How to treat seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on May 17, 2025
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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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Can seborrheic dermatitis wear makeup?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebum secretion and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion, changes in the chemical composition of sebum, and colonization and infection by Malassezia. Additionally, factors such as mental state, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, alcohol consumption, stress, fatigue, and infections can all variably affect the occurrence and development of the disease. Accordingly, in clinical practice, patients are advised to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, adjust their diet, limit intake of polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid various irritants. Furthermore, makeup can potentially irritate the face, so it is generally recommended that patients with seborrheic dermatitis either do not wear makeup or minimize its use.

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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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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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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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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.