Difference between seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic hair loss

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
00:00
00:00

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion, such as the face, chest, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is not the same as seborrheic hair loss, although some patients with seborrheic dermatitis may also experience hair loss. Generally, seborrheic dermatitis starts on the face and then spreads downwards to other areas, accompanied by varying degrees of itching, and is commonly seen in adults and newborns. Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors such as psychological stress, dietary habits, deficiencies in B vitamins, alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. As it often starts or is primarily localized on the scalp, symptoms can worsen and spread to other areas. The disease tends to occur in areas that are oily, hairy, and sweaty. As the sebaceous glands open into the hair follicles, the initial skin lesions of seborrheic dermatitis are usually small, red papules around the hair follicles. As the condition progresses, these papules can develop into red patches. Some patients may also have oily scales or crusts, as well as varying degrees of hair loss.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 30sec home-news-image

Is supplementing with zinc useful for seborrheic hair loss?

Patients with seborrheic alopecia can appropriately supplement with zinc-rich preparations and foods, which have certain auxiliary effects on the hair. Seborrheic alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a type of hair loss characterized by genetic factors and dependent on androgen action. It can occur in both men and women, though it is more common in men. Treatment mainly targets the hair follicles, and there is no particularly effective cure. Treatments can include topical application of 2% or 5% minoxidil solution, oral administration of finasteride, and for women, oral spironolactone can be used. If necessary, treatment can be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine and scalp acupuncture, including plum blossom needle therapy. For cases of seborrheic alopecia where the hair follicles have significantly atrophied, scalp transplantation and hair transplantation may also be options. Patients with seborrheic alopecia should also pay attention to their diet by consuming light, nutritious foods and avoiding spicy and irritating substances. It is beneficial to consume foods containing high-quality complex proteins and various vitamins, including vitamins, trace elements, zinc, copper, calcium, etc., all of which assist in hair growth.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
57sec home-news-image

How to treat seborrheic hair loss?

Seborrheic alopecia, also medically known as androgenetic alopecia, is associated with excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, or frequent staying up late. Most patients have a certain genetic predisposition, with parents also displaying similar hair loss. Upon encountering this condition, it is necessary to treat it with medication. The most commonly used medications include Vitamin B6 tablets, finasteride tablets, and anti-grease hair growth tablets. These medications require long-term usage, and the treatment period is relatively long, lasting at least one to three months or more, to potentially control the condition. Topical medications can include the use of minoxidil solution. It is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, strengthened exercise, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, and persisting long-term to possibly prevent the recurrence of the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 44sec home-news-image

Difference between seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic hair loss

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion, such as the face, chest, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is not the same as seborrheic hair loss, although some patients with seborrheic dermatitis may also experience hair loss. Generally, seborrheic dermatitis starts on the face and then spreads downwards to other areas, accompanied by varying degrees of itching, and is commonly seen in adults and newborns. Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors such as psychological stress, dietary habits, deficiencies in B vitamins, alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. As it often starts or is primarily localized on the scalp, symptoms can worsen and spread to other areas. The disease tends to occur in areas that are oily, hairy, and sweaty. As the sebaceous glands open into the hair follicles, the initial skin lesions of seborrheic dermatitis are usually small, red papules around the hair follicles. As the condition progresses, these papules can develop into red patches. Some patients may also have oily scales or crusts, as well as varying degrees of hair loss.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
44sec home-news-image

How long will postpartum hair loss last?

Postpartum hair loss is a common physiological phenomenon among women after giving birth, but it is unpredictable how long the hair loss will last. For most women, postpartum hair loss can persist for six months to a year, after which hair growth gradually returns to normal. It is important to prevent hair loss after childbirth. For example, it is advisable not to wash hair too frequently; washing every three days is generally sufficient. Additionally, it is important to enhance nutrition and maintain a balanced diet, as the most important source for hair is protein. Therefore, consuming more protein-rich foods is recommended.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
2min 3sec home-news-image

How to treat hair loss?

There are many types of hair loss, such as sudden localized patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia which is related to genetic factors and dependent on the action of androgens, also known as seborrheic alopecia, as well as postpartum hair loss due to insufficient qi and blood after childbirth, and telogen effluvium caused by rapid weight loss or dieting. The specific treatment of hair loss should be based on the corresponding cause. The cause of alopecia areata is not completely clear, and it is related to factors such as emotions, stress, endocrine disruption, and autoimmunity. Treatment generally includes oral intake of compound glycyrrhizin tablets and topical application of minoxidil. If the skin lesions are widespread or severe, the combination of corticosteroid treatment may be considered, and treatment generally lasts several months or even longer. Androgenetic alopecia often occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 and is related to familial genetics. The treatment of this condition lacks very effective remedies. Treatment options include topical minoxidil, and oral intake of finasteride. Traditional Chinese medicine has relatively good effects in treating androgenetic alopecia, including the oral intake of Chinese herbal medicine and local acupuncture treatment. Attention should be paid to avoiding staying up late and maintaining a light diet. When the hair follicles have already closed, local hair transplantation can be carried out, transferring hair from the occipital region of the scalp to the top. If the area of androgenetic alopecia is too large without sufficient follicles for transplantation, then the use of a wig should be considered. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)