About Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a medical condition of the scalp area of the head. It makes its appearance as red, flaky patches that can also cause itching.
In order to be sure that what you are seeing on your scalp is Seborrheic Dermatitis, you should consult with your medical doctor.
It can sometimes look similar to eczema, psoriasis, or even an allergic reaction. Because it can also appear on other parts of your body, it is important to make sure that you consult a doctor to get it checked out at the first occurrence of signs or symptoms.
You may notice that the flakes of the Seborrheic Dermatitis are white or yellow in color and that they have an oily texture to them.
If you are seeing this, then it is a good indication that you are suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis and not another form of skin irritation.
People of all ages can have this skin issue, from babies to adults. In infants, it is most commonly referred to as cradle cap, and usually goes away before the first birthday.
In adults, it can be something that you live with your entire life, but you may only have one or two flare ups in a years’ time.
While the cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is unclear, there are conditions that can cause it to flare up, such as, stress, genes, and even the weather.
Seborrheic Dermatitis has nothing to do with the cleanliness of a person; it is an underlying issue that simply flares up in some people.
If you have oily skin, you may be more prone to having Seborrheic Dermatitis, especially if you are a male between the ages of 35 and 65.
Men seem to have Seborrheic Dermatitis more than women do, as most men have more oil in their skin.
There are treatments available for Seborrheic Dermatitis if you are concerned about how bad your flare up has become or if you are experiencing the symptoms on a regular basis.
With most cases of Seborrheic Dermatitis, the symptoms will clear up on their own over time, though they may return throughout your lifetime.
There are treatments that you can use to help keep the dermatitis at bay, and treat any current flakes that you may be dealing with.
Shampoos
There are many over the counter shampoos that can be used to help treat Seborrheic Dermatitis.
When you are looking for a shampoo, make sure that it contains one of five ingredients:
- coal tar
- Ketoconazole,
- Salicylic Acid,
- Selenium sulfide or Zinc pyrithione.
Shampoos containing these ingredients are more likely to help you control and treat your Seborrheic Dermatitis than using regular shampoos. You can also have your doctor prescribe you a shampoo that is meant for this, though it may be costlier.
Infants
If your infant is experiencing Seborrheic Dermatitis, or cradle cap as it is more commonly known, steer clear of any type of medicated relief.
Usually before a child’s first birthday all of the flakes are gone, but there is a way to remove it faster. Using baby oil, gently massage it into the areas with cradle cap.
Let the oil sit for a few minutes to allow the scalp to soften. Once the area is soft, using a soft toothbrush or a baby hairbrush, gently massage the scalp using circular motions to help lift the flakes off the scalp. You made need to repeat this a few times a week until all of the affected areas are relieved.
Other Affected Areas
Seborrheic Dermatitis can occur in other places than just your scalp. You may also notice it on your face, arms, chest, or buttocks.
If you notice it on these areas, have your medical doctor take a look at it to make sure that it is not eczema.
If it is concluded that you are not suffering from eczema, there are separate treatment options for the areas other than your scalp.
These are considered to be home remedies, as none of them require any type of prescription. Make sure to keep your hands clean with frequent washing, as excess bacteria on your hands could make the dermatitis flare up.
Also remember to wash the affected areas everyday with warm to hot water and soap. This will help to keep it contained to the affected area.
Exposing your skin to natural sunlight could also help keep the rash away, as the sunlight could kill off any of the yeast that causes the skin to become inflamed.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Review Summary
If you find that you would rather a doctor treat your Seborrheic Dermatitis, then you will more than likely be introduced to these medications.
Your doctor may suggest trying an antifungal product to help remove the scales and prevent new ones from forming.
There are also medicated shampoos that can be prescribed to you if you find that over the counter shampoos are no longer working for your needs. Your doctor may also suggest sulfur based products to help keep the rashes from returning.
In most cases, a combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes, or prescriptions can treat and help to prevent Seborrheic Dermatitis.
If your Seborrheic Dermatitis is on the milder side, you may not need treatment at all, and could allow it to go away on its own.
Though most people with this dermatitis are dealing with it for the rest of their lives, and must continually work to make sure they keep the flare ups at bay.
Get your doctor involved if you are experiencing moderate to severe Seborrheic Dermatitis, as they will be able to prescribe you medication that may help you more than regular over the counter items.
They will also be able to monitor how well your dermatitis is responding to certain medications, and then adjust your medicines accordingly.
Just like with most other medical issues, Seborrheic Dermatitis does come with some warning signs that you should be aware of.
If you experience swollen, painful areas where the dermatitis normally resides, you should contact your doctor immediately as this is something that could become a severe issue.
At the first sign or symptom of Seborrheic Dermatitis, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor as quickly as you can. By doing this you are ensuring that you will receive the best medical care that you can get.
