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 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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the face?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease with papular and scaly lesions that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion, often accompanied by varying degrees of itching. When seborrheic dermatitis affects the face, our clinical treatment mainly includes three aspects. The first is topical medication treatment, which can involve the use of low-concentration tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream, as well as zinc oxide oil, nitrofurazone ointment, zinc oxide and boric acid ointment, etc. If necessary, short-term use of compound preparations containing glucocorticoids and antibiotics, such as compound miconazole ointment and compound econazole ointment, may be employed. The second is oral medication, which can supplement B-group vitamins, primarily B2, B6, or a compound vitamin B, as well as zinc-containing preparations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline can be used, and can be supplemented with traditional Chinese herbal decoctions. The third aspect is to inform patients to maintain a regular lifestyle with sufficient sleep, limit high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets, avoid spicy and irritant foods, avoid alcohol consumption, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid various mechanical irritations, and use less hot water and highly alkaline soap when washing the face.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What medicine to take orally for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular and scaly lesions predominantly occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, and trunk, often accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The exact causes of the condition are not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be associated with an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Factors such as stress, diet, alcohol consumption, and deficiency in B vitamins can also affect the occurrence and development of the disease to different extents. Therefore, there are not many systemic pharmacological treatments available for seborrheic dermatitis clinically. Main treatments include oral administration of vitamin B2, vitamin B6, complex vitamin B, or zinc-containing preparations. Antipruritic sedatives may be administered orally when itching is severe. Oral itraconazole can be used for fungal infections or widespread lesions, and oral tetracycline, erythromycin, etc., can be used for bacterial infections. In severe, widespread cases, or when there is a tendency towards erythroderma, short-term use of steroids may be necessary.

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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 Qu Jing
Dermatology
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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.)