What medicine to take orally for seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is seborrheic dermatitis eczema?

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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Can people with seborrheic dermatitis eat eggs?

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. The causes of this disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency in B vitamins, emotional tension, fatigue, and infections can all affect the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Therefore, clinically, patients are generally advised to limit their intake of polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, and eat more vegetables and fruits. As for eggs, we can eat them with confidence.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excess sebum secretion. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching and typically occurs in areas with abundant sebaceous glands such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. The treatment generally includes three aspects: The first aspect involves advising patients to maintain a regular lifestyle, get sufficient sleep, avoid various mechanical stimuli, use less hot water and soap with high alkalinity for bathing, and pay attention to their diet by limiting and reducing the intake of polysaccharides and fats, alcohol, and spicy and irritating foods, while consuming more fruits and vegetables. The second aspect is the treatment with topical medications. Commonly used medications include mixed preparations containing corticosteroids and antifungal drugs, such as compound miconazole and compound econazole. If the effect is unsatisfactory, topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus can be used. If there is exudation or erosion, zinc oxide ointment or erythromycin ointment can be chosen. For scalp lesions, shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can be used. The third aspect is the treatment with oral medications, which generally includes supplementation with B vitamins such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and compound vitamin B, or zinc-containing preparations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. In cases of fungal infection or widespread lesions, oral itraconazole can be administered, and for bacterial infections, tetracycline or erythromycin can be prescribed.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Why does seborrheic dermatitis keep recurring?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial, papular, scaly inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is excessively secreted, and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in the chemical composition of sebum, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency of B vitamins, fatigue, emotional stress, and infections can all affect the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Due to the complex causes and numerous triggers of seborrheic dermatitis, it has a chronic course and can recur repeatedly.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is seborrheic dermatitis itchy?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of excessive sebum secretion. It is commonly found in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk. The characteristic skin lesions primarily consist of follicular papules that gradually merge into dark red or yellow-red patches, covered with greasy scales or crusts. There may be exudation, crusting, erosion, and eczematous changes. In severe cases, it can spread over the entire body, causing diffuse erythema and significant scaling. The condition may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching.