What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes itching, redness, flaking, and scaling on areas of the body with a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands, such as the scalp, face, and chest. It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, a weakened immune system, and the yeast Malassezia. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and treatment may include over-the-counter or prescription medicated shampoos, creams, and ointments, as well as lifestyle changes to manage triggers.
Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect other areas of the body with the most sebaceous gland activity. Those areas are the upper back and chest, forehead, sides of your nose, back side of your ears, belly button, eyebrows, and women under the breasts. Seborrheic dermatitis is not a life-threatening condition. it can come and go with time and the hair loss caused by this condition is not permanent.
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Following are the Major Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
1: Yeast
Malassezia is a type of yeast that can be naturally found on the skin and scalp. an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin of people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. The immune system responds to the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast which leads to the release of chemicals that cause itching, redness, scaling, and flaking.
Although researchers aren’t sure how Malassezia yeast causes seborrheic dermatitis, they believe it may release irritating byproducts that disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and trigger the immune system.
2: Genetics
Seborrheic dermatitis has a genetic component, and some people may have a greater susceptibility to the condition due to their genes.
3: Hormonal changes:
Seborrheic dermatitis can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations, such as those seen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
4: Immune system
people who are suffering from diseases such as HIV/AIDS can be victims of seborrheic dermatitis, because of a weaker immune system. even people who are not suffering from a disease but have a weak immune system can also have seborrheic dermatitis.
5: Stress
Stress can affect the immune system and increase the risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis.
6: Weather:
Cold, dry weather can be a trigger for seborrheic dermatitis, as well as hot, humid weather.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis can have a number of symptoms that vary from person to person. following are the most common ones.
Itching:
Skin itching can occur, especially in areas with oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands), such as the scalp, face, and chest.
Redness:
people who are suffering from seborrheic dermatitis may develop redness and inflammation of the skin, especially in the areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
Flaking:
This is the most common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis you may have experienced in your life, especially in your hair The skin produces white or yellowish flakes of skin, which can be seen on clothing, hair, and in the areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
Scaling:
Those areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis may become scaly, rough, and dry.
Greasiness:
this symptom is not much common but in some cases, people experience oily and greasy scalps.
Rashes:
Another symptom of seborrheic dermatitis is that some people may develop rashes or patches of thickened, scaly skin in affected areas.
The symptoms can vary from person to person and so does the severity of the symptoms. most of the time the symptoms may go away by themselves but if the symptoms are severe it is highly recommended to consult with a dermatologist. which will provide the best diagnoses and treatment.
Treatments For Seborrheic Dermatitis:
The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis focuses on the control and reducing the overgrowth of yeast and making the symptoms become better. Some common treatments include:
Medicated shampoos:
There are many medicated shampoos available in the market and keeping in mind your symptoms your dermatologist will prescribe the best option for you. The Ingredients of those shampoos are ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, or salicylic acid. these medicated shampoos can be helpful in controlling symptoms on the scalp.
Topical creams and ointments:
Topical creams and ointments, such as hydrocortisone, can be used to reduce redness and itching in affected areas.
Antifungal creams:
Antifungal creams, such as miconazole, can be used to control the overgrowth of yeast in the skin.
Light therapy:
Phototherapy or light therapy, using UVB or PUVA light, can be an effective treatment for severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis.
Lifestyle changes:
Making changes to your daily routine, such as using gentle, fragrance-free skin care products, avoiding harsh hair and skin treatments, and reducing stress, can help manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you, as different treatments may work better for different people. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to effectively control symptoms.in the end, I want to remind you that the people who lose hair because of dermatitis should not be worried because it’s not permanent hair loss.
