What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 17, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
59sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Is seborrheic dermatitis easy to treat?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, pustular, scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs at sites of sebum overflow. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The exact cause of the disease is not completely clear, but it is generally believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection with Malassezia are also somewhat related. Other factors such as mental state, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency of B vitamins, infections, and fatigue can also influence the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Clinically, seborrheic dermatitis is a challenging condition, generally managed symptomatically. Although it can be clinically cured, it is a chronic condition that may still recur.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 34sec home-news-image

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.)