Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on January 29, 2025
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is seborrheic dermatitis eczema?

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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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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Can seborrheic dermatitis wear makeup?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebum secretion and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion, changes in the chemical composition of sebum, and colonization and infection by Malassezia. Additionally, factors such as mental state, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, alcohol consumption, stress, fatigue, and infections can all variably affect the occurrence and development of the disease. Accordingly, in clinical practice, patients are advised to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, adjust their diet, limit intake of polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid various irritants. Furthermore, makeup can potentially irritate the face, so it is generally recommended that patients with seborrheic dermatitis either do not wear makeup or minimize its use.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What ointment should be used 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 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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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.