Seborrheic Dermatitis, a common skin disorder, that primarily affects the scalp and results in scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. It is also known as seborrheic eczema, seborrheic psoriasis, and dandruff.

Let us know everything in detail about Seborrheic Dermatitis!

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis? 

It is basically a skin disease, that prominently effects the scalp. This condition can also affect oily regions of the body such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest.

It may settle without any treatment but sometimes a person may need continuous treatments for the symptoms to ease. Regular cleaning with gentle soap and shampoo can help lessen oiliness and dead skin build-up.

It can effect people of many age groups, say from infant to adults. If infants get affected by this skin condition, and it is known as cradle cap or crip cap and causes crusty, scalp patched on the scalp. Generally, it occurs within the first weeks after birth and slowly disappears over a few weeks or months.

Its Symptoms………

Some general symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis include:

• Flaky skin on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard, or moustache
• Patches of oily skin covered with white flakes or yellow scale or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin region or under the breast
• Red skin
• Itching

Sometimes the symptoms may get immense if a person is stressed out or during cold and dry seasons.

Its Cause……..

Well, as per the doctors and experts the exact cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is not known, however many say it is caused due to oil secretion by a yeast (fungus) called Malassezia, on skin.

Its Risk Factors……

Newborns and adults ages 30 to 60 are more likely to get seborrheic dermatitis. It's more common in men than women and in people with oily skin. These conditions can also raise adults’ risk:

• Acne
• AIDS
• Alcoholism
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Epilepsy
• Heart attack or stroke recovery
• Parkinson's disease
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea

Treatment

The key treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis include medicated shampoos, creams, and lotions to control inflammation. Also, dermatologists may suggest using over-counter dandruff shampoo before going for prescription medicines.

Prescription creams are effective and easy to use but should be used minimally. Overuse of these creams without any break may cause side effects such as thinning skin or skin showing streaks or lines.

Stay Informed! Stay Healthy! Stay Happy! 

Thank You!