How to completely cure seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular scaly rashes, predominantly occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, and trunk. The exact cause of this disease is still not fully understood. It is mainly believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast, along with factors like stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can all influence the occurrence and development of this condition to varying degrees. Due to these factors, the disease has a chronic course and may relapse repeatedly. Seborrheic dermatitis occurring on the scalp, although clinically curable, can still experience flare-ups. Its symptoms mainly include oily hair, scalp papules, erythema, dandruff, and itching. Clinical treatment primarily involves the use of shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid. This can be accompanied by oral antihistamines, supplementation with B vitamins, or zinc-containing preparations. It is crucial to maintain regular life habits, ensure sufficient sleep, restrict diets high in polysaccharides and fats, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, avoid alcohol and spicy irritant foods, use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing, and avoid various types of mechanical irritation to reduce the recurrence of scalp seborrheic dermatitis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 43sec home-news-image

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 Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a diagnosis commonly affecting areas with excess sebum secretion such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. It frequently occurs in young adults and is associated with inflammatory reactions. It requires enhanced cleaning of the scalp and trunk skin, avoiding various irritants, and providing anti-inflammatory treatments and regulation of lipid metabolism. Dietary restrictions typically include avoiding spicy, stimulating, and high-calorie foods, while increasing the intake of green vegetables and coarse fibers. Oral medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, niacin tablets, and doxycycline hydrochloride capsules are recommended. For skin lesions, topical application of tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream, and dibenzoyl hydroxy acid cream are advised, with an emphasis on avoiding the use of steroid medications to prevent difficult-to-control symptoms. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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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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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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What ointment should be used 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 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.