How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the face?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on November 17, 2024
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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
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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 37sec home-news-image

How to treat infant seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of sebum secretion. It is more commonly found in adults and newborns and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis generally occurs from the 2nd to the 10th week after birth, with common sites being the scalp, face, nasolabial folds, nasal hair area, around the ears, and in skin folds. The rash typically appears as greasy red patches, or may be covered with greasy gray-yellow or brown-yellow thick crusts. In severe cases, there might be erosion and exudation. The condition generally diminishes or even heals within two months, though in very rare cases, the rash may suddenly spread throughout the body, causing diffuse erythema and significant desquamation. This is known as seborrheic erythroderma, which represents a severe stage of the disease. Treatment mainly involves the use of topical medications, focusing on mild, safe, and low-irritant drugs for application. Commonly used medications include zinc oxide oil, antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, tacrolimus ointment, and pimecrolimus cream. Additionally, it is important to advise the parents to ensure the baby has a regular lifestyle with sufficient sleep and to avoid various mechanical irritations. It is also recommended to use less hot water and harsh alkaline soaps for bathing.

doctor image
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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
1min 35sec home-news-image

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
1min 15sec home-news-image

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
54sec home-news-image

How is seborrheic dermatitis formed?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is excessively secreted. It commonly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head, face, and trunk, and is more frequently seen in adults and newborns, often accompanied by itching of varying degrees. The exact cause of this disease is not completely understood; however, 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 yeast play a certain role. Other factors such as mental stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol abuse also influence the occurrence and progression of the disease to varying extents.