Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea)

Itching and flaking of the scalp are often perceived as ordinary dandruff. However, this is how seborrheic dermatitis can manifest — a disease that periodically worsens and requires properly selected care and therapy.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, you can have a consultation with a dermatologist and receive individual recommendations. Timely treatment of seborrheic dermatitis helps reduce the manifestations of the disease and maintain the healthy condition of the skin. You can book a consultation with a dermatologist through the online appointment form on the website or by calling the contact center.

Seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis, — is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often affects areas with a large number of sebaceous glands: the scalp, face, areas behind the ears, and the upper part of the torso. Its development is associated with the skin’s reaction to Malassezia yeasts, the activity of the sebaceous glands, and an individual predisposition to inflammation.

Malassezia yeasts are part of the normal skin microflora, but under certain conditions they can contribute to the development of inflammation. The disease can occur at any age and periodically return even after the symptoms disappear. Properly selected therapy helps control its manifestations and prolong periods without exacerbations.

According to the nature of the manifestations, the following are conventionally distinguished:

• dry seborrhea — the skin flakes, small light-colored scales, itching, and a feeling of tightness appear;
• oily seborrhea — larger yellowish scales form, which may stick together due to excess sebum, and the hair becomes oily more quickly.

Signs of dry and oily seborrhea may occur simultaneously on different areas of the skin.

According to localization, the following are distinguished:

• seborrheic dermatitis on the head — affects the scalp and sometimes spreads to the hairline;
• seborrheic dermatitis on the face — most often occurs near the wings of the nose, between the eyebrows, on the eyelids, chin, and behind the ears;
• seborrheic dermatitis on the body — may appear on the upper chest and back, in the armpits, and in other skin folds.

A patient may simultaneously develop changes in several areas. The exact form of the disease is determined by a dermatologist during an examination.

The exact causes of the development of seborrheic dermatitis have not been fully established. The activity of the sebaceous glands, Malassezia yeasts, and the skin’s tendency toward inflammation play an important role. Heredity and the specific features of the immune system may also be significant. Therefore, the causes of seborrhea and the factors that trigger its exacerbation may differ among different people.

The appearance of symptoms or another exacerbation may be triggered by:

• hormonal changes that affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• stress, overwork, and lack of sleep;
• cold and dry weather;
• weakening of the body’s immune defenses;
• some neurological and chronic diseases;
• the use of care products that irritate or dry out the skin.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend paying attention to what makes the symptoms become more pronounced. This helps identify individual triggering factors and take them into account when choosing care products and developing a therapy regimen.

With seborrhea of the scalp, discomfort may intensify after the use of unsuitable care products. The disease usually has a wave-like course: the symptoms weaken and may later occur again.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» note that other dermatitises, psoriasis, fungal lesions, and allergic reactions may present with similar symptoms, so it is important to correctly determine the cause of the skin changes.

When symptoms of the disease appear, a consultation with a dermatologist is required. During the appointment, the doctor examines the skin, assesses the nature and location of the flaking, and clarifies when the changes appeared and how often they worsen.

In most cases, an examination is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to distinguish seborrheic dermatitis from other common skin diseases and allergic reactions.

The main goal of therapy is to reduce inflammation, itching, and flaking, as well as to prevent frequent exacerbations. The regimen is selected depending on the localization and severity of the symptoms. As noted by the American Academy of Dermatology, since the disease has a chronic course, maintenance care may be needed after improvement.

Treatment of seborrhea may include:

• antifungal shampoos, creams, or other topical products;
• medications to reduce inflammation and itching;
• products that soften and help remove dense scales;
• therapeutic care taking into account the type and condition of the skin.

If seborrhea of the head has developed, the dermatologist may recommend a special shampoo and determine how often and for how long to use it. When the face or body is affected, products in the form of a cream, gel, or lotion are used. Anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed for a short course.

If indicated, medication therapy may be supplemented with procedures aimed at improving the condition of the skin and reducing the severity of its manifestations. Depending on the localization of the changes, the doctor may recommend cryomassage — exposure of the skin to low temperature, or plasma lifting — the injection of the patient’s blood plasma enriched with platelets. The procedures are selected individually after an examination.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend not selecting medications independently, especially for the skin of the face. An incorrectly selected product may intensify irritation or temporarily conceal the symptoms without ensuring proper control of the disease.

It is not always possible to completely prevent the recurrence of seborrheic dermatitis, but proper care helps maintain the skin in a satisfactory condition for longer. After completing the main course, the doctor may recommend maintenance products and determine how often they should be used.

To reduce the risk of exacerbations, it is advisable to:

• regularly cleanse the skin and scalp with the recommended products;
• not scratch the affected areas or attempt to remove the scales independently;
• avoid cosmetics that cause dryness, burning, or irritation;
• maintain a sleep schedule and, whenever possible, reduce the impact of stress;
• not stop maintenance care immediately after the symptoms disappear.

If redness, itching, or flaking appears again, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. The doctor will assess the condition of the skin and, if necessary, adjust the previous therapy regimen.

The cost of therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms, the area affected, and the duration of the disease. For one patient, an examination by a dermatologist and topical products may be sufficient, while another may require additional tests, follow-up appointments, or therapeutic procedures.

You can review the cost of doctors’ consultations and other medical services here in advance. During the examination, the doctor will explain which treatment is appropriate in your case, which products need to be used, and whether a follow-up visit is required. You can book an appointment with a dermatologist through the online form on the website or by calling the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology
• US National Library of Medicine
• DermNet New Zealand