The problem of dandruff, judging by television advertising, worries a significant part of the population. There are, of course, much fewer cases of seborrheic dermatitis, one of the symptoms of which is dandruff.
And yet, the figure is quite high: this disease is diagnosed in 3-5 percent of young people.
It can be in a baby or in a respectable person. The peak of detected cases occurs in the age category from 18 to 40 years. With HIV, seborrhea is almost always observed.
Seborrheic dermatitis - what is it?
According to the international classification (ICD-10), seborrheic dermatitis is listed under number L21.
With this disease, the functions of the sebaceous glands are disrupted - the skin on the scalp, on the forehead, behind the ears, and in other places is occupied by red flaky spots, yellowish crusts, and swelling is observed. The patient experiences burning and itching.
Men are concerned about whether the army accepts recruits with this diagnosis. It turns out, yes, he does.
However, if the patient has an exacerbation of the disease, he may be given a deferment so that he can spend this time on treatment.
Signs
The following symptoms characteristic of this disease can be identified:
- hair loss;
- severe irritation and redness;
- the appearance of fine dandruff;
- increased hair fragility;
- severe itching in the scalp;
- burning sensation over the entire surface of the skin;
- loss of shine in hair;
- the formation of yellow scales on the head.
These symptoms are complemented by insomnia due to itching. The person has emotional disorders. Also, the patient's salivation decreases significantly.
Photo of dry seborrhea of the scalp
How to distinguish it from psoriasis
Many skin diseases have similar symptoms. Thus, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are especially often confused.
There is even a term - “seborrheic psoriasis”, which indicates how similar the symptoms of these diseases are. By this term, experts mean skin lesions in the scalp, ears, and nose.
How is psoriasis different from seborrheic dermatitis? Although they have a common favorite place - the scalp, other than that their preferences are not similar.
In psoriasis, rashes are usually observed on the arms (especially on the elbows), on the legs around the knees, and on the back. In seborrhea - on the face (often on the cheeks), on the chest and back.
Peeling scales look different: with psoriasis they are silvery, with seborrhea they are white or yellowish. The latter, by the way, are easily removed, but psoriatic ones are difficult to remove. If you pick them off, a bleeding wound will open.
Seborrheic plaques are different in size, they have an oily sheen, and the border between the affected and healthy skin is clearly visible. With psoriasis, the plaques are larger, without an oily sheen, and the skin is noticeably thickened.
Side effects
Salicylic ointment is absorbed quite quickly, penetrating into the deep layers of the skin and entering the general bloodstream. Side effects with proper use of the ointment are extremely rare. These actions are associated with the individual reactions of the body. It is extremely rare that salicylic ointment causes allergic reactions. In this case, itching, burning, and redness are observed. Very rarely – fever.
To date, there have been no reported cases of negative consequences from the use of salicylic ointment. If the product accidentally gets on the mucous membranes, you must immediately wash off the ointment with plenty of clean water.
So, the use of salicylic ointment for dermatitis is advisable for increased oily skin. This remedy is most often prescribed for oily seborrhea; in addition, it can be used in the complex treatment of psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases. Despite the fact that the product is available without a prescription and has virtually no contraindications, it is not recommended to use it for self-medication. The dosage and duration of treatment is determined individually.
Symptoms of the disease
The areas of the skin affected by the disease are characterized by redness, covered with papules (small pimples, rashes) and scales connected to each other by sebaceous secretions.
In adults, the situation develops progressively - larger and larger areas appear in the affected area, the person experiences severe itching and burning, sometimes quite painful.
If scratching (which is difficult to avoid) damages the skin, there is a risk of infection of the wounds and their suppuration.
As a rule, the symptoms of the disease intensify if a person violates the recommended diet, abusing spicy foods, not to mention drinking alcohol, which clearly becomes a powerful impetus for the development of the disease.
In newborns, the initial stage of seborrhea is characterized by the appearance of dandruff, which subsequently changes into yellowish scales, which are easy to get rid of by combing.
Children's doctor Komarovsky, well known to young parents from his useful TV stories, notes that seborrhea in children almost does not bring them the inconvenience that an adult patient experiences.
