What ointment should be used for seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, papular, scaly, superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebaceous secretion. It commonly affects the head, face, chest, and back—areas rich in sebaceous glands—and is more frequently observed in adults and newborns. It may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The onset of this disease is generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast, as well as factors such as stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption, also variously influence the occurrence and development of the disease.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What fruits to eat for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of the skin where sebum is secreted, often accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia. Other factors such as stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency of B-complex vitamins, fatigue, emotional stress, infections, etc., can all influence the onset and development of the disease to varying degrees. Clinically, patients are advised to maintain regular life habits, ensure sufficient sleep, adjust their diet, limit polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, avoid alcohol, and consume more vegetables and fruits. As for what types of fruits to eat, it is generally better to choose fruits rich in B-complex vitamins, such as tomatoes, bananas, grapes, kiwis, pears, walnuts, chestnuts, oranges, etc.

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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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How to treat symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted. It is often accompanied by varying degrees of itching and commonly affects areas with abundant sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk. The disease is chronic and may recur periodically. Treatment generally includes three aspects: Firstly, patients should be informed to maintain a regular lifestyle, get sufficient sleep, avoid various mechanical irritations, use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing, and pay attention to their diet. They should try to reduce or limit the intake of polysaccharides, alcohol, and spicy foods, while consuming more vegetables and fruits. Secondly, topical medications are used, generally choosing formulations that contain corticosteroids and antifungal agents, such as compound miconazole and compound econazole. If the response is inadequate, calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can be used. Zinc oxide ointment, boric acid and zinc oxide camphor ointment, and erythromycin ointment can be used when there are exuding erosions. If the scalp is affected, shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide may be used. Thirdly, oral medication treatments typically include supplementation with B vitamins such as vitamin B2, B6, complex B vitamins, or zinc-containing formulations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. Oral itraconazole may be used for fungal infections or widespread lesions. Tetracycline or erythromycin may be used for bacterial infections.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excess sebum secretion. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching and typically occurs in areas with abundant sebaceous glands such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. The treatment generally includes three aspects: The first aspect involves advising patients to maintain a regular lifestyle, get sufficient sleep, avoid various mechanical stimuli, use less hot water and soap with high alkalinity for bathing, and pay attention to their diet by limiting and reducing the intake of polysaccharides and fats, alcohol, and spicy and irritating foods, while consuming more fruits and vegetables. The second aspect is the treatment with topical medications. Commonly used medications include mixed preparations containing corticosteroids and antifungal drugs, such as compound miconazole and compound econazole. If the effect is unsatisfactory, topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus can be used. If there is exudation or erosion, zinc oxide ointment or erythromycin ointment can be chosen. For scalp lesions, shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can be used. The third aspect is the treatment with oral medications, which generally includes supplementation with B vitamins such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and compound vitamin B, or zinc-containing preparations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. In cases of fungal infection or widespread lesions, oral itraconazole can be administered, and for bacterial infections, tetracycline or erythromycin can be prescribed.