How to deal with seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on February 03, 2025
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For seborrheic dermatitis, topical application of some corticosteroid medications like desonide ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream can be utilized. However, it is important to avoid prolonged, excessive use on the more delicate facial skin. In cases of oozing or erosion, treatments such as boric acid solution or saline can be used for wet compresses. Additionally, for seborrheic dermatitis, one may also choose calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream. If severe itching occurs with seborrheic dermatitis, symptomatic itch relief should be provided, primarily through oral antihistamines such as desloratadine dispersible tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets. Treatment can also include traditional Chinese medicine based on differential diagnosis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 15sec home-news-image

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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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 11sec home-news-image

How to treat seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly occurs in the head, face, chest, back, and other areas with excessive sebum secretion in adults, and it can also affect infants and young children. It is necessary to enhance skin cleanliness and provide symptomatic treatment such as anti-inflammatory measures and regulation of lipid metabolism. Focus on skin cleanliness, eat more green vegetables and coarse fibers, and provide anti-inflammatory treatments such as oral tanshinone IIA sulfonate capsules, vitamin B6 tablets, doxycycline hydrochloride capsules, clarithromycin sustained-release tablets, and total paeony glycoside capsules. For the affected skin areas, apply topical remedies like Curcuma comosa clearing ointment, compound indomethacin tincture, etc. Products such as selenium disulfide cleanser or ketoconazole shampoo can be used to wash the scalp and as a body wash. Regularly enhance skin cleanliness and frequently change underwear.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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
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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Seborrheic dermatitis causes

The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are multifaceted. Typically, if one does not pay attention to their diet, consuming spicy, irritating, or overly greasy foods can easily lead to the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur when there is excessive secretion of male hormones, which leads to overactive sebaceous glands. Additionally, some metabolic disorders and genetic factors are also related to the onset of seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, seborrheic dermatitis can be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, as well as physical and chemical irritants. Frequent scratching of the skin or the use of overly alkaline facial cleansers can promote the occurrence and exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis. Psychological factors can also lead to the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis; excessive stress, anxiety, and depression can all trigger the condition.