Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Learning About Dermatology Treatment of Skin Rashes

Hello, my name is Mandy. Welcome to my site about dermatology. During my first pregnancy, I started to develop rashes on my face and limbs. Unfortunately, the tests came up inconclusive. A visit to a dermatologist helped me solve the cause of the rashes and bring my skin back under control. The dermatologist quickly made a diagnosis and developed an effective treatment plan. From that experience, I decided I wanted to help other people facing frustrating skin rashes without an obvious cause. I will use this site to deliver pertinent information in an effort to help this group. Thank you.

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Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

10 August 2016
 Categories: , Blog


If you've been recently diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, or if you think you might have it, you might be wondering why this illness has afflicted you, and what it means for your future. This guide will help to explain what seborrheic dermatitis is all about, what some possible causes might be, and the best ways to treat it.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to shed abnormally. With seborrheic dermatitis, the body's dead skin cells don't shed normally, and instead build up in a crusty scale-like patch, generally on oily parts of the skin. This means most people who develop this disorder will experience it on their scalp, and in oiler areas of their faces, like their T-Zones. These patches may itch and bleed, and they can cause hair loss if they develop on the scalp.

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Unfortunately, doctors and scientists aren't entirely sure what's behind seborrheic dermatitis. Some think that the disorder may be genetic. Others blame a build-up of a skin yeast that normally doesn't affect the skin but, in affected patients, may irritate and inflame the skin.

How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Treated?

Because doctors don't know exactly what causes seborrheic dermatitis, there's also no known cure. However, there are a few things that your doctor or dermatologist can do to help you to control the flare-ups.

The first thing you should do if you're not already is to maintain excellent skin hygiene. Regularly washing your skin and scalp will help to wash away excess yeast that can inflame your skin.

For minor flare-ups, some doctors recommend using over the counter anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone. This type of cream isn't appropriate to use over your entire face or scalp, but you can use it on individual patches that are troubling you.

If those solutions don't provide you relief or you have a severe case of seborrheic dermatitis, ask your doctor or dermatologist about an antifungal ointment or cleanser. Antifungals can help to reduce and control the amount of yeast on your skin, which should reduce the number of skin lesions and patches you have.

Seborrheic dermatitis can be an irritating, unsightly and embarrassing condition to have. However, with proper medical care and these tips, you can control the condition and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Talk to a dermatologist like those at Sunflower Dermatology & Medical Day Spa for more tips if you have seborrheic dermatitis.