Treatment FAQ

what is seborrheic dermatitis treatment

by Marianna White V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medicated shampoos, creams and lotions are the main treatments for seborrheic dermatitis. Your doctor will likely recommend you try home remedies, such as over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, before considering prescription remedies.Apr 7, 2020

Medication

  • Soften and remove scales from your hair. …
  • Wash your skin regularly. …
  • Apply a medicated cream. …
  • Avoid styling products. …
  • Avoid skin and hair products that contain alcohol. …
  • Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing.

Self-care

How to use?

  • Cut a leaf of aloe vera plant from the middle
  • Squeeze it to obtain the gel
  • Apply this fresh aloe vera gel on the affected region
  • Use the remedy several times a day for over a month to get positive results
  • Alternatively, you can also drink aloe vera juice to ease the symptoms of Seborrheic dermatitis

Nutrition

Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment. Or you may need many repeated treatments before the symptoms go away. And they may return later. Daily cleansing with a gentle soap and shampoo can help reduce oiliness and dead skin buildup. Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema and seborrheic psoriasis.

Which medications may induce seborrheic dermatitis?

The signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

  • Scaling (dandruff) on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard, or mustache
  • Red skin
  • Itching
  • Yellow, crusty scales on the heads of infants (cradle cap)
  • Blepharitis (scaly redness on the edge of the eyelids)
  • Pink patches of scales on both sides of your face
  • Scaly patches on your chest and hairline in the shape of a flower petal or ring

More items...

How to cure seborrhea naturally?

Will seborrheic dermatitis ever go away?

What is the prognosis for people with seborrheic dermatitis?

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What is the cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis?

An inflammatory reaction to excess Malassezia yeast, an organism that normally lives on the skin's surface, is the likely cause of seborrheic dermatitis. The Malessezia overgrows and the immune system seems to overreact to it, leading to an inflammatory response that results in skin changes.

Is seborrheic dermatitis a fungus?

Abstract. Seborrheic dermatitis is a superficial fungal disease of the skin, occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands. It is thought that an association exists between Malassezia yeasts and seborrheic dermatitis. This may, in part, be due to an abnormal or inflammatory immune response to these yeasts.

Does seborrheic dermatitis go away?

Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment. Or you may need many repeated treatments before the symptoms go away. And they may return later. Daily cleansing with a gentle soap and shampoo can help reduce oiliness and dead skin buildup.

Is there a cure for seborrheic dermatitis on face?

Treatment with antifungal agents such as topical ketoconazole is the mainstay of therapy for seborrheic dermatitis of the face and body. Because of possible adverse effects, anti-inflammatory agents such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors should be used only for short durations.

What is the best cream for seborrheic dermatitis?

Prescription-strength hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Capex, Synalar), clobetasol (Clobex, Cormax) and desonide (Desowen, Desonate) are corticosteroids you apply to the scalp or other affected area. They are effective and easy to use, but should be used sparingly.

How do you get rid of seborrheic dermatitis fast?

Topical treatments are the most commonly recommended solution for seborrheic dermatitis outbreaks.Corticosteroids. Creams and shampoos containing corticosteroids or hydrocortisone can help reduce severe inflammation. ... Keratolytics. ... Antibacterial gels or antifungal creams. ... Light therapy. ... Coal tar. ... Medicated shampoos.

Is seborrheic dermatitis caused by poor hygiene?

Seborrheic dermatitis: Despite its appearance, this skin disease is not caused by poor hygiene. This is a very common skin disease that causes a rash.

What foods trigger seborrheic dermatitis?

What foods trigger seborrheic dermatitis?Cheese.Tofu.Bread.Cake.Cookies.Ketchup.Salty chips like potato chips.

Should I wash my hair everyday if I have seborrheic dermatitis?

The most important thing you can do to get rid of and prevent seborrhea is to wash your hair every day. This may be a problem for many people, but daily hair washing is important if seborrhea is to be controlled. There are some people who shampoo once per week or once per month and never get seborrhea.

Is Vaseline good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Petroleum jelly is NOT recommended if you have seborrheic dermatitis. Using it tends to worsen seborrheic dermatitis.

What is the best face wash for seborrheic dermatitis?

The Best Face Washes For Seborrheic Dermatitis, According To An ExpertKate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser. ... La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash. ... The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash. ... DermaHarmony Zinc Therapy Soap. ... Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. ... Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo.More items...•

How long does it take for seborrheic dermatitis to go away?

Outcome. Infant: Seborrheic dermatitis often completely disappears by 6 months to 1 year of age. Adolescent or adult: A few people see seborrheic dermatitis clear without treatment.

What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

The goal of treatment is to reduce the visible signs of seborrheic dermatitis and itching and redness. Treatment includes use of over-the-counter products and prescription products. Prescription products include topical antifungals, calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids.

What is the difference between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that affects 2% to 4% of the population. The scales of psoriasis are often thicker than that of seborrheic dermatitis. The edges of those scales are very well-defined.

What causes red spots on the scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red patches and greasy scales on your skin along with white or yellow crusty or powdery flakes on your scalp.

