Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is categorized as a type of chronic eczema, affecting the body area that has more sebaceous glands. characterized by red, greasy scaly patches.
Commonly, the rash manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis tends to affect the scalp, the center of the face, including the eye brows, the glabella, nasolabial fold, the skin over the front chest wall and upper back.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. The surface of the sebaceous region of the skin is a conducive environment for a yeast(fungus) known as Malassezia to grow and thrive.
When there is overgrowth of Malassezia, the fungus triggers to immune system to react on the skin area leading to inflammation and manifestation of itch, flakes and scales and greasy red rashes.
Patients commonly experience
Commonly affected region includes the scalp, center of the face, the eye brows, glabella region, nasolabial fold, the chest wall and upper back.
Common triggers include
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone, though it is more common in:
Risk factors:
Seborrheic Dermatitis is usually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor will review your rash history, known medical history and physically examine the rash to determine the diagnosis. Sometimes, when the diagnosis are uncertain, your doctor may offer you further tests such as fungal skin scrape test, bacterial swab tests, or skin biopsy sampling to evaluate and confirm the diagnosis.
Depending on individual presentation, severity, expectation, your doctor may offer you treatment with topical creams and shampoo.
In more recalcitrant and severe cases your doctor may advise for oral medication together with topical medication. Counselling on lifestyle measures to avoid triggers are important in a holistic approach for managing seborrheic dermatitis.
Common medications that are used in treatment of seborrheic dermatitis include topical steroid, antifungal topical and oral, topical calcineurin inhibitors, anti-fungal shampoo, coal tar shampoo.
Patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis may notice they have family members with similar skin contions. This is suggestive of seborrheic dermatitis to have a hereditary or genetic component in its cause/pathophysiology. The exact genetic link for seborrheic dermatitis still requires further clinical research evidence.
Lifestyle measurements to relieve stress are important. You are advised to obtain adequate rest and sleep, regular exercises, engage in activities to improve self care.
Your doctor will guide you through during your follow up on topical options that can be obtain over the counter such as certain antifungal cream, wash, or emollients. Speak to your doctor during your consultation on Seborrheic dermatitis.
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