What ointment should be used for seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itchiness and commonly occurs on the scalp, face, chest, back, and other areas rich in sebaceous glands. The general principle for topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis involves degreasing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-itching measures. Commonly used topical medications include combined formulations containing corticosteroids and antifungals such as compound ketoconazole and compound econazole. When these are not effective, calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used. In cases with exudation and erosion, products like zinc oxide ointment, boric acid zinc oxide menthol cream, and erythromycin eye ointment may be selected.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 43sec home-news-image

How to completely cure seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular scaly rashes, predominantly occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, and trunk. The exact cause of this disease is still not fully understood. It is mainly believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast, along with factors like stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can all influence the occurrence and development of this condition to varying degrees. Due to these factors, the disease has a chronic course and may relapse repeatedly. Seborrheic dermatitis occurring on the scalp, although clinically curable, can still experience flare-ups. Its symptoms mainly include oily hair, scalp papules, erythema, dandruff, and itching. Clinical treatment primarily involves the use of shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid. This can be accompanied by oral antihistamines, supplementation with B vitamins, or zinc-containing preparations. It is crucial to maintain regular life habits, ensure sufficient sleep, restrict diets high in polysaccharides and fats, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, avoid alcohol and spicy irritant foods, use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing, and avoid various types of mechanical irritation to reduce the recurrence of scalp seborrheic dermatitis.

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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How is seborrheic dermatitis formed?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is excessively secreted. It commonly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, and trunk, and is more frequently seen in adults and newborns, often accompanied by itching of varying degrees. The exact cause of this disease is not completely understood; however, it is generally believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast play a certain role. Other factors such as mental stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol abuse also influence the occurrence and progression of the disease to varying extents.

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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.

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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.