What Characterizes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the scalp, face, and occasionally other areas of the body. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is common in adults, but can also occur in infants and children.
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare up and subside over time. It is often worse in winter and improves in summer. Some triggers that may worsen seborrheic dermatitis include stress, fatigue, oily skin, and cold, dry weather. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
The most common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis is flaky, white to yellowish scales on the scalp. The scales may be loose or attach to the hair shaft. In severe cases, the scales can form thick crusts on the scalp that may bleed if they are scratched off. The scalp may be itchy, but not all people with seborrheic dermatitis experience itching.
Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause red, scaly patches to form on the face, especially on the eyebrows, nose, eyelids, and creases of the cheeks. The skin on these areas may be oily or dry. In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis can also cause dandruff.
If you think you may have seborrheic dermatitis, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Seborrheic dermatitis can look similar to other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction. A doctor can usually diagnose seborrheic dermatitis based on a physical examination of your skin. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. Treatment depends on the severity of seborrheic dermatitis and may include medicated shampoos or creams, light therapy, or oral antifungal medications.
Seborrheic dermatitis typically begins in puberty or young adulthood. The condition can worsen with age, but it usually improves with time. Seborrheic dermatitis is more common in men than women and is more likely to occur in people who have oily skin or are undergoing stress. The condition can also be exacerbated by certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, HIV/AIDS, and psoriasis.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include redness, itching, flaking, and scaling of the skin. The affected area may also be oily or crusty. In severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis can lead to hair loss. If the condition affects the scalp, it is often referred to as dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis is diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination. There is no specific test for the condition. Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and keeping the skin hydrated. topical antifungal medications, corticosteroid creams, and medicated shampoos are often used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary.