Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white or yellowish scales form on the skin especially an the oily areas of the skin such as on the face, scalp or inside the ear. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur with or without reddened skin. When the condition affects the scalp of infants it referred to as Cradle cap. Other common names of seborrheic dermatits are dandruff and seborrheic eczema.
Common causes of Seborrheic dermatitis
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not yet known. However research has shown that it might be caused by smokyng, a combination in the hormone levels, lack of nutrients, a weak immune system, problems of he nervous system and irritation from yeast known as malassezia.
Smoking, especially maternal smoking is thought to be a common cause of childhood dermatitis. Studied show that when a pregnant mother smokes, tobacco and other contents in the smoke interferes with the fetus in the uterus. This poses a risk of the child getting seborrheic dermatitis. Other risk factors of seborrheic dermatitis include Fatigue, extreme weather conditions, stress, acne, obesity, infrequent skin cleaning, use alcohol containing skin lotions among others.
This condition can occur on different body parts. Areas mostly affected are scalp, eyebrow and creases of the nose, eyelids, behind the ears and on eyebrows. The condition however mostly develops on the oily skin areas.
Seborrheic dermatitis general symptoms include: lesions and scales on the skin, plaques, itchiness, mild redness and hair loss. To determine whether one has dermatitis, doctors observe the appearance and locations of skin lesions while in rare cases skin biopsy test is conducted.
Seborrheic dermatitis treatment:
Dryness and flaking of the skin is treated with a dandruff or medicated shampoo that is brought over the counter. In cases where you are certain that you have seborrheic dermatitis you nedd not visit the doctor, you just need to look for a product that indicates that it cures seborrheic dermatitis in chemist. Active ingredients in seborrheic medicines include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. Always use these products according to the instructions.
Note in severe cases pf the condition you should visit a doctor. Mostly in such cases a stronger medication is prescribed. The medication works by suppressing the immune system. Sunlight is thought to improve seborrheic dermatitis.
General overview of seborrheic dermatitis:
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that comes and goes. It is controlled with treatments and its severity cand be lessened by observing proper skin care and controlling the risk factors.
Seborrheic dermatitis effects
The condition`s effects include it causes one to have a low self esteem, psychological distress and become embarrassed. It may also lead to secondary fungal and secondary infections.
Prevention of seborrheic dermatitis:
To prevent yourself from getting seborrheic dermatitis you should avoid smoking, observe proper skin care and avoid seborrheic dermatitis risk factors. Lastly, one of the main causes of seborrheic dermatitis especially in infants is smoking. To avoid having seborrheic dermatitis quitting smoking is not a choice but an option.
Seborrheic Dermatitis 