalp; has restorative, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturizing effects.
Ivadermaseb Intensive Anti-Dandruff Serum for Irritated Scalp – rebalances the scalp microbiota, regulates sebum production, and has immediate and long-lasting antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, and anti-dandruff action; it is suitable for people facing severe dandruff or scales associated with a scalp with seborrheic dermatitis.
Ivadermaseb Soothing Cleansing Gel – cleanses without drying the skin, regulates desquamation, soothes irritations, and decongests seborrheic areas with redness and scales on the face and body; has excellent antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ivadermaseb Anti-Scale Face Cream – ensures complete care of areas with seborrheic dermatitis: sides of the nose, forehead, eyebrows, chin (adults) and the skin of the head and forehead (cradle cap in infants); has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial action, regulates excessive desquamation, and reduces sebum production.
Seborrheic dermatitis: prevention
A skin care routine can help keep symptoms under control. Thus, it is recommended to wash the affected areas daily with a gentle cleanser that contains zinc and apply a moisturizing cream. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress and sufficient rest (between 7 and 9 hours per night), can also improve the appearance of the skin.
Prevention and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis aim to ameliorate symptoms by eliminating scales, reducing itching, and soothing the inflammation that causes redness and swelling.
Care can be more complicated for adults, who, most of the time, need continuous treatment and self-care to prevent the reappearance of manifestations.
Dry air during the winter months aggravates seborrheic dermatitis. On the other hand, this condition behaves best during the summer. It has been shown that sunlight kills the type of fungus that grows excessively on the skin of people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. However, sun exposure must be done with caution, as ultraviolet rays can cause other skin conditions, including pigment spots and rosacea.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, which means that some patients deal with certain symptoms their whole life. Sometimes manifestations are minimal, other times they are severe. Identifying an effective skin care routine minimizes the impact that this condition has on the epidermis. At the same time, recognizing and eliminating triggers is an important step in preventing seborrheic dermatitis.
For the daily care of seborrheic dermatitis-prone areas on the face, Ivadermaseb Anti-scaling Face Cream offers anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and seborregulating action, recommended even for scales on the eyebrows, nose, and chin. Complement it with Ivadermaseb K Kerato-regulating Shampoo for the scalp.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Seborrheic dermatitis: symptoms, causes and treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, scaling, and dandruff. Most commonly, seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp, but it can also develop on the face, upper chest, and back.
When infants develop this condition, it is called cradle cap. It usually develops within the first few weeks after birth and gradually disappears by the age of 6 to 12 months.
Table of Contents
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Considered a chronic form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis occurs on areas of the body where there are numerous sebaceous glands, such as the upper back, nose, and scalp.
Being a chronic inflammatory medical condition, it can affect different parts of the body at the same time.
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect people of any age, but it is most common in infants and adults, especially men aged between 30 and 60.
Dandruff is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis and manifests as fine scales scattered in the hair-bearing areas of the scalp.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are observed especially on the scalp and face. In rare cases, this skin disease can also affect other areas of the body, such as the upper chest and back, armpits, and groin area.
Specific symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
Dandruff represents skin desquamation. Dead cells accumulate and, at some point, become visible. In short, dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp at an accelerated rate. In most cases, dandruff is only noticed when it falls from the scalp – onto the hair, shoulders, neck, or eyebrows.
Inflamed skin often appears as red, sometimes scaly, patches.
Patches of thick, pinkish skin can appear on both sides of the face, especially around the nose.
These can appear beneath scaly, flaky skin. Those with excessively oily skin are more prone to seborrheic dermatitis.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Seborrheic blepharitis can cause redness on the edges of the eyelids and dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes. It can also cause itchy eyes.
Sometimes, seborrheic dermatitis can lead to inflammation of the hair follicles on the cheeks or upper body. In very rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can contribute to damage to the hair follicles on the scalp and may lead to temporary hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually causes itching (pruritus) and irritation. Scratching can cause additional irritation to the affected area, leading, in some cases, to bleeding. Thus, the risk of developing minor infections increases.
This symptom occurs in infants who develop seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike adult manifestations, infantile seborrheic dermatitis rarely causes itching.
Symptoms may be more severe during periods of high stress and manifest, especially, in cold and dry seasons.
Types of seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis manifests in infants or adults, having different symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis in infants
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis affects children younger than 3 months. As a rule, the form of seborrheic dermatitis that infants develop, also known as cradle cap, does not require medical treatment. Most often, it disappears on its own within a maximum of six months from appearance.