What is the color of psoriasis scales?

The edges of those scales are very well-defined. On the scalp, psoriasis scales are closer to a silver color than white or yellow. There is a condition called sebopsoriasis where seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis overlap.

How common is seborrheic dermatitis?

About 11% of the population has seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs most often in infants younger than three months old and in adults ages 30 to 60. It is more common in men than in women, and in Caucasians more than African Americans.

What is it called when you have a cradle cap?

It’s called “dandruff” ( pityriasis capitis) when it’s on a teenager’s or adult’s scalp, and “ cradle cap ” when it’s on a baby’s. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in other areas of your body.

When does seborrheic dermatitis appear?

It appears within the first weeks to months of life and is rarely seen after 12 months of age in most babies. It can be easily managed with simple at-home care. In adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (dandruff) or the face and body is a condition that comes and goes throughout life.

What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has been studied for several skin conditions. Its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits make it an ideal treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoo, conditioners, and other products that you can wash out may help relieve itching if they contain tea tree oil .

What is dandruff on the face?

Here’s our process. Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is an inflammatory skin disease. It most often affects the scalp and causes scaly, red patches to appear. These patches may also appear on the face and upper body. These are areas with many sebaceous glands, ...

What is the best treatment for inflammation?

Corticosteroids. Creams and shampoos containing corticosteroids or hydrocortisone can help reduce severe inflammation. These are only suitable for short-term use, as they can cause side effects.

What supplements can help with dermatitis?

Fish oil. Fish oil supplements can help suppress flare-ups of dermatitis that allergies trigger, as well as provide other nutritional benefits. Its omega-3 fatty acids can help boost overall immune and cardiovascular health.

How to get rid of scalp scabs?

An apple cider vinegar soak will loosen the scales on your scalp. It may also lessen inflammation in the area of the flare-up.

What foods can help with inflammation?

To fight inflammation, eat a diet that includes: plenty of green, leafy vegetables. tomatoes. olive oil. fruits that contain antioxidants, such as cherries, strawberries, and blueberries. foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus and bell peppers. almonds.

Why do doctors order tests?

They may want to order some tests to further evaluate your situation and talk to you about treatment options complementary to your condition.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the upper layers of skin, characterized by red, itchy skin that sheds scales. Seborrheic dermatitis may be a hereditary condition. It is often aggravated by hormonal changes and cold weather conditions.

Why do babies have cradle caps?

In infants, the condition is also called cradle cap, because of its characteristic scaly appearance on the scalp. However, cradle cap can also happen in the diaper area.

What are the symptoms of seborrhea?

However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Itching scalp. Dry or greasy scales on the scalp. A yellow or red scaly rash along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, around the nose, in creases on the arms, legs, or groin, and/or on the chest. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may ...

What is the best treatment for a swollen ear?

It is usually effective in relieving symptoms. Treatments may include: Antiinflammatory creams or lotions, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Antifungal topicals.

What is a complete medical history and physical exam?

A complete medical history and physical exam helps the healthcare provider in diagnosing seborrheic dermatitis.

When does seborrheic dermatitis clear up?

Seborrheic dermatitis in this age group usually clears up on its own within the first year. Middle age. When seborrheic dermatitis happens at this age, the condition is usually more intermittent and called dandruff. Old age. When seborrheic dermatitis happens at this age, the condition is usually more intermittent.

Is oily skin a sign of seborrheic dermatitis?

People with oily skin or hair are also more at risk for developing seborrheic dermatitis.

How do dermatologists diagnose and treat seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that dermatolog ists frequently diagnose and treat.

What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

If treatment is necessary, a dermatologist may recommend: Shampooing the baby’s scalp daily with a baby shampoo.

How long does seborrheic dermatitis last?

Adolescent or adult: A few people see seborrheic dermatitis clear without treatment. More often, seborrheic dermatitis lasts for years. It tends to clear and flare without warning. Treatment often is necessary to control it.

Can dandruff shampoo be used on the scalp?

Dandruff shampoos can be helpful on the skin as well as the scalp. Your dermatologist can explain how to use these shampoos on the skin. Often the best results come from combining two or more treatments. Your dermatologist can create a treatment plan to meet your needs. Most plans include medication and skin care.

Does seborrheic dermatitis go away?

Adolescents and adults (scalp and rest of body): After infancy, seborrheic dermatitis usually does not go away without treatment. For the best results, a dermatologist will consider many factors before creating a treatment plan. Treatment may include:

Is seborrheic dermatitis a medical condition?

Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis is a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your dermatologist suspects this, medical tests may be necessary.

Can a dermatologist apply a medicine to a child's scalp?

Infants (skin beyond the scalp): This, too, will clear. If treatment is needed, a dermatologist may prescribe a medicine that can be applied to the child’s skin.

How to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis on face?

If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your face and body, keep the affected areas clean. Wash with soap and water every day. Sunlight may stop the growth of the yeast organisms that are causing the problem, so being outdoors could help make the rash go away. Make sure to wear sunscreen.

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales. It causes redness on light skin and light patches on darker skin. It’s also called dandruff, cradle cap, seborrhea, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis.

