Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a diagnosis commonly affecting areas with excess sebum secretion such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. It frequently occurs in young adults and is associated with inflammatory reactions. It requires enhanced cleaning of the scalp and trunk skin, avoiding various irritants, and providing anti-inflammatory treatments and regulation of lipid metabolism. Dietary restrictions typically include avoiding spicy, stimulating, and high-calorie foods, while increasing the intake of green vegetables and coarse fibers. Oral medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, niacin tablets, and doxycycline hydrochloride capsules are recommended. For skin lesions, topical application of tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream, and dibenzoyl hydroxy acid cream are advised, with an emphasis on avoiding the use of steroid medications to prevent difficult-to-control symptoms. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is seborrheic dermatitis itchy?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion. It is common in adults and newborns, often occurring in sebaceous gland-rich areas such as the head, face, and trunk. The causes of the disease may be related to increased sebaceous gland secretion or changes in the chemical composition of the sebum. It is also associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Factors such as stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also affect the occurrence and development of this disease to varying degrees. The characteristic rash starts as follicular papules, which gradually enlarge and merge into dark red or yellow-red patches, covered with greasy scales or crusts. Exudation, crusting, and erosion may occur, presenting eczema-like symptoms, and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 34sec home-news-image

How to treat seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease, which frequently occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion such as the face, chest, and back. The exact cause of the disease is not yet clear, but it is related to factors such as Malassezia infection, increased lipids, impaired skin barrier function, immune responses, and individual susceptibility. In daily life, factors such as mental stress, lack of B vitamins, consumption of spicy foods and alcohol, and chronic sleep deprivation can affect the condition to varying degrees. In terms of treatment, it is important to first adjust lifestyle habits, including managing sleep schedules to sleep by 11 PM and regulating emotions. For local care, avoid excessive washing of the skin and focus on enhancing skin moisturization. Dietary adjustments should include lighter meals and abstaining from alcohol. For topical use, metronidazole gel and some antimicrobial ointments can be applied. Traditional Chinese medicinal solutions can also be used to clear heat, detoxify, reduce redness, degrease, kill parasites, and provide antibacterial and anti-itch effects. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is seborrheic dermatitis easy to treat?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, pustular, scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs at sites of sebum overflow. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The exact cause of the disease is not completely clear, but it is generally believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection with Malassezia are also somewhat related. Other factors such as mental state, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency of B vitamins, infections, and fatigue can also influence the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Clinically, seborrheic dermatitis is a challenging condition, generally managed symptomatically. Although it can be clinically cured, it is a chronic condition that may still recur.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Seborrheic dermatitis causes

The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are multifaceted. Typically, if one does not pay attention to their diet, consuming spicy, irritating, or overly greasy foods can easily lead to the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur when there is excessive secretion of male hormones, which leads to overactive sebaceous glands. Additionally, some metabolic disorders and genetic factors are also related to the onset of seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, seborrheic dermatitis can be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, as well as physical and chemical irritants. Frequent scratching of the skin or the use of overly alkaline facial cleansers can promote the occurrence and exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis. Psychological factors can also lead to the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis; excessive stress, anxiety, and depression can all trigger the condition.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis refers to a type of inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum secretion is abundant, including the face, chest, and back. These areas tend to be oilier and are prone to developing erythema and greasy scales. If the seborrheic dermatitis is of the dry type, it may also be accompanied by symptoms of peeling skin. The condition commonly affects individuals with hyperactive sebaceous glands, typically those with oily skin. Some people have combination skin that is also prone to oiliness, making them susceptible to seborheic dermatitis, often due to improper skin care. Dietary habits, frequent late nights, and consuming overly spicy or greasy foods can also lead to the development of seborrheic dermatitis.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
59sec home-news-image

Will seborrheic dermatitis recur?

Seborrheic dermatitis is likely to recur. In cases of seborrheic dermatitis, oily skin can easily lead to recurrence. Additionally, an inappropriate diet, often consisting of spicy, irritating food, as well as fried and greasy food, and habitual late nights, can also easily lead to recurrence. Therefore, when seborrheic dermatitis occurs, it’s essential to maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and seek treatment under the guidance of a doctor. For topical use, one can choose corticosteroid medications, typically choices include desonide ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream. For oral medications, options include Vitamin B6 or a B-complex vitamin. If itching is significant, it might also be necessary to combine treatment with antihistamine medications.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured completely?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular and scaly eruptions that occur in areas with excess sebum production. It often causes varying degrees of itching and commonly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk, and is more frequently seen in adults and newborns. The exact cause of this condition is still unclear; it is generally considered to be related to sebum secretion and changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia, as well as several other factors such as stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption, can also influence the occurrence and development of the disease. Since the causal factors are not well understood and there are many triggering factors, the disease has a chronic course and can recur repeatedly. Although seborrheic dermatitis can be cured, it can still recur.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

How to deal with seborrheic dermatitis?

For seborrheic dermatitis, topical application of some corticosteroid medications like desonide ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream can be utilized. However, it is important to avoid prolonged, excessive use on the more delicate facial skin. In cases of oozing or erosion, treatments such as boric acid solution or saline can be used for wet compresses. Additionally, for seborrheic dermatitis, one may also choose calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream. If severe itching occurs with seborrheic dermatitis, symptomatic itch relief should be provided, primarily through oral antihistamines such as desloratadine dispersible tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets. Treatment can also include traditional Chinese medicine based on differential diagnosis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head and trunk. The exact causes of the disease are still not completely clear, but it is mainly believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, and associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia species. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, and vitamin B group deficiency can also affect the occurrence and development of this disease to varying extents. Thus, the condition is chronic and can recur repeatedly. Although seborrheic dermatitis can be clinically cured, it is prone to recurrence. Hence, it is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, limit the intake of polysaccharides and fats, consume more vegetables and fruits, abstain from alcohol and spicy irritant foods, and avoid various mechanical irritations. Using less hot water and strong alkaline soaps for bathing can help reduce the recurrence of seborheic dermatitis.