What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular and scaly inflammation that occurs in areas of sebum secretion. It can be associated with varying degrees of itching and is commonly seen in adults and newborns. The main symptoms include hair follicle papules appearing in areas of sebum secretion such as the scalp, face, chest, and back, which then merge into dark red or yellow-red patches. These patches are covered with greasy scales and crusts, which can lead to exudation, crusting, and erosion, manifesting eczematous changes. In severe cases, the lesions can spread throughout the body, leading to diffuse erythema and significant desquamation. At this stage, it is referred to as seborrheic erythroderma. This condition is chronic and may have recurrent episodes.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis

Tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis are both skin diseases, but they are very different.Firstly, the types of fungi that cause tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis are different. Tinea capitis is mainly caused by fungi such as Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton tonsurans, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is predominantly caused by Malassezia.Secondly, their clinical manifestations are also different. The clinical manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis are often less severe than those of tinea capitis.Finally, tinea capitis often does not heal by itself and requires professional treatment, while seborrheic dermatitis can heal on its own, but tends to recur frequently.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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 Liu Jing
Dermatology
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How to treat seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly occurs in the head, face, chest, back, and other areas with excessive sebum secretion in adults, and it can also affect infants and young children. It is necessary to enhance skin cleanliness and provide symptomatic treatment such as anti-inflammatory measures and regulation of lipid metabolism. Focus on skin cleanliness, eat more green vegetables and coarse fibers, and provide anti-inflammatory treatments such as oral tanshinone IIA sulfonate capsules, vitamin B6 tablets, doxycycline hydrochloride capsules, clarithromycin sustained-release tablets, and total paeony glycoside capsules. For the affected skin areas, apply topical remedies like Curcuma comosa clearing ointment, compound indomethacin tincture, etc. Products such as selenium disulfide cleanser or ketoconazole shampoo can be used to wash the scalp and as a body wash. Regularly enhance skin cleanliness and frequently change underwear.