Seborrheic dermatitis: how to recognize and beat it

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash that causes the reddening, flaking, and itching of the skin in various parts of the body. Commonly affected areas are the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, skin around the ears, and mid-thoracic region, while the navel, armpits, breasts, groin, and intergluteal fold are more rarely affected. Regardless of specifics, these skin areas have a commonality in that they all have a high concentration of sebaceous (sebum-producing) glands.
Seborrheic dermatitis will vary in appearance depending on its location, the most common of which are shown in accompanying images.

• On the center of the face
  Causes redness and flaking across the cheekbones in a butterfly pattern.
• On the ear
  Causes itching and flaking of the ear canal. May be accompanied with the reddening of the fold behind the ear.
• On the eyebrows and eyelashes
  Causes flaking or crustiness attached to the hairs of the eyebrows or eyelashes.
• On the chest
  Causes the formation of rounded patches at the presternal or interscapular sites.
• On the genital area
  Causes flaking, redness and itching on the pubis and external genitalia.
• In the axillary, inguinal, or intergluteal folds
  Causes severe redness and burning.
• On the scalp
  Causes flaking, redness and itching on the edge of, or throughout the hairline.

What is the cause of seborrheic dermatitis?

No precise cause of seborrheic dermatitis is known, however, it is thought to be due to a skin instability similar to that of psoriasis, with which it is often associated.

Can seborrheic dermatitis be prevented?

Seborrheic Dermatitis cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled. Indeed, there is no way to permanently prevent or resolve seborrheic dermatitis, but it can be managed with proper treatment.

Can it be linked to other illnesses?

Seborrheic dermatitis is not usually linked to other illnesses, although individuals with immunologic disorders seem to be more susceptible to developing it.
Physical and/or psychological stress can trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis.

DermaClub suggests: non-pharmacological treatments to control seborrheic dermatitis

DermaClub’s treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis responds well to 2S Cream with sulfur and salicylic acid. These natural active ingredients both regress the dermatitis and prevent its recurrence, and can be used for a prolonged period of time without side effects. Being evanescent and vaseline-free, 2S Cream can also be applied directly to the scalp. In more severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis, other natural options are coal tar and ichthyol sulfonate, the latter of which is present in Dermictiol Cream.
Seborrheic dermatitis also spontaneously regresses with responsible sun exposure.

FAQs on seborrheic dermatitis

Is it true that cortisone shouldn’t be used?

The use of cortisone is very effective in reducing seborrheic dermatitis, but it quickly causes dependency. This means that the individual is forced to use it continuously in order to keep the seborrheic dermatitis at bay, however, this continuous use of cortisone can lead to irreversible skin damage.

Is it true that washing should be reduced?

Areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis are aggravated with the use of generic soaps and detergents. DermaClub suggests the use of Eudermic Cleansing Base and Dermictiol Shampoo, both of which cleanse without inflaming the skin. When washing the hair, do not rub or massage the shampoo into the scalp, but apply only to the hair.

Does seborrheic dermatitis cause damage to the skin or hair loss?

No, the scalp and hair will return to normal as soon as the dermatitis regresses.

Conclusion

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common problem that is, however, easy to manage by following some simple steps and using non-medicated creams.