Should You Scratch Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Should You Scratch Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and chronic skin condition characterised by red, oily, scaly patches on the scalp, face and sometimes other parts of the body. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully known, but it is thought to be linked to an overgrowth of a yeast that normally lives on the skin. Although the condition is not contagious or harmful, it can be very itchy and uncomfortable. There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. One question that often arises is whether or not it is okay to scratch the affected areas. In general, it is best not to scratch as this can worsen the symptoms and lead to further discomfort. However, if you must scratch, try to do so gently and refrain from breaking the skin. If you are experiencing severe itching, you may want to speak to your doctor about medication options.

Itchy, scaly skin can be incredibly frustrating. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may be tempted to scratch your skin to find relief. However, scratching can actually make your symptoms worse and cause additional problems.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas like the scalp, face, and inside the ear. The skin may also be red and swollen. While the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, it’s thought to be linked to an overgrowth of a yeast that naturally lives on the skin. Cold weather, trauma to the skin, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to its development.

Scratching affected skin can increase inflammation and cause the skin to break down. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can be difficult to treat. In extreme cases, scratching can damage the skin so much that it requires surgical repair.

If you have seborrheic dermatitis, resist the urge to scratch. Instead, try these tips to soothe your symptoms:

• Gently brush your affected skin with a soft brush or washcloth to remove scales.
• Take a short, lukewarm bath with a non-irritating cleanser.
• Apply a moisturizer to your skin after bathing.
• Use a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of soft fabrics.

If self-care measures don’t improve your symptoms or they worsen, see your doctor. They can prescribe medication that will help control your seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can cause red, scaly patches on your skin. While it’s tempting to scratch the itch, doing so can actually make the condition worse. Here’s what you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis and how to treat it. What is seborrheic dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes flaky, scaly skin. It’s most commonly found on the scalp, but it can also affect other areas of the body, such as the face, chest, and back. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to a combination of factors, including genetics, climate, stress, and oily skin. What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis? The most common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly rash. The rash can be itchy, and it may also come with flakes of dead skin. In severe cases, the rash may blister or bleed. Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause dandruff. How is seborrheic dermatitis treated? Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be difficult to treat. Most treatments aim to reduce the inflammation and itchiness of the rash. Topical antifungal creams or shampoos are often used to treat seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. For other parts of the body, topical corticosteroids may be prescribed. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. Should you scratch seborrheic dermatitis? Scratching seborrheic dermatitis can make the condition worse by causing further irritation and inflammation. If you have an itch, it’s important to resist the urge to scratch. Instead, try to soothe the itch with a cool compress or moisturizer. If your symptoms are severe or not responding to treatment, see your doctor for further evaluation.