What Irritates Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The most common irritant of seborrheic dermatitis is yeast. Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives on the skin. When the conditions are right, yeast can grow too much and cause a rash.
Other possible irritants include:
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Sensitivity to certain chemicals
- Changes in hormone levels
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may find that certain things make your rash worse. These triggers can be different for everyone. Some common triggers include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Cold weather
- Dry skin
- Excess sweating
- Certain skin care products - If you find that your seborrheic dermatitis flares after using a particular skin care product, it's best to avoid that product in the future.Common offenders include harsh soaps, detergents, and cosmetics that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals. If you're not sure which product is causing your flare-ups, try eliminating one product at a time from your routine until you identify the culprit.
- Climatic conditions - Cold, dry weather can irritate seborrheic dermatitis and make symptoms worse.Humid conditions, on the other hand, can help keep the skin hydrated and promote healing. If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, take extra care to protect your skin during extreme weather conditions.
- Stress - Stress can worsen all types of skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis. If you find that your symptoms tend to flare during times of stress, take steps to manage your stress levels.Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can all help reduce stress.
Identifying and avoiding your triggers is an important part of managing seborrheic dermatitis. However, it's also important to seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist to help keep your symptoms under control.
There are a few things that are known to irritate seborrheic dermatitis:
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Certain medical conditions (such as psoriasis, HIV, or Parkinson's disease)
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Dandruff
If you're struggling with seborrheic dermatitis, it's important to find what works for you. Some people find that keeping their skin hydrated helps, while others need to use medicated shampoos or creams. Talk to your doctor about your options and find a treatment plan that works for you.