Is seborrheic dermatitis itchy?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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.

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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 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.)

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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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Manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebaceous secretion. It may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. It commonly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, chest, and back. Initially, the skin lesions are follicular papules, which gradually merge into dark red or yellow-red plaques. These are covered with greasy scales or crusts, and might exhibit exudation, crusting, and erosion, showing eczematous changes. In severe cases, the lesions may become widespread throughout the body, with the skin appearing diffusely flushed and significantly flaky. This condition is then referred to as seborrheic erythroderma. The disease is chronic and recurrent.

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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.