Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases that cause inflammation in areas of the skin rich in sebaceous glands. Although not life-threatening, seborrheic dermatitis can be both physically and emotionally distressing, especially in more severe cases with persistent scaling and itching.

The essence of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease that occurs when the skin's natural balance is disturbed in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, forehead, sides of the nose, ears and chest area. The disease is often associated with dandruff, a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis that affects the scalp.

Features of the disease:

• Seborrheic dermatitis is non-infectious, which means it is not contagious.
• It can be episodic, where symptoms appear intermittently, or chronic, where long-term management is required.
• It is more common in infants and adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can vary depending on the affected skin area and the severity of the disease. In mild cases, the symptoms may be small and limited, but in more severe cases, they may affect large areas of the skin and cause significant discomfort.

Typical symptoms:

Scalp:

• Dandruff – dry or oily white/golden scales.
• Redness and itching.
• Hair loss, especially in more severe cases or when secondary infections occur.

Session:

• Red spots around the nose, on the eyebrows, eyelids or forehead.
• Flaking and oily skin.
• Itching that can be aggravated by stress or cold weather.

Chest and back:

• Pink or red spots with a scaly surface.
• Redness in the central area of ​​the sternum.

Body folds:

• Redness and moist, itchy scales in the armpits, groin, or under the breasts.

Infant Seborrheic Dermatitis:

• Known as milk crab.
• Scaling of the scalp and the formation of yellowish scales are observed.
• Usually disappears by the time the child is two years old.

Aggravation of symptoms:

• Symptoms may worsen in cold, dry climates.
• Increased sweating and stress can cause the disease to worsen.
• Using some cosmetics or cleaning products can make symptoms worse.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors. The two main factors that contribute to the development of the disease are the overproduction of sebum and the growth of the Malassezia yeast fungus on the skin.

Causes:

• Sebum overproduction: under the influence of hormones, the activity of the sebaceous glands increases, which causes excessive sebum production.
• Growth of the Malassezia fungus: this yeast is a natural part of the microflora of the skin, but its overgrowth can cause inflammation.
• Immune system dysfunction: an under- or over-reaction of the immune system to the fungus can exacerbate symptoms.
• Genetic factors: people with a family history of skin diseases are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis.

Risk factors

Some people are at a higher risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis, especially those with chronic illnesses or certain lifestyle habits.

Key risk factors:

• Neurological diseases: Parkinson's disease and other diseases of the nervous system.
• Weakening of the immune system: people with HIV/AIDS, cancer or immunosuppressive therapy.
• Hormonal fluctuations: during puberty or pregnancy.
• Lifestyle habits: in case of excessive stress, insufficient hygiene or poor nutrition.

Diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis

The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is usually made on the basis of clinical examination. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to rule out other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

Diagnostic methods:

• Clinical examination: the dermatologist examines the affected skin areas, paying attention to redness and scaling.
• Medical history: history of symptoms and aggravating factors are ascertained.
• Skin sample: in rare cases, a biopsy or microscopic analysis may be done to rule out other diseases.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing outbreaks. It includes both medical therapy and lifestyle changes.

Local treatment

• Antifungals: ketoconazole, ciclopirox or clotrimazole creams and shampoos help control the growth of Malassezia.
• Salicylic acid: helps remove thick scales and promotes skin regeneration.
• Zinc piritions: reduces fungal growth and reduces inflammation.

Oral treatment

• Antifungal tablets: used in severe or resistant cases, such as fluconazole or itraconazole.

Additional therapies

• Natural remedies: tea tree oil and aloe vera can reduce symptoms.
• Phototherapy: UV light therapy helps reduce inflammation and scaling.

Prevention and lifestyle recommendations

Preventive measures are essential to reduce disease exacerbations and maintain skin health.

Prevention strategies:

• Regular skin care:

  • Wash your skin with a mild cleanser.
  • Use non-comedogenic moisturizers to prevent skin dryness.
• Avoid irritants: do not use products with alcohol or fragrances.
• Stress Management: practices such as meditation or yoga can reduce the risk of exacerbation.
• Dietary adjustments: a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve the condition of the skin.

Conclusions

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic but well-controlled skin condition. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and regular skin care will help reduce symptoms and prevent disease exacerbations. Although a complete cure is not possible, the right treatment strategy will allow you to live life to the fullest and with confidence. If you experience symptoms that cause discomfort or affect your quality of life, consult a dermatologist.