In addition, it often goes away on its own; only in exceptional, most problematic cases, the doctor prescribes a special lotion or shampoo for the baby.
However, an unpleasant consequence of the disease can be dysfunction of the hair follicles. Sometimes infant seborrheic dermatitis affects the child’s general well-being: diarrhea appears, sleep deteriorates, and appetite disappears.
Photo
Causes of illness on the face and body
One of the first questions that the sick person and the people around him ask himself: is seborrheic dermatitis contagious and what (if it is really contagious) are the routes of transmission of the infection. Fortunately, the disease is not transmitted from person to person.
The fungus Pityrosporum Ovale (according to other classifications - Malassezia), which provokes the development of seborrhea, is constantly present in an absolutely healthy body and is just waiting for a reason to start acting.
The reasons for its activity may be:
- weak immunity;
- hormonal changes (in a teenager during the transition period, in women during menopause);
- stress;
- use of various medications (for example, prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease);
- infectious diseases;
- poor nutrition;
- hereditary factor.
In children, many experts associate the development of the disease with maternal hormones remaining in the child’s body, which can disrupt the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands.
The nature of the disease is also influenced by the environment and weather factors.
In autumn and winter, the disease usually worsens. A humid climate provokes the rapid proliferation of pathogenic fungi.
Stages
The disease goes through a number of stages. The task of the patient and doctors (diagnostics allows this) is to capture it at the very beginning.
During the first stage, small red spots appear on the face and parts of the body.
During the second, the surface of the spots becomes covered with scales and crusts, and peeling begins. The person feels burning and itching. Sometimes the patient (especially if it is a child) has a fever and may experience diarrhea.
The third stage (to which we must try not to bring the situation) characterizes the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
In addition, focal infection leads to hair loss. To restore the patient’s hair, a trichologist must be involved in the treatment.
The causes, signs and symptoms, as well as photos of atopic dermatitis in children can be found in our material.
The causes and treatment of neurodermatitis with folk remedies are described in the article at the link.
Reviews of Locobase Ripea cream and its analogues are presented here:
Treatment tactics
The photo above shows different locations of the disease. It is the localization that largely dictates the treatment tactics. So, against seborrheic dermatitis on the face, local antifungal drugs are recommended. Manifestations of the disease on the scalp are eliminated by antifungal shampoos. Additionally, drugs from other groups are used.
Find out what contact dermatitis is at
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Types of seborrhea of the scalp
Although different types of seborrhea have many similarities, the treatment regimen in each specific case has its own characteristics and differences.
One patient will be helped to recover by zinc ointment, another by sulfur ointment or apple cider vinegar.
If the doctor has developed a treatment plan depending on the diagnosed type of seborrhea, it must be followed strictly, following all the recommendations step by step.
Fat
This form of the disease is characterized by increased activity of the sebaceous glands. Most often observed in adolescents and young men .
It is characterized by an abundance of acne and the characteristic oiliness of the affected areas of the skin.
Dry
With this type of disease, the skin looks unnaturally dry (moisturizing with water, ordinary shampoos do not bring positive results), and cracking may occur.
All this is a consequence of the low efficiency of the sebaceous glands. Typically, this type of seborrhea affects adolescents who have not entered puberty.
What is dry seborrhea?
Mixed
In this case, the symptoms of the first two types of seborrhea are mixed. The same patient may experience both areas affected by oily seborrhea and dry lesions. This disease most often occurs in men.
Diagnostics
Before treating dry seborrhea on the head, a number of measures are required. They are carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the doctor examines the patient and also asks him about his symptoms. At the second stage, the patient donates blood for biochemical analysis. Its general analysis is also done. Additionally, a blood test for hormones is performed.
The patient may also be prescribed an ultrasound, during which his pancreas, liver, and thyroid gland are examined. There is a need to diagnose hair condition using a computer.
Seborrheic eczema and blepharitis
Seborrheic blepharitis (also called scaly) develops its activity on the patient’s eyelids, affecting the eyelashes and sometimes the eyebrows. This creates great discomfort for a person and negatively affects vision.
Seborrheic eczematid (or seborrheic eczema) is mostly facial seborrhea, sometimes it affects the upper body. There is an increase (including visual) of the sebaceous glands.
Experts consider this condition to be one of the signs of HIV infection, and therefore warn about the need for early diagnosis.
Description
Salicylic ointment is a product for external use; it is not intended for oral administration or application to mucous membranes. The main active ingredient is salicylic acid. The amount of the main component may vary; this parameter is indicated as a percentage on the label.
Advice! There are different types of ointment on sale with the content of the main component from 1 to 10%.
The second component of the drug is cosmetic Vaseline. The preparation looks thick, it has a grayish or white color, and a greasy texture. The drug is supplied either in tubes or in glass bottles with a wide neck; dark glass is used to make the bottles.
Action
The drug, when applied to the skin, provides the following therapeutic effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic, the product destroys pathogenic microflora;
- keratolytic effect - the drug softens, ensures the dissolution and exfoliation of keratinized particles;
- regulation of the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands.
Methods for treating seborrheic dermatitis in children (infants) and adults
A patient can be cured only by using the entire arsenal of medical means and techniques developed specifically for this disease.
First of all, an analysis is needed to make an accurate diagnosis . Then - prescription of medications, nutritional recommendations. Other medicinal cosmetics will also be required.
Women will temporarily not be able to dye their hair or lighten it using hydrogen peroxide – health is more important.
Folk remedies at home
The treatment process for seborrhea is usually long, so traditional methods of using natural, safe ingredients can play a positive role.
Here's what can be useful for masks, rubbing, and treating damaged skin:
- Burr oil;
- a squeeze of sea buckthorn berries combined with olive oil;
- burdock root extract;
- tansy decoction prepared in a water bath;
- infusion of meadowsweet roots.
Many other medicinal herbs are used to prepare infusions, which are taken orally as anti-inflammatory and tonic.
The following video will tell you how to cure seborrhea (dandruff) at home using clay, soap, soda, vinegar, aspirin, and henna:
Medicinal (drugs)
Seborrhea is not always an independent disease; very often a person needs to treat not only the skin, but also, for example, the nervous system and stomach.
In addition to the dermatologist, the treatment involves a therapist, an endocrinologist, a gynecologist, an andrologist, and other specialists.
The patient may be prescribed drugs to strengthen the immune system, vitamins, antifungal drugs, hormonal drugs - tablets and ointments, and in some cases - antibiotics.
Due to the difficulty of making a diagnosis and choosing the optimal medications, self-medication for patients with seborrheic dermatitis is strictly contraindicated.
However, to get an idea of what products are commonly used, let's name some pharmaceutical drugs:
- Ketoconazole - can effectively fight fungus, restores hair structure;
- Fluconazole - helps against various skin inflammations, including lichen;
- Curiosin - used for complex therapy, restores damaged skin, treats poorly healing wounds;
- Aldazole is effective if seborrhea is complicated by parasitic infections.
Recently, the Darsonval apparatus has been used to treat seborrhea. It affects the patient's skin with high-frequency pulsed currents, providing delicate facial care (cures eczema, rashes, swelling, dandruff).
Ointments and creams
The choice of ointment and cream also cannot be random. Each drug has its own characteristics. Here are some options:
- Belosalik ointment - effective for dry seborrhea, relieves itching and swelling;
- Salicylic ointment – has drying properties;
- Bepanten – ensures restoration of damaged skin, recommended for infants;
- Momederm - ointment intended for local treatment of skin diseases, can be used for children over two years of age;
- Sulfur ointment is the best inexpensive remedy for treating thick seborrhea;
- Videstim – accelerates regeneration processes;
- Tsindol (chatter) - helps to defeat dandruff, relieve inflammation, can be prepared at home; instructions for use and reviews of Tsindol can be found at this link;
- Elokom is an effective anti-inflammatory agent;
- Solcoseryl - heals wounds on the skin well;
- Akriderm – stops the inflammatory process, relieves itching;
- Zinocap (cream and spray) – fights fungus, has a good drying effect;
- Elidel is an anti-inflammatory medicine that can be used for a long time (including for children from three months old) without the danger of addiction and side effects;
- Clotrimazole - effectively neutralizes harmful microorganisms.
