Is seborrheic dermatitis eczema?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is not actually eczema. It is a chronic, papular, scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that commonly occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk, and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of this condition are primarily believed to be associated with increased sebum secretion or changes in the chemical composition of the cortex. It is also related to the colonization and infection of Malassezia, stress, diet, deficiency of B vitamins, alcohol consumption, and other factors. The characteristic rash consists of follicular papules that expand and merge into dark red or yellow-red patches, covered with oily scales or crusts. Exudation, crusting, and erosion can occur, resulting in eczema-like changes.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to treat symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted. It is often accompanied by varying degrees of itching and commonly affects areas with abundant sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk. The disease is chronic and may recur periodically. Treatment generally includes three aspects: Firstly, patients should be informed to maintain a regular lifestyle, get sufficient sleep, avoid various mechanical irritations, use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing, and pay attention to their diet. They should try to reduce or limit the intake of polysaccharides, alcohol, and spicy foods, while consuming more vegetables and fruits. Secondly, topical medications are used, generally choosing formulations that contain corticosteroids and antifungal agents, such as compound miconazole and compound econazole. If the response is inadequate, calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can be used. Zinc oxide ointment, boric acid and zinc oxide camphor ointment, and erythromycin ointment can be used when there are exuding erosions. If the scalp is affected, shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide may be used. Thirdly, oral medication treatments typically include supplementation with B vitamins such as vitamin B2, B6, complex B vitamins, or zinc-containing formulations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. Oral itraconazole may be used for fungal infections or widespread lesions. Tetracycline or erythromycin may be used for bacterial infections.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted and may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. Its treatment generally includes three aspects. The first is topical medication treatment, which primarily focuses on degreasing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-itch properties. Common medications include tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, compound miconazole cream, compound econazole cream, zinc oxide oil, furacyclin ointment, boric acid zinc oxide menthol ointment, etc. For the scalp, shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid can be used. The second aspect involves oral medication, generally supplementing with vitamin B2, B6, compound vitamin B, or zinc-containing preparations. Antihistamines may be used when itching is severe, erythromycin or tetracycline for bacterial infections, and oral itraconazole for fungal infections or widespread lesions. The third aspect is to advise patients to maintain regular living habits, get enough sleep, regulate their diet, limit polysaccharides and high-fat diets, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, reduce alcohol consumption, and eat more vegetables and fruits, avoiding various mechanical irritations.

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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, papular, scaly, superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebaceous secretion. It commonly affects the head, face, chest, and back—areas rich in sebaceous glands—and is more frequently observed in adults and newborns. It may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The onset of this disease is generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast, as well as factors such as stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption, also variously influence the occurrence and development of the disease.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, papular, scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is excessively secreted. It is more common in adults and newborns, but can occur at any age. The main symptoms include follicular papules appearing on the scalp, face, chest, and back, which then merge into large, yellowish-red or dark red patches. These patches are covered with greasy scales and crusts, and may be accompanied by exudation, crusting, erosion, and eczema-like changes. In severe cases, it can spread throughout the body, causing diffuse erythema and significant scaling all over, along with varying degrees of itching. This disease is a chronic condition that can recur repeatedly. It is one of the most common diseases in dermatological practice. Therefore, patients with seborrheic dermatitis should consult a dermatologist.