Seborrheic dermatitis: causes, symptoms, drugs, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis aka seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disease that is considered to be a form of chronic (long-term) dermatitis of the scalp. This skin problem is also known as seborrheic eczema or cradle cap in babies.

Seborrheic dermatitis causes the scalp to become red and develop a rash with scaly patches that feel itchy. This skin disease can also make the scalp dry, peel, and cause stubborn dandruff.

The area of ​​skin most commonly affected is the scalp. However, seborrheic dermatitis can also attack oily areas on other parts of the body such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest.

In adults, seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes resolve without treatment. Meanwhile, in infants, seborrheic symptoms usually disappear completely at the age of 6-12 months. However, seborrheic eczema can reappear when the child reaches puberty.

This type of dermatitis is not contagious and does not harm health, but the symptoms are very uncomfortable and quite disruptive to appearance. Therefore, people with seborrheic dermatitis usually need to consult a doctor for treatment.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?

Almost any part of the body can get seborrheic eczema. However, the areas most commonly affected are oily ones such as your scalp, back, eyelashes, eyebrows, the T-zone of your face, and the sides of your nose.

Seborrheic eczema can also affect areas of dry skin, such as behind the ears, groin, and armpits. Symptoms may vary, depending on the severity and age of the sufferer.

Below are the most common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in adults.

• Scaly patches on the skin.
• The scalp is red, scaly peeling, and very itchy.
• Scalp oily, very moist, waxy, or blistered.
• The skin under the patches is reddish in color.
• Itching burning, especially of the scalp and ear canal.
• The crusts on the scalp can become infected and secrete clear fluid.
• If the eczema spreads to the ear, a clear discharge will come out of the ear.
• There is a change in skin color even though it has healed.

Eczema on the scalp is often mistaken for regular dandruff. Not surprisingly, considering that one of the characteristics of eczema is the appearance of flaky dead skin flakes or what is often called dandruff.

The difference is, seborrheic dermatitis triggers inflammation of the scalp with the various symptoms above. The common dandruff problem is generally not accompanied by the characteristics mentioned.

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is better known by the term cradle cap and tends to appear on the scalp. The signs and symptoms are as follows.

• Scaly, greasy yellow patches on the scalp.
• Thick layer of scales covering the entire head.
• Dry crust yellow to brown.

Seborrheic eczema can also attack the face, especially on the eyelids, around the nose, or in the ears of the baby. In addition, seborrheic eczema can also lead to diaper rash. In some babies, this condition can cover most areas of the body.

There may be signs and symptoms of seborrheic eczema not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Seborrheic dermatitis is actually not dangerous. Even so, immediately check with a dermatologist if you or your child experiences the following symptoms.

• Difficulty sleeping and concentrating due to bothersome itching.
• Feeling confused and anxious excessively with the disease that is being experienced.
• The skin has an infection.
• Tried various home remedies, but to no avail.

Everyone's body is different, so the symptoms that appear are not always the same. The best way to determine the cause of symptoms is to consult a doctor and have further tests.

Cause

What causes seborrheic dermatitis?

The cause of this type of dermatitis is not certain. However, the National Eczema Association said there are a number of possibilities that might make some people more susceptible to seborrheic eczema while others don't.

Oily skin is often the culprit because moisture invites mold growth Malassezia . Uncontrolled fungal growth causes inflammation and various other symptoms of the scalp.

Genetic factors such as inherited gene mutations also affect the condition of a person's skin. If someone in your immediate family has dermatitis or specific seborrheic eczema, your chances of having the same disease can increase.

Not only that, previous diseases can also be a factor in causing seborrheic dermatitis in a number of people. This skin disease is more prone to be experienced by people who have a weak immune system due to:

• AIDS,
• Parkinson's disease,
• epilepsy,
• a history of stroke or heart attack,
• alcoholism (heavy alcohol dependence),
• depression,
• eating disorders, and
• neurological disorders.

Risk factors

Who is at risk for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin disease. Babies, children, and even adults can experience this condition. However, the following factors can increase the risk.

1. Age

Infants aged three months or more are usually prone to developing seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, adults in the age range 30-60 years are also at higher risk.

2. Suffering from certain conditions

Your risk of seborrheic dermatitis increases if you have one of the following medical conditions.

• HIV, about 85 percent of people infected with HIV tend to get seborrheic dermatitis easily.
• Severe acne, rosacea, or psoriasis.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Epilepsy.
• Just recovering from a stroke or heart attack.
• Heavy drinkers.
• Are currently experiencing depression.
• Eating disorders.

3. Medicines

People who use medications containing interferon, lithium, and psoralen are at a higher risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis.

Diagnosis & treatment

How is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose seborrheic eczema by looking at the patient's medical history first. The doctor will then examine your skin and watch for symptoms.

This disease sometimes appears as a result of other pre-existing conditions. If the doctor suspects there is another disease causing seborrheic eczema, there will be medical tests or a skin biopsy that will need to be done according to the conditions.

What are the treatment options available?

At first the doctor will recommend traditional eczema treatment first. If self-care doesn't help, the new doctor will prescribe medications based on the symptoms that appear.

Seborrheic dermatitis treatment is usually adjusted according to age, where the inflammation appears, and the severity. Medicines cannot cure seborrheic dermatitis, but they will help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.

In general, here are some types of seborrheic eczema drugs that doctors usually prescribe:

1. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid shampoos, creams, and ointments are the main treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Some examples of hydrocortisone that are often used include fluocinolone, clobetasol, and desonide.

However, hydrocortisone creams or ointments can have side effects if used long-term without interruption. A side effect that is usually very noticeable is thinning of the skin in the area where the drug is frequently applied.

2. Calcineurin inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus also include drugs that can effectively control inflammation. There are fewer side effects than corticosteroids, so they are often used as a long-term treatment alternative.

Unfortunately, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are more expensive when compared to mild corticosteroid drugs. There are also allegations that both increase the risk of cancer, but this still needs to be studied further.

3. Antifungal drugs

Antifungal gels, creams, or shampoos are also often prescribed to help treat seborrheic eczema. The type given may vary from person to person, depending on the area affected and the severity of the symptoms.

If topical antifungals and shampoos don't make any difference, doctors usually give the drug in pill form. Given the risk of more serious side effects, pill medication is only given if the patient's condition is severe.

Home remedies

What are the home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis?

These lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you prevent and treat seborrheic dermatitis.

1. Shampoo regularly

If regular shampoo doesn't help relieve your seborrheic dermatitis, try an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo with the following active ingredients.

• Pyrithione zinc
• Selenium sulfide
• Ketoconazole
• Tar
• Salicylic acid

Use the shampoo as directed until the signs and symptoms subside. If your shampoo becomes less effective in the middle, try another similar product.

You can use several shampoos for seborrheic alternately to see the maximum results. Don't forget to rub other areas that are dandruff or crusty, such as behind your ears or face.

In children, use a small, soft-bristled brush to help remove the scales on the scalp. To make it easier, apply baby oil onto the scalp for a few hours before taking a shower to soften the skin.

2. Moisturize the scalp with oil

Instead, regularly moisturize the scaly scalp with mineral oil or olive oil. Do this an hour before you wash your hair. You can also leave it on overnight to rinse it off the next morning.

3. Avoid hair styling products

During treatment, try to avoid various styling products. You should store hair sprays, gels, pomades, or other styling products until your skin improves.

4. Avoid products that contain alcohol

Hair and scalp care products contain alcohol that will dry out your skin, making your symptoms worse. As much as possible, choose products with gentle ingredients that do not contain alcohol.

5. Using fine textured clothing

Avoid tight, harsh textured clothing such as lace, as this can irritate problem skin. Instead, use cotton clothes that are soft and absorb sweat.

6. Maintain cleanliness of facial hair

If you have a beard or mustache, try to clean and shave it regularly. The reason is, the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can get worse if you have a mustache and beard that are left overgrown without being taken care of.

7. Using tea tree oil

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties so it is often used to relieve symptoms of eczema. Just dilute 3 drops tea tree oil with 12 olive oil or coconut oil, then apply it on your skin.

8. Using aloe vera

Aloe vera gel applied to the skin helps with redness and itching caused by seborrheic eczema. However, make sure that you are not allergic to this one ingredient.

To be sure, you should first apply aloe vera gel under the arm. Then, let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. If there is no reaction, you can apply it to the inflamed area of ​​the skin.

9. Fish oil

Fish oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which are effective anti-inflammatory agents. Taking fish oil supplements can help reduce symptoms of inflammation of the skin. This supplement is safe to drink as long as it is consumed according to the recommended use.

10. Consuming probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that are usually found in the intestines. These microbes help boost the immune system thereby reducing inflammation in the body.

Although research on probiotics for seborrheic eczema is still limited, probiotics have been shown to help maintain general health. So, there's nothing wrong with consuming sources such as yogurt, kefir, or tempeh.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of chronic skin inflammation. Like other types of dermatitis, this condition causes itchy, scaly skin, and even cuts when scratched frequently.

Although not dangerous, the symptoms that appear are usually very disturbing. You can reduce the severity with medications, lifestyle changes at home, and regular consultations with your doctor to monitor the progress of the condition.