What ointment should be used for seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 20, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What should pregnant women do about seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. Pregnant women diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis are generally treated primarily with topical medications. It is advisable to choose mild, safe ointments with low irritability for external application. Safe antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, or ointments primarily for moisturizing and repairing the skin barrier can be used. Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, pregnant women should be informed to maintain a regular lifestyle, get enough sleep, limit diets high in polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid various forms of mechanical irritation, and use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Seborrheic dermatitis facial symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by itching of varying degrees. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in the chemical composition of the sebum. It is also associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Factors such as stress, diet, deficiency of B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also affect the onset and progression of the disease to varying degrees. When seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the face, its symptoms primarily manifest as initial follicular papules that gradually merge and expand into dark red or yellowish-red patches. These patches have oily or dry scales and in severe cases may exhibit exudation, crusting, erosion, presenting eczema-like changes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

The difference between tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis

Tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis are both skin diseases, but they are very different.Firstly, the types of fungi that cause tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis are different. Tinea capitis is mainly caused by fungi such as Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton tonsurans, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is predominantly caused by Malassezia.Secondly, their clinical manifestations are also different. The clinical manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis are often less severe than those of tinea capitis.Finally, tinea capitis often does not heal by itself and requires professional treatment, while seborrheic dermatitis can heal on its own, but tends to recur frequently.

doctor image
home-news-image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 43sec home-news-image

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.