Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
So far we’ve covered both atopic eczema and contact dermatitis. This next article will cover another common type of eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis. Seborrhoeic dermatitis differs quite a bit from both atopic and contact eczema, and in effect should be treated differently. As you read on, you will find out more about seborrhoeic dermatitis, which should be considered critical as to keep from mistaking it for another from of eczema. Remember, using the wrong solutions for an unassociated form of eczema can make symptoms worse, which is what we’re going to help you avoid.
What is Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?
Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also known as seborrheic dermatitis, seborrhea, or seborrheic eczema), like other forms of eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder. What separates seborrheic dermatitis from the others is that it tends to affect the sebum-gland rich areas of the skin in particular. What more, seborrhoeic dermatitis tends to have more in common with dandruff, and is related to other fungal disorders and diseases. Having said that, you will find that the most commonly affected areas are the scalp, the face, and the torso. In both adolescents and adults, you will usually notice flaking of the scalp and skin.
What Causes Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?
The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is typically fungal. Specifically, it is related to Malassezia, a type of yeast that is naturally found on the skin of humans and other mammals. This yeast will produce a toxic substance that irritates the skin, causing an inflammation. Those who have seborrhoeic dermatitis usually have a weakened resisitance to the yeast. Malassezia survives purely on saturated fatty acids, which can be gathered from the human sebum. The Malassezia will hydrolize these areas, which releases both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the sebum. As the yeast take in the saturated fatty acids, the leftover unsaturated fatty acids will, generally speaking, create a negative reaction which irritates the skin, leading up to the inflammation.
Not all causes of seborrhoeic dermatitis are related to Malassezia. In fact, other causes have been linked to environment, hormones, immunodeficiencies, and heredity. In children especially, malnutrition can be a cause, such as a lack of biotin, vitamins B6 and B2, or conversely, too much vitamin A. Other factors such as stress, fatigue, illness, and seasonal changes can cause an aggravation in seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Symptoms
While other forms of eczema have symptoms that may show up immediately, especially in the case of contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis usually shows its symptoms gradually. Dandruff is often the first and most common symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Lesions can appear on the face, ears, torso, upper back, and places where the skin folds. The rash is usually characterized as being red in color and flaky, but may also include itching, soreness, thick crusts on the scalp, and greasy skin covered with white or yellow scales. Flakes are white, yellow or grey in color.
Lesions on the scalp may contribute to hair loss, especially if the scales attach themselves to the hair follicles. Permanent hair loss may occur if chronic cases of seborrhoeic dermatitis are left untreated. In infants, the greasy yellowish crusting of the scalp is what is known as cradle cap. With infants, however, the condition often resolves itself. In adults, however, symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis can last for many weeks, even lasting as long as several years.
What Can I Do About Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?
Because of the causes of seborrhoeic dermatitis, some of them even showing relation to other types of eczema, treatments of seborrhoeic dermatitis tend to be more clinical. This is not to say, however, that there aren’t any steps you can take at home. In fact, the best action to take is prevention, and to maintain a healthy diet. For example, when you shower, use an over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal shampoo. Brands you may recognize include Selsun Blue, Nizoral and Head & Shoulders. Get as much exposure to the sun as you can, especially during the winter, as the UV rays curb the growth of Malassezia. To help expose your scalp to more sunlight, keep your hair cut short. As for you diet, try to lower your intake of sugar and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, as these have been proven to reduce inflammation caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis.
References:
Mayo Clinic for additional information.
Tags: cradle cap, eczema, eczema symptoms, seborrhoeic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis causes, seborrhoeic dermatitis symptoms
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