The Common Sign and Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is normally known as “dandruff”. It is a common skin disorder which is mainly affecting the scalp. The characteristics of seborrheic dermatitis are itchy scalp, causing scaly red skin that leads to dandruff. This skin condition is neither contagious nor harmful but it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and unsightly. Self-care tips and nonprescription or over-the-counter medications may be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis all by yourself.

The common signs and symptoms of this skin condition are thick crust and patchy scaling on the scalp; soreness and itchiness; small red bumps; yellow or flaky white scales that covers red and greasy skin; skin flakes or dandruff. Predominately this condition affects the scalp area but then it can also occur on skin areas rich in oil glands and also between the folds of the skin. These areas may include in or between the brows of your eyes, your nose sides and skin behind your ears, over the bone on you breast and your armpits not to mention your groin area. The signs and symptoms may improve and become worse again alternately.

Seborrheic dermatitis is also known to affect infants where the scalp is the affected area, it is also known as the baby’s cradle cap.  A cradle cap is characterized by patches of greasy thick and yellow crust, for infants this condition is not as itchy as for adults or older children.

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not yet known, although there are several factors that may contribute for its occurrence which includes the abnormality of hair follicles and oil glands. The production of oil (sebum) is increased with individuals who are affected by this disorder. There is also a theory that fungus grows along with the bacteria on the sebum. When the disorder is supported by a yeast infection as a contributing factor, the use of antifungal treatments are advised.

Fatigue, physical stress, change of season, travel and production of certain hormones may also be linked to the outbreak of seborrheic dermatitis. During the winters the outbreak of this skin condition is at its worst. People with Parkinson’s diseases and other neurological conditions may have occurrences of seborrheic dermatitis more frequently. The majority of people who gets affected of seborrheic dermatitis have been reported not to have any other associated skin condition aside from acne rosacea which causes redness of the face because of the inflammatory skin condition.   

It is time to seek medical help or advice when daily routine interruption and sleep lose has already taken place; the skin might be infected and painful suspicion and self care tips are to no avail.

Actually there is still no known cure for seborrheic dermatitis but there are available treatments that can control and reduce the sign and symptoms. The location of the infection, severity stages and skin types will determine the appropriate treatment. However the most common treatment for seborrheic dermatitis when the infection is on the scalp of adults and older children is to regularly and consistently treat the scalp with shampoos containing selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole and salicylic acid. Several sessions of medicated shampoo treatments may be needed or for as long as it finally goes away.