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis manifests through the appearance of yellow, scaly crusts on the scalp. Also, the affected areas become red. The rash can also appear in the armpit folds or the groin area (it is often confused with diaper rash).
In most cases, infants are not bothered by this condition, as the level of itching is minimal. For better management of the infant's symptoms, certain habits in the daily routine are recommended:
Shampoos containing salicylic acid are generally not recommended for infants. Likewise, cortisol products or antifungal creams can be toxic to infants when absorbed through the skin. Before using any products to treat seborrheic dermatitis in children, a dermatological consultation is advisable.
Seborrheic dermatitis in adults
The first symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis specific to adults tend to appear in late adolescence. Prevalence is highest in young adults and the elderly. It is more common in men than in women.
Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp, face, especially around the nose and inside the eyebrows, behind the ears, as well as the upper trunk.
Among the manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis in adults are:
Extensive seborrheic dermatitis, which affects the scalp, neck, and trunk, is often called pityriasiform seborrhea.
What are the causes of seborrheic dermatitis?
For now, the exact cause for the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis is not known, however, several potential triggers have been identified:
There are also several factors that can increase the risk of triggering seborrheic dermatitis or worsening its symptoms:
Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis, treatment, prevention
Seborrheic dermatitis is a dermatological problem that is easy to diagnose due to the way the appearance of the affected skin changes. The type of treatment recommended by the doctor depends on the severity of the condition, as well as the affected area. There are certain habits that can diminish symptoms of dermatitis or prevent the development of the condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis
To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will perform a clinical examination and carefully inspect the affected areas. Also, to better understand if it is indeed seborrheic dermatitis, the dermatologist will ask questions related to symptoms: when they appeared and how they manifest.
Although blood, urine, or allergy tests are not necessary, in some cases, before establishing a diagnosis, the doctor may perform a microbiological test so that other skin conditions that may have similar symptoms can be ruled out. Among the skin diseases that have similar manifestations to seborrheic dermatitis are psoriasis, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is healed with the help of locally applied treatments, but a medical consultation is mandatory if:
Seborrheic dermatitis: treatment
As a rule, in adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis does not go away on its own without treatment. The type of treatment depends on which area of the body is affected and how severe the symptoms are.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the visible signs of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as the itching. The treatment includes both the use of over-the-counter products (in the case of mild forms) and prescription products (in the case of severe forms).
For mild forms of seborrheic dermatitis, anti-dandruff shampoos can help remove scales. Also, creams and cleansing gels help to soothe irritated skin and decongest seborrheic areas with redness and scales.
Ivatherm has developed a range of products dedicated to skin rich in sebum, with redness and scales. Products from the Ivadermaseb range contribute to reducing sebaceous gland activity, diminishing inflammation and reducing pruritus, strengthening the skin's barrier function, treating and cleansing the scalp and face affected by seborrheic dermatitis, while also having an antifungal action.
Seborrheic dermatitis: prevention
A skin care routine can help keep symptoms under control. Thus, it is recommended to wash the affected areas daily with a gentle cleanser that contains zinc and apply a moisturizing cream. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress and sufficient rest (between 7 and 9 hours per night), can also improve the appearance of the skin.
Prevention and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis aim to ameliorate symptoms by eliminating scales, reducing itching, and soothing the inflammation that causes redness and swelling.
Care can be more complicated for adults, who, most of the time, need continuous treatment and self-care to prevent the reappearance of manifestations.
Dry air during the winter months aggravates seborrheic dermatitis. On the other hand, this condition behaves best during the summer. It has been shown that sunlight kills the type of fungus that grows excessively on the skin of people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. However, sun exposure must be done with caution, as ultraviolet rays can cause other skin conditions, including pigment spots and rosacea.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, which means that some patients deal with certain symptoms their whole life. Sometimes manifestations are minimal, other times they are severe. Identifying an effective skin care routine minimizes the impact that this condition has on the epidermis. At the same time, recognizing and eliminating triggers is an important step in preventing seborrheic dermatitis.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710#
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14403-seborrheic-dermatitis
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis/
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis-medref
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0501/p2703.html
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/seborrheic-dermatitis-overview
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/seborrheic-dermatitis#symptoms
For the daily care of seborrheic dermatitis-prone areas on the face, Ivadermaseb Anti-scaling Face Cream offers anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and seborregulating action, recommended even for scales on the eyebrows, nose, and chin. Complement it with Ivadermaseb K Kerato-regulating Shampoo for the scalp.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1108312-overview
https://www.verywellhealth.com/seborrheic-dermatitis-symptoms-4769659
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.