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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Dermatology
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Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, papular, scaly, inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching and commonly affects areas such as the face and trunk, where sebaceous glands are abundant. It is more frequently seen in adults and newborns. The exact cause of the disease is still not completely understood. It is generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion, changes in the chemical composition of sebum, and colonization and infection by Malassezia yeasts. Factors like stress, diet, deficiency of B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also influence the occurrence and development of the disease. Therefore, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Seborrheic dermatitis facial symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by itching of varying degrees. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum 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 of B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also affect the onset and progression of the disease to varying degrees. When seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the face, its symptoms primarily manifest as initial follicular papules that gradually merge and expand into dark red or yellowish-red patches. These patches have oily or dry scales and in severe cases may exhibit exudation, crusting, erosion, presenting eczema-like changes.

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Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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How to treat infant seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebum secretion. It is more commonly found in adults and newborns and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis generally occurs from the 2nd to the 10th week after birth, with common sites being the scalp, face, nasolabial folds, nasal hair area, around the ears, and in skin folds. The rash typically appears as greasy red patches, or may be covered with greasy gray-yellow or brown-yellow thick crusts. In severe cases, there might be erosion and exudation. The condition generally diminishes or even heals within two months, though in very rare cases, the rash may suddenly spread throughout the body, causing diffuse erythema and significant desquamation. This is known as seborrheic erythroderma, which represents a severe stage of the disease. Treatment mainly involves the use of topical medications, focusing on mild, safe, and low-irritant drugs for application. Commonly used medications include zinc oxide oil, antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, tacrolimus ointment, and pimecrolimus cream. Additionally, it is important to advise the parents to ensure the baby has a regular lifestyle with sufficient sleep and to avoid various mechanical irritations. It is also recommended to use less hot water and harsh alkaline soaps for bathing.

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Dermatology
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What should pregnant women do about seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. Pregnant women diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis are generally treated primarily with topical medications. It is advisable to choose mild, safe ointments with low irritability for external application. Safe antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, or ointments primarily for moisturizing and repairing the skin barrier can be used. Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, pregnant women should be informed to maintain a regular lifestyle, get enough sleep, limit diets high in polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid various forms of mechanical irritation, and use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing.