Seborrheic dermatitis facial symptoms

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to completely cure seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by papular scaly rashes, predominantly occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, and trunk. The exact cause of this disease is still not fully understood. It is mainly believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition. Additionally, colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast, along with factors like stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can all influence the occurrence and development of this condition to varying degrees. Due to these factors, the disease has a chronic course and may relapse repeatedly. Seborrheic dermatitis occurring on the scalp, although clinically curable, can still experience flare-ups. Its symptoms mainly include oily hair, scalp papules, erythema, dandruff, and itching. Clinical treatment primarily involves the use of shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid. This can be accompanied by oral antihistamines, supplementation with B vitamins, or zinc-containing preparations. It is crucial to maintain regular life habits, ensure sufficient sleep, restrict diets high in polysaccharides and fats, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, avoid alcohol and spicy irritant foods, use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing, and avoid various types of mechanical irritation to reduce the recurrence of scalp seborrheic dermatitis.

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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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Why does seborrheic dermatitis keep recurring?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, superficial, papular, scaly inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is excessively secreted, and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to an increase in sebum secretion or changes in the chemical composition of sebum, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency of B vitamins, fatigue, emotional stress, and infections can all affect the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Due to the complex causes and numerous triggers of seborrheic dermatitis, it has a chronic course and can recur repeatedly.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to deal with seborrheic dermatitis?

For seborrheic dermatitis, topical application of some corticosteroid medications like desonide ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream can be utilized. However, it is important to avoid prolonged, excessive use on the more delicate facial skin. In cases of oozing or erosion, treatments such as boric acid solution or saline can be used for wet compresses. Additionally, for seborrheic dermatitis, one may also choose calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream. If severe itching occurs with seborrheic dermatitis, symptomatic itch relief should be provided, primarily through oral antihistamines such as desloratadine dispersible tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets. Treatment can also include traditional Chinese medicine based on differential diagnosis.

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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.