Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that affects men and women of all ages. It consists of a very annoying disorder that becomes visible in parts of the face, especially in oily areas and on the scalp, and even on the outer ear and eyelids. This type of dermatitis has several probable causes, but the exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis have not yet been determined. Likewise, there are several effective treatments and it is also convenient to know the risk factors to avoid regeneration, although we have already said that once this dermatitis appears, it is very rare for it to disappear.
Once we notice the first symptoms, we must see a dermatologist to nip this dermatitis at the root, otherwise it could spread to other areas and complicate the treatment of the disease.
Seborrheic dermatitis has various causes, but none has been proven to be the main trigger. In addition, although there are many treatments, there is no miracle cure to make those scabs and skinning that generates this silent disease disappear.
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
It is a fairly common disorder that appears mainly on the scalp, but it can also appear in other areas of the body, especially where there is hair, such as the chest, beard, eyebrows, eyelids, etc. Apart from directly affecting the scalp, it also affects the greasy parts of the face, such as the sides of the nose, between the eyebrows, the ears, the eyebrows, the eyelids, the chest, etc.
Seborrheic dermatitis causes inflammation where it appears and causes burning, irritation and itching. The skin flakes loose tough yellowish or white skins, as if they were scabs. It is a chronic and recurring disease that appears more in winter than in summer and is rarely completely eliminated.
This dermatitis can appear at any time and may or may not be related to the causes that we will mention in the following sections. What is clear is that people with oily skin are more likely to suffer from this disease, in addition to those with little facial care or inadequate use of facial products combined with oily and sensitive skin.
Clear symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
This skin condition has a series of very characteristic features that will help us to identify the disease, thus being able to act as soon as possible and eradicate it quickly.
- Scales on the scalp.
- Scots or scabs on the scalp or in some areas of the face and body.
- Scabs that when lifted have infection.
- Dandruff and scaling on the scalp, outer ear, eyebrows, beard or mustache.
- Areas of the face covered in fat and scales.
- Seborrheic blepharitis (the skin of the eyelids becomes inflamed).
- reddened skin
- inflamed skin
- Cradle cap formation on the scalp (in babies).
- Itching and pain in inflamed areas.
This type of symptoms is usually accentuated with the arrival of the cold and dry seasons or in times of high stress. It is important to recognize the symptoms to act quickly, but that does not ensure that they will disappear, since it goes hand in hand with various causes that should be attacked to see what causes seborrheic dermatitis.
Main causes of this condition
As we have already advanced before, there are a series of probable causes that trigger the appearance of this skin condition. But we must not lose sight of the fact that none of these causes have been shown to be the only triggers, rather they are related or could be. There are even cases in which the trigger for seborrheic dermatitis are several of the causes that we say below.
- Genetic heritage. A cause that cannot be attacked, therefore, our case of dermatitis will be recurrent and will never completely disappear.
- Moments of stress.
- Hormone imbalance. In the case of women, it is recommended to start here with a visit to the gynecologist.
- Being treated with corticosteroid-based medications.
- Suffering from an autoimmune disease.
- Poor hygiene and use of aggressive products.
- Manipulating the hair excessively.
- Live in a place where there is a hot and humid climate.
- The appearance of a fungus called Malassezia furfur that arises after inflammation of the skin and where its habitat is the sebaceous glands of the scalp.
Primary diagnosis of dermatitis
Before closing ourselves to a single diagnosis, the professional must evaluate us thoroughly, since there are other conditions and diseases that are very similar to seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatologist He is the doctor we should go to to put an end to this annoying condition. A disease that can cause alopecia if not treated properly, since the scabs suffocate the hair follicles and the hair falls out and new hairs no longer grow.
The dermatologist will examine our skin and take samples to rule out other diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea or tinea versicolor. What you should do is check the scalp, the skin of the face, or the skin of other parts of the body where we have some symptoms and ask questions to determine if it is something specific, if it is a hormonal change, if there is a risk of alopecia, if we are using inappropriate beauty products, etc.
After the biopsy and even a blood test in some cases, it will be determined if we have this or another condition and will refer us to other professionals or recommend the best treatment for our case.
Factors riesgo
We have already anticipated that once seborrheic dermatitis enters our lives, it is very difficult to get rid of it, so it is convenient to be informed about the main risk factors that will cause outbreaks with their respective consequences, such as pain, irritability, itches, marks, etc.
- Some medicines on all those that have corticosteroids.
- Neurological and psychiatric disorders such as depression or Parkinson's.
- Weak immune system.
- Sun exposure.
- In a postoperative or recovery from a serious illness.
These are just some of the risk factors, but there are more such as sweating a lot, lack of hygiene, living in hot and humid climates, not taking proper care of ourselves, etc. It is best to take the main causes that we have exposed and try not to comply with them.
Treatments to cure seborrheic dermatitis
We return to the same thing, there is no miracle cure, but if we manage to attack the main roots, we can make them disappear or the seborrheic dermatitis is under control for life or until another disorder or stressful episode arises and so on.
It will be the dermatologist who indicates the treatment, but to give us an idea, there are special shampoos, facial creams, bath gels, even pills. Shampoos are suitable to counteract the actions of the fungus and prevent swelling and other consequences.
Creams, gels, and lotions typically include hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Capex, Synalar), clobetasol (Clobex, Cormax), and desonide (Desowen, Desonate), as well as calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus ( Elidel), but the latter are related to the appearance of cancer.
Oral medications are antifungal pills that are used as a last resort because they have significant side effects and can negatively interact with other medications.
Prevention is the key, and whether we already have it or not, there are some aspects of our lives that we must improve to reduce the condition or prevent its appearance:
- Wear 100% cotton clothing and wash with mild detergents.
- Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Do not touch your hair excessively or touch the affected areas.
- Do not scratch or pick at the scabs, as this proliferates infections.
- Do not eat fried, or spicy, or ultra-processed, or cured cheeses, and no alcohol or soft drinks.