Important Facts About Seborrheic Dermatitis – And Its Treatment
March 12, 2009
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
This is a form of dermatitis that is a chronic skin disorder that is inflammatory and is mostly confined to places where the sebaceous glands are conspicuous. This is a common skin condition that affects millions of Americans.
Reddish patches on the skin and flaking are how it appears. Dry skin is extremely common but when it is Seborrheic dermatitis it can be slightly itchy and probably embarrassing. This is not a contagious condition. The reddened skin will form in scales.
The sebaceous glands are mostly found on the head and trunk so this is where the chronic inflammatory skin condition will be generally confined. When this condition appears in infants, it usually disappears by 6 to 12 months of age. This is a condition that mostly affects individuals who are in post-puberty.
With or without reddened skin, Seborrheic dermatitis looks greasy or dry with white or yellowish scales that are loose. The common term ‘Cradle Cap’ is the term used when Seborrheic dermatitis is on the scalp of an infant.
Cradle cap is not contagious. It is also not caused by poor hygiene. It is a harmless and temporary condition and is not an allergy. It may however, be itchy and if it is may cause a mild infection and breaking of the skin that may bleed.
What the danger of Seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis seems to be something that runs in families and is caused by stress, fatigue, extreme temperatures, oily skin and poor hygiene. The use of lotions that have an alcohol base, skin problems like acne and obesity all increase the risk.
The cause of Seborrheic dermatitis is unknown but conditions like Parkinson’s disease, head injury, and a stroke are associated with this condition. The HIV virus is also associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Here are a Couple Treatments for Seborrheic Dermatitis
The first and foremost treatment is good hygiene and this is a pertinent factor in controlling Seborrheic Dermatitis. Removing the oils of the affect areas by frequent cleansing with soap will improve the condition. Outdoor activity during the summer months will help but sun damage should be avoided.
• Wash with ZNP soap which is a zinc-based soap.
• Washing is critical to remove the flaking and infectious yeast that cause breakouts.
• Nizoral cream can be helpful.
• Antifungal preparations can decrease the yeast from spreading.
• A cortisone application in the morning coupled with the Nizoral cream in the evening might be a good solution.
• Using a variety of oils (peanut, olive or mineral) over night may help to soften the scale and should be followed by a detergent or coal tar shampoo.
• As a last resort, isotretinoin may be used in order to reduce the activity of the Sebaceous gland.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!