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 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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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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Can people with seborrheic dermatitis eat eggs?

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. The causes of this disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency in B vitamins, emotional tension, fatigue, and infections can all affect the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Therefore, clinically, patients are generally advised to limit their intake of polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, and eat more vegetables and fruits. As for eggs, we can eat them with confidence.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by what?

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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.