Why does my face have a butterfly shaped rash?

Some stages of this condition can cause a butterfly-shaped rash across the middle of your face. Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment. Seborrheic dermatitis will sometimes clear up by itself. But often, it's a lifelong issue that clears and flares.

When does seborrheic dermatitis come back?

It usually goes away before they're a year old, although it can come back when they reach puberty. Parents might mistake seborrheic dermatitis for diaper rash.

What is the name of the redness on the skin?

It causes redness on light skin and light patches on darker skin. It’s also called dandruff, cradle cap, seborrhea, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis. It might look similar to psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction. It usually happens on your scalp, but you can get it anywhere on your body.

Why does my rash itch?

Allergic reaction. If your rash is itchy and doesn’t clear up with treatment, an allergy could be causing it.

What causes inflamed skin on the side of the head?

Eczema(atopic dermatitis). This usually causes inflamed skin on your head, elbows, or knees.

What is the name of the disorder that affects the scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that mainly affects the scalp, causing itchy, yellow or white patchy scales or thick crusts that may attach to the hair shaft, as seen in the lower left side of the image. Cradle cap on light skin.

What is the condition that causes red patches on the scalp?

Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.

What is the name of the rash on the side of the nose?

Seborrheic dermatitis on the face. Seborrheic dermatitis causes a red rash with yellowish and somewhat "oily" scales. In addition to the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can occur on the sides of the nose, in and between the eyebrows, and in other oil-rich areas. Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition ...

What are the risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis?

A number of factors increase your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis, including: Neurologic and psychiatric conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and depression. A weakened immune system, such as seen in organ transplant recipients and people with HIV/AIDS, alcoholic pancreatitis and some cancers.

How to get rid of cradle cap?

Daily cleansing with a gentle soap and shampoo can help reduce oiliness and dead skin buildup. Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema and seborrheic psoriasis. For infants, the condition is known as cradle cap and causes crusty, scaly patches on the scalp.

What is a cradle cap?

Cradle cap is characterized by scaly patches on a baby's scalp. You may notice thick, yellow patches of skin. The patches may be crusty or greasy.

Does cradle cap bother infants?

Cradle cap usually doesn't bother the infant. Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms may include: Skin flakes (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache. Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, ...

What is the medication for seborrheic dermatitis?

The medication, called psoralen, makes you more sensitive to ultraviolet light. After taking it, you are given light therapy to treat the seborrheic dermatitis. The side effects of this treatment may be serious, including burns or discoloration of the skin.

How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on face?

To treat seborrheic dermatitis on your face, use a mild soap to wash your face twice a day. You can also try washing your face with a medicated shampoo, such as Head & Shoulders or Selsun Blue. Alternatively, massage olive or coconut oil into the scaly areas to soften the scales.

How to reduce redness from seborrheic dermatitis?

By reducing the inflammation and active seborrheic dermatitis, the redness should fade in time. Using hydrocortisone cream for a few days can help reduce redness also. Applying a gentle facial moisturizer and protecting your skin from the sun is also helpful.

How to get rid of a swollen eyelid?

Use a mild soap that won’t irritate your skin. If your eyelids are affected, use baby shampoo to clean them. Don’t use products with alcohol on your skin. This will irritate it and may make the condition worse. Use a non-oily moisturizer which won’t clog your pores.

What condition does a dermatologist treat?

You may need to see a dermatologist for help treating it if: You have a psychiatric condition like depression, or a neurological condition like Parkinson's disease. Your immune system is weak. This includes people who have received organ transplants, people with HIV, alcoholic pancreatitis, or cancer.

Is seborrheic dermatitis infected?

This includes severe anxiety, embarrassment, and insomnia. You are concerned that your seborrheic dermatitis is infected. If you have pain, bleeding or pus coming from the area, it is likely infected.

Can you use selenium shampoo on your face?

Then rinse the area thoroughly. You can try: Shampoos with pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders) or selenium (Selsun Blue).

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Diagnosis

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Aakash Gupta
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment includes ways to manage symptoms but the skin condition cannot be completely cured.
Medication

Corticosteroid: Creams, shampoos, or ointments which contain corticosteroids are used to control inflammation.

Hydrocortisone . Fluocinolone


Antifungals: Used to reduce itching and fungal infection.

Ketoconazole . Ciclopirox

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Use gentle soap and shampoo to remove oiliness and build-up of dead cells.
  • Do not scratch or pick the affected area.
  • Wear loose, cotton clothes to avoid irritating the skin.
  • Wash the infant’s scalp using non-medicated shampoos in case of cradle cap.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in vitamin A: e.g. carrots, spinach, pumpkin, tomatoes, watermelons, bananas, apples, mangoes, beans
  • Foods rich in vitamin E: e.g. vegetable fats such as olive oil
  • Protein rich foods: e.g. legumes, nuts such as peanuts and walnuts, rabbit meat, turkey, lamb etc

Foods to avoid:

  • Food allergens: Foods which trigger this condition, such as allergens like coffee, wheat products, dairy products, gluten-loaded products, citrus fruits, corn and peanuts.

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Allergist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders.

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