Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

In this article, we will talk about such a common skin disease of the scalp as seborrheic dermatitis – what causes it and what methods of treatment help to get rid of it effectively.

What is seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, which is also called seborrheic eczema, this is a very common dermatological problem. The disease appears on the skin as red, scaly spots that usually affect areas of the body that actively produce sebum (face, head, chest).

Such an inflamed condition of the skin looks unpleasant and brings aesthetic discomfort, but it is not at all contagious for others. Also, seborrhea cannot lead to hair loss, which is often the main fear of patients with this disease.

Symptoms and signs of seborrheic dermatitis

In order not to confuse seborrhea with other skin diseases, you need to understand its main symptoms. The main signs of seborrheic dermatitis include:

  • skin peeling on the scalp, eyebrows or beard in men;
  • the presence of white or yellow scales on fatty areas of the skin (wings of the nose, ears, chest, armpits, inguinal area);
  • crusts on the skin, when combed, small wounds appear;
  • red or brown rash;
  • ring rash;
  • unpleasant sensations on the skin and itching.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Today, dermatology cannot determine a single cause that would be responsible for the appearance of seborrhea on the skin.

One or more of the following factors can provoke the onset of the disease:

  • the presence of a large amount of yeast called Malassezia on the skin. This type of yeast is present on the skin of every person, but some have more;
  • increased level of androgen hormone;
  • increased level of skin lipids;
  • inflammatory reactions in the body;
  • genetic predisposition.

There are also factors that further worsen the situation:

  • oily skin type;
  • stress and strong emotional overstrain;
  • external use of medicinal products containing alcohol;
  • dry cold climate;
  • the patient has other skin diseases (for example, rosacea, psoriasis or acne).

Diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis belongs to those skin conditions that are easily diagnosed. Due to the pronounced visual manifestations, it is possible to understand that this is seborrhea even at home. However, in order to be sure of the diagnosis, it is better to consult a certified dermatologist.

Esthetic medicine and dermatology specialists at the Esteva Clinic conduct a thorough examination of the skin, examining it with the help of a dermatoscope. Such a careful approach allows you to determine the disease as accurately as possible and prescribe effective treatment.

In cases where seborrheic dermatitis cannot be treated, the doctor may additionally prescribe a histological examination. This more complex and expensive analysis will help detect or exclude other skin diseases.

During the visit to the dermatologist, you will need to tell the history of the occurrence and nature of the course of the disease. Before visiting the doctor, try to remember and write down when and under what circumstances the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis first appeared.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis can go away on its own, without the use of any drugs. However, most often the skin disease has a chronic nature and is present on the skin all the time, exacerbating from time to time.

Dermatologists do not advise to ignore the problematic condition, because peeling can spread over the skin. In addition, scales can become thicker, and itching and rashes often lead to open wounds and infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of seborrhea help prevent its development and protect the skin from possible negative consequences.

Since it is almost impossible to completely get rid of seborrheic dermatitis, the condition can be controlled by properly selected skin care.

A certified dermatologist will be able to correctly determine the diagnosis and select the optimal treatment. For patients with seborrheic dermatitis, it is especially important to use effective products that will carefully but effectively fight the disease.

You can get a qualified consultation at the Esteva aesthetic medicine clinic. All cosmetologists-dermatologists in our clinic have specialized education and many years of work experience, and also regularly deepen their knowledge at Ukrainian and international conferences.

In the appointment that the dermatologist will prescribe for you, there will be various special shampoos, lotions, ointments and masks. The main means of treatment of seborrheic dermatitis that your doctor can prescribe:

  • antifungal;
  • corticosteroids;
  • sulfur.

Washing your head with a special shampoo is the main component of getting rid of seborrhea. Special shampoos may contain the following components:

  • salicylic acid;
  • coal tar;
  • ketoconazole;
  • selenium sulfide;
  • zinc pyrithione.

In addition, the doctor can prescribe salon cosmetology procedures that will help improve the condition of the scalp and hair. If in the process of diagnosis you passed tests, the results of which show deficiencies, then additional vitamin complexes may be prescribed.

What not to do with seborrheic dermatitis

For people who are prone to seborrheic dermatitis and regularly suffer from exacerbations of this disease, it is important to follow some rules:

  • food should be anti-inflammatory in nature, which means it should contain the minimum possible amount of refined carbohydrates (white flour, rice, sugar);
  • provoking yeast growth in products should also be avoided (bread, cheese, beer, etc.);
  • enrich the diet with fatty essential amino acids (especially Omega-3), which are especially rich in fatty types of fish, nuts and legumes;
  • consult your doctor about taking additional vitamins and minerals if tests reveal a deficiencyand in the body;
  • choose and regularly use anti-dandruff products that really work for you. This will help restrain seborrheic dermatitis and prevent it from progressing;
  • lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise, adequate sleep and the absence of unhealthy stress and overexertion.

If you are concerned about the problem of seborrheic dermatitis and you want to get rid of unpleasant itching and peeling of the skin, then make an appointment for an individual consultation with a dermatologist. A visit to a specialized specialist will help you significantly improve the condition of your skin in a short time. For quick registration, use the “Contact us” or “Contact button” buttons located in the lower right corner of this page. We are waiting for you at Esteva Clinic!

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