To continue with inflammatory skin diseases, today we will tell you about seborrheic dermatitis. Less known than its peers, eczema, and psoriasis, this dermatitis affects “1 to 3% of French people between adolescence and adulthood, with a peak frequency between 18 and 40 years old”. It also mainly affects men.
What Are The Characteristics Of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The main characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis is that it occurs in places where the production of sebum is particularly important (hence its name, seborrhea being an excessive production of sebum), i.e., the face (in particular the T zone) and the scalp, which is the most affected part.
As with other inflammatory skin diseases, this dermatitis evolves in flare-ups; it results in red patches, called erythematous, covered with greasy dandruff and scales. Itching may also accompany eruptions. It is a benign and non-contagious disease, but chronic and very recidivist. We speak of “cradle cap” when the disease affects infants and young children.
Why Do We Suffer From Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The origin of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown, but certain factors still seem to explain its appearance. This dermatitis develops on “oily” areas of the skin. Excess sebum would lead to the proliferation of a small fungus on the skin. The excessive presence of these microorganisms causes an inflammatory reaction and accelerated renewal of skin cells. Other factors such as greasy or alcohol-based cosmetics, insufficient hygiene, excessive sweating, alcohol abuse, stress, fatigue, or certain diseases can trigger this dermatitis.
Also Read: Here Are The Most Common Allergies : Know Their Symptoms & Causes
So How Do You Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis?
As we remind you in our articles, skin conditions must be followed by your doctor, who can diagnose the disease, advise, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Just because you have scales on your scalp doesn’t mean it’s seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis with similar characteristics. In the meantime, small, simple gestures and natural remedies can help you bear the discomfort of these diseases and sometimes relieve them.
Medical Treatments For Seborrheic Dermatitis
The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is divided into three main actions: reduce the number of fungi on the skin with antifungal products, and fight against inflammation and seborrhea, particularly with topical corticosteroids for rash. Creams and gels are mostly prescribed and sometimes accompanied by medication. However, it is essential to have good hygiene to consider soothing flare-ups.
Simple Steps To Soothe Seborrheic Dermatitis
Daily but gentle hygiene of your skin and scalp is essential. Do not multiply cosmetic products; choose fragrance-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating products. Instead, use a soap-free bar or mild cleanser. Antifungal cosmetics are welcome. Moreover, do not scratch your lesions, and in case of calm, do not hesitate to repair your skin with our Plum Oil (only if dermatitis has disappeared).
- For the face, washing your face morning and evening is necessary. Avoid friction movements, and be sure to pat dry. Apply a sebum-regulating treatment like our Hazelnut Oil.
- For hair, use mild products and rinse thoroughly before towel-drying. Remove from your routine hair cosmetics such as gel, lacquer, or coloring. When dermatitis extends to the rest of the body, use a bar without soap; prefer showers but not too hot.
Some essential oils can also be effective, especially those with sebum-regulating properties: true lavender, geranium, verbenone rosemary… to be used sparingly and always diluted in your soaps (consult a professional beforehand).
The Psychological Impact Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is particularly unsightly and disabling, like all the inflammatory skin diseases we have presented. It sometimes leads to rejection by the wearer, which is not necessary because, we remind you, these are non-contagious, non-transmissible diseases.
Also Read: Dehydrated Skin: What Are The Causes?