This video will tell you about the treatment of dry and oily seborrhea with tablets, creams and ointments:
Medicinal shampoos
If you have seborrhea, you cannot use regular detergents; you will need special medicated shampoos. We wrote about how to choose a shampoo for seborrhea here.
Among the most popular are shampoos Ketoconazole, Nizoral, Danex. They, like other similar products, have an anti-inflammatory, antifungal effect, and have a moisturizing effect.
Shampoos are recommended to be used as a therapeutic agent from two weeks to a month, depending on the severity of the disease.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to combine (use simultaneously) two types of shampoo: one with an antifungal effect and one containing zinc.
Diet
We talked about the diet for seborrheic dermatitis in a separate article. The main task is to remove allergenic foods from the table (nuts, mushrooms, honey, milk, citrus fruits).
Salt should be used in minimal quantities. You should eat less foods rich in carbohydrates.
The “liquid component” of the diet must be strictly followed: one and a half liters of water, juices, herbal teas - the mandatory minimum for an adult.
Masks for hair and scalp
Masks are effective against seborrhea, and there are many options.
Onion: prepared from one medium-sized onion, a tablespoon of aloe juice and the same amount of honey, two teaspoons of dry mustard (pre-diluted with water) and one yolk.
This mask is kept on the hair for an hour, hidden under film and wrapped in a terry towel.
Mustard: mix two teaspoons of mustard (also pre-dissolved in water), a tablespoon each of cognac and aloe juice, one yolk, one teaspoon of calendula alcohol tincture.
Apply to unwashed hair and leave for 40 minutes, wrapping it well in a towel.
Cedar oil: take cedar oil in equal quantities (essential oils are generally effective against seborrhea), strong black tea and vodka. Rub into hair roots and wash off after one and a half to two hours.
How much does it cost and how is Mustela shampoo used correctly for seborrheic crusts in children? Our publication will tell you about this.
Reviews of oil for stretch marks La-Cri Mama are presented for review in our material.
How to treat women during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The trigger for seborrheic dermatitis can be hormonal changes in the human body, so the disease can be detected in a pregnant woman, and if it has already been diagnosed before, there is a high risk of exacerbation.
Seborrhea of the scalp and ears is noted, rashes can also be on the back.
Treatment must be coordinated with a doctor and without his recommendation, do not use antiseborrheic drugs, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child.
One of the safest products is considered to be Uryazh brand products (emulsion, for example, is recommended even for infants from the first days of life).
What causes fungus to appear?
Similar to hundreds of species of other microorganisms, the mentioned fungus lives in small quantities in the natural microflora of the body. The development of seborrheic dermatitis on the neck, as in the photo, is expected if the immune system loses its ability to control the growth of the fungus. Seborrheic dermatitis in facial photos is also common.
Disease prevention
Many people wonder if there are ways to prevent the disease. The risk is significantly reduced if:
- promptly treat diseases of the digestive system and endocrine system;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- use high-quality detergents;
- purchase underwear made from natural fabrics;
- eat normally, trying to eat less allergenic foods;
- monitor your own weight if you have a tendency towards obesity;
- avoid stress and emotional overload.
Reviews
Lisa S.: “As soon as I was convinced that I had seborrhea, caring for my hair became, of course, more difficult - I need to regularly do healing hair masks. Two especially help me - from tincture of calendula and castor oil (I take it in a ratio of 10:1) and an egg mask with cognac. I wash it off with coltsfoot infusion. If you don’t do this, any improvement will quickly disappear.”
Natalya E.: “Once I came across a forum on the Internet about seborrhea, I read reviews of those who had been cured. By that time, I had all the prerequisites to receive this diagnosis myself - seborrheic dermatitis. I realized that it is very important not to let the disease progress. One girl wrote that burdock oil helps her. I also decided to rub it into my hair. I do this twice a month and have gotten rid of dryness and brittleness.”
Anastasia M.: “To cure seborrhea, you must definitely get to the bottom of the reasons, and if necessary, take various tests. For a long time I could not cure seborrheic dermatitis - it just doesn’t go away. Then I realized that it was at one time provoked by dysbiosis and cannot be treated while the intestines are still not in order. Now, I’m sure I can cope with seborrhea.”
