Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured completely?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on February 10, 2025
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular and scaly eruptions that occur in areas with excess sebum production. It often causes varying degrees of itching and commonly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk, and is more frequently seen in adults and newborns. The exact cause of this condition is still unclear; it is generally considered to be related to sebum secretion and changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia, as well as several other factors such as stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption, can also influence the occurrence and development of the disease. Since the causal factors are not well understood and there are many triggering factors, the disease has a chronic course and can recur repeatedly. Although seborrheic dermatitis can be cured, it can still recur.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by what?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching and is commonly found on the scalp, face, chest, and back where sebaceous glands are abundant. Both adults and newborns are frequently affected. The exact causes of this condition are not yet fully understood. Currently, it is generally believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia fungi, along with factors such as stress, diet, vitamin B group deficiency, and alcohol consumption, can all influence the occurrence and development of this disease to varying degrees.

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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to treat infant seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebum secretion. It is more commonly found in adults and newborns and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis generally occurs from the 2nd to the 10th week after birth, with common sites being the scalp, face, nasolabial folds, nasal hair area, around the ears, and in skin folds. The rash typically appears as greasy red patches, or may be covered with greasy gray-yellow or brown-yellow thick crusts. In severe cases, there might be erosion and exudation. The condition generally diminishes or even heals within two months, though in very rare cases, the rash may suddenly spread throughout the body, causing diffuse erythema and significant desquamation. This is known as seborrheic erythroderma, which represents a severe stage of the disease. Treatment mainly involves the use of topical medications, focusing on mild, safe, and low-irritant drugs for application. Commonly used medications include zinc oxide oil, antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, tacrolimus ointment, and pimecrolimus cream. Additionally, it is important to advise the parents to ensure the baby has a regular lifestyle with sufficient sleep and to avoid various mechanical irritations. It is also recommended to use less hot water and harsh alkaline soaps for bathing.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What should pregnant women do about seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. Pregnant women diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis are generally treated primarily with topical medications. It is advisable to choose mild, safe ointments with low irritability for external application. Safe antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, or ointments primarily for moisturizing and repairing the skin barrier can be used. Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, pregnant women should be informed to maintain a regular lifestyle, get enough sleep, limit diets high in polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid various forms of mechanical irritation, and use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing.