Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that presents with dryness and scaling on the scalp, on the eyebrows, behind the ears, and on the chest. The condition occurs in healthy individuals but it can also affect other people with underlying skin conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis is not an allergic reaction and it is not contagious. Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur as a result of an inflammatory reaction to high numbers of a fungus called Malassezia furfur.

Malassezia furfur is a normal microbiota of the skin. The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis by a Fort Worth, TX dermatologist is made after a medical history, a physical examination of your skin, and tests like skin biopsy. Seborrheic dermatitis is commonly known as dandruff and it can affect a person of any age but it is more common in adults who are between 30 and 60 years old. Seborrheic dermatitis also affects infants and can cause a condition called cradle cap in infants.

What are the Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis?

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in infants are scaly and greasy patches which can be yellow and appear on the scalp. Infants can also develop a rash on their buttocks which may be mistaken for diaper rash. In adults and teenagers, seborrheic dermatitis present with scales which can be red, greasy, and swollen. They can also develop a rash on the oily body parts like on the sides of the nose, on the eyebrows, midchest, and upper back.

How Can You Take Care of Seborrheic Dermatitis at Home?

While at home, you should wash your scalp regularly with soap and water. You can also remove the scales from your scalp using mineral oil or olive oil. You should leave the oil on your scalp for about an hour and then comb your hair and then clean it. Avoid using hair gels and sprays when you have seborrheic dermatitis.

Regularly wash your skin with mild soaps and then moisturize it. Avoid using products that contain alcohol on your skin because they can cause seborrhea to flare up. If you have a beard, ensure that you also wash it with soap and water or you can choose to shave it until seborrheic dermatitis resolves. If your eyebrows are affected, clean them with cotton swabs or using warm compresses.

When cleaning your baby’s scalp, first try to remove the scales using mineral oil and then wash it with mild non-medicated shampoo while combing the hair gently with a soft brush. Wear soft cotton textiles that will allow air to circulate freely on your skin while reducing skin irritation. Ensure that you use any medicated creams that you have been given by your dermatologist correctly.

What Factors Increase the Risk of Getting Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis affects people who are generally healthy. Some risk factors can predispose you to seborrheic dermatitis including high-stress levels and cold weather. Dry weather also increases the risk. The use of some medications like lithium, interferon, and psoralen also triggers seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is also common in people who are suffering from HIV, epilepsy, depression and eating disorders. You are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis if you are suffering from chronic alcoholism and after recovery from a condition that stresses your body like cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that presents with scales and rashes on oil-producing areas of infants and teenagers. You can prevent the worsening of the condition by maintaining body hygiene using soap and mild soaps and oiling your skin. Cold-dry weather, stress, alcoholism, and HIV are some of the risk factors of seborrheic dermatitis though the condition also affects healthy people.