Seborrheic Dermatitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease in the form of dry, peeling, and red skin. This disease is common and similar in appearance to and associated with skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.
This disease can occur in all parts of the body. However, it is usually quite common in areas of the skin that contain lots of sebum (oil) glands such as the scalp, face, chest, and back.
This disease is not contagious and does not affect general health conditions. However, this dermatitis affects the appearance and itching often causes a very uncomfortable feeling for sufferers.
There are two forms of seborrheic dermatitis, namely in infants and adults. In infants, this problem often occurs under the age of 3 months and will heal by itself around the age of 6-12 months. Adult seborrheic dermatitis usually begins in the late teens. This disorder is also more common in young and older adults and is more common in men than women.
Reason
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown. However, there are several factors associated with the disease, namely:
- The proliferation of the Malassezia fungus in the form of yeast and its metabolic products which creates an inflammatory reaction
- Oily skin
- stress
- Cold and dry weather
- Family history of seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis
- Weakened immune systems such as those who have received organ transplants or are infected with HIV
- Have neurological and mental diseases such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, depression
- Consuming alcohol
Symptom
There are several recognizable symptoms of infantile seborrheic dermatitis, namely:
- Cradle cap, in the form of yellow or brownish spread and oily scales on the scalp like a hat.
- A rash that can spread to the armpit and groin folds like a diaper rash.
- There are flaking or peeling salmon-pink island splotches
- The rash is usually not itchy so the baby is not bothered even though the rash occurs all over the body
While the symptoms of adult seborrheic dermatitis are:
- The rash often occurs on the scalp, face (folds around the nose, behind the ears, and between the eyebrows), and upper body (chest and back).
- It often occurs in winter and gets better in summer after sun exposure.
- The rash itches all the time
- Oily and dry combination of skin
- Localized or diffuse island spots on the scalp
- Blepharitis (scaly eyelids)
- Salmon-pink, thin, scaly plaques in the skin fold on both sides of the face
- Ring-shaped sheets or patches of wrinkles on the hairline and chest
- Rash on the axillary folds, under the chest, groin, and genital folds
- Superficial folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) on the cheeks and upper body (chest and back)
- Dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis that is not yet inflamed
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is determined by its appearance in the form of rashes that appear. Examination of a skin flake sample is often not enough to determine the diagnosis because it will reveal the fungus Malassezia, which is a normal flora of the skin.
A skin biopsy can be helpful but is rarely necessary. A yeast culture may also be done to rule out fungal infections such as tinea capitis.
Treatment
Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis can heal on its own. What is needed in this dermatitis condition is good skin care. Usually, the following options will be made:
- Keratolytics (the use of drugs of the types salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, and propylene glycol), which can be used to remove scaly skin
- Topical antifungals (such as ketoconazole, Selenium Sulfide) which can reduce Malassezia fungus
- Mild topical corticosteroids to reduce acute inflammation and reduce itching
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (such as pimecrolimus cream and tacrolimus ointment) can be used instead of topical corticosteroids if needed frequently because they have fewer side effects.
- Oral medication is needed for cases that are more difficult to heal
Dandruff treatment includes:
- Wash your hair more often and for longer
- Stop using styling products such as hair spray
- Use shampoos containing salicylic acid tar, selenium, sulfur or zinc, selenium sulfide 2.5%, ketoconazole