Is seborrheic dermatitis eczema?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is not actually eczema. It is a chronic, papular, scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that commonly occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk, and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of this condition are primarily believed to be associated with increased sebum secretion or changes in the chemical composition of the cortex. It is also related to the colonization and infection of Malassezia, stress, diet, deficiency of B vitamins, alcohol consumption, and other factors. The characteristic rash consists of follicular papules that expand and merge into dark red or yellow-red patches, covered with oily scales or crusts. Exudation, crusting, and erosion can occur, resulting in eczema-like changes.

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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.

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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 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 Xie Ming Feng
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Is seborrheic dermatitis itchy?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of excessive sebum secretion. It is commonly found in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the head, face, and trunk. The characteristic skin lesions primarily consist of follicular papules that gradually merge into dark red or yellow-red patches, covered with greasy scales or crusts. There may be exudation, crusting, erosion, and eczematous changes. In severe cases, it can spread over the entire body, causing diffuse erythema and significant scaling. The condition may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head and trunk. The exact causes of the disease are still not completely clear, but it is mainly believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, and associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia species. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, and vitamin B group deficiency can also affect the occurrence and development of this disease to varying extents. Thus, the condition is chronic and can recur repeatedly. Although seborrheic dermatitis can be clinically cured, it is prone to recurrence. Hence, it is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, limit the intake of polysaccharides and fats, consume more vegetables and fruits, abstain from alcohol and spicy irritant foods, and avoid various mechanical irritations. Using less hot water and strong alkaline soaps for bathing can help reduce the recurrence of seborheic dermatitis.