What is it about ?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that affects the skin where there are many glands that produce sebum (sebaceous glands). The production of sebum is increased (seborrhea). The skin is red, it peels (peeling), which produces dry or oily scales (skin dandruff), and this is accompanied by itching. The increased production of sebum (seborrhea) is particularly responsible for the development of fungi.
Seborrheic dermatitis mainly affects the scalp. Sometimes the eyebrows, eyelids, ear, folds of the skin, the upper part of the trunk, the armpits, the slit between the buttocks, the groin area or the genital area are also affected.
Where and how often?
This condition is common, especially in infants and adults between the ages of 18 and 40. It affects about one in 25 people. It is more common in men, in people with weak immune systems, or in those with neurological or psychiatric disorders.
How to recognize it?
You can easily recognize this form of dermatitis by the redness of the skin and the scales in characteristic areas of the body (see above).
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will try to tell the difference with a psoriasis and one atopic eczema. In psoriasis, the scales are thicker. Psoriasis often affects other family members. Atopic eczema usually starts at a younger age than seborrheic dermatitis.
What can you do ?
It is recommended to thoroughly clean the affected areas daily.
What can your doctor do?
The treatment prescribed by your doctor does not usually have a permanent result. Therefore, the treatment should be repeated from time to time. To reduce dander, the doctor may prescribe a cream containing salicylic acid and sulfur.
To limit the development of fungi, the doctor may prescribe a cream, gel or shampoo containing substances that kill the fungi (fungicidal, antifungal, or even antimycotic substances).
Cortisone ointments are sometimes used to reduce the symptoms of mainly itching and redness.
Want to know more?
- Seborrheic dermatitis in infants (image) – Global Skin Atlas
- Seborrheic dermatitis in adults (image) – Global Skin Atlas
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