How to deal with seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on February 03, 2025
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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
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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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What fruits to eat for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas of the skin where sebum is secreted, often accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia. Other factors such as stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency of B-complex vitamins, fatigue, emotional stress, infections, etc., can all influence the onset and development of the disease to varying degrees. Clinically, patients are advised to maintain regular life habits, ensure sufficient sleep, adjust their diet, limit polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, avoid alcohol, and consume more vegetables and fruits. As for what types of fruits to eat, it is generally better to choose fruits rich in B-complex vitamins, such as tomatoes, bananas, grapes, kiwis, pears, walnuts, chestnuts, oranges, etc.

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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.

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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.