Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by what?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis refers to a type of inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum secretion is abundant, including the face, chest, and back. These areas tend to be oilier and are prone to developing erythema and greasy scales. If the seborrheic dermatitis is of the dry type, it may also be accompanied by symptoms of peeling skin. The condition commonly affects individuals with hyperactive sebaceous glands, typically those with oily skin. Some people have combination skin that is also prone to oiliness, making them susceptible to seborheic dermatitis, often due to improper skin care. Dietary habits, frequent late nights, and consuming overly spicy or greasy foods can also lead to the development of seborrheic dermatitis.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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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
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How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the face?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease with papular and scaly lesions that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion, often accompanied by varying degrees of itching. When seborrheic dermatitis affects the face, our clinical treatment mainly includes three aspects. The first is topical medication treatment, which can involve the use of low-concentration tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream, as well as zinc oxide oil, nitrofurazone ointment, zinc oxide and boric acid ointment, etc. If necessary, short-term use of compound preparations containing glucocorticoids and antibiotics, such as compound miconazole ointment and compound econazole ointment, may be employed. The second is oral medication, which can supplement B-group vitamins, primarily B2, B6, or a compound vitamin B, as well as zinc-containing preparations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline can be used, and can be supplemented with traditional Chinese herbal decoctions. The third aspect is to inform patients to maintain a regular lifestyle with sufficient sleep, limit high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets, avoid spicy and irritant foods, avoid alcohol consumption, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid various mechanical irritations, and use less hot water and highly alkaline soap when washing the face.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular and scaly inflammation that occurs in areas of sebum secretion. It can be associated with varying degrees of itching and is commonly seen in adults and newborns. The main symptoms include hair follicle papules appearing in areas of sebum secretion such as the scalp, face, chest, and back, which then merge into dark red or yellow-red patches. These patches are covered with greasy scales and crusts, which can lead to exudation, crusting, and erosion, manifesting eczematous changes. In severe cases, the lesions can spread throughout the body, leading to diffuse erythema and significant desquamation. At this stage, it is referred to as seborrheic erythroderma. This condition is chronic and may have recurrent episodes.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

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. Its treatment generally includes three aspects. The first is topical medication treatment, which primarily focuses on degreasing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-itch properties. Common medications include tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, compound miconazole cream, compound econazole cream, zinc oxide oil, furacyclin ointment, boric acid zinc oxide menthol ointment, etc. For the scalp, shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid can be used. The second aspect involves oral medication, generally supplementing with vitamin B2, B6, compound vitamin B, or zinc-containing preparations. Antihistamines may be used when itching is severe, erythromycin or tetracycline for bacterial infections, and oral itraconazole for fungal infections or widespread lesions. The third aspect is to advise patients to maintain regular living habits, get enough sleep, regulate their diet, limit polysaccharides and high-fat diets, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, reduce alcohol consumption, and eat more vegetables and fruits, avoiding various mechanical irritations.