Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp: Understand What’s The Cause and Take Charge of Your Scalp Health
A lot of people across the world suffer from a long-lasting skin condition known as Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD).
The scalp is one of the most common places where it occurs.
This condition can cause flakes on your head with itchiness and redness in the scalp.
It’s not a fun thing to deal with and can make people feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, and frustrated.
This article aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of Seborrheic Dermatitis scalp symptoms, causes, and effective treatments.
Keep reading to find out how to restore scalp balance and manage the condition successfully.
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD)
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that affects areas rich in oil glands.
It is also known as Seborrheic Eczema.
This usually happens in the oil glands areas such as the scalp, face, nose, eyebrows, ears, and upper back.
Dandruff, or” Pityriasis Capitis,” is a non-inflammatory type of Seborrheic Dermatitis that affects the scalp.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is not contagious, which means that it cannot be transferred from you to someone else.
What causes Seborrheic Dermatitis on the scalp
Seborrheic Dermatitis on the skin, including the scalp, is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics.
Common triggers which can increase the risk of getting this condition include:
- Use of harsh chemicals, soaps, detergents, and solvents
- Change in climate or cold or dry weather
- Use of some medications, such as Psoralen, Interferon, and Lithium
- Hormonal Fluctuations or illness
- Some medical conditions, such as HIV and Parkinson’s disease
- Recoveries from a stressful life event, such as the passing away of a loved one or a heart attack
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms vary with age.
Infant symptoms include oily scale patches on the scalp and, in some cases, in the diaper area.
Symptoms in young people and adults involve redness and white or yellow scales on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, upper back, chest, and armpits.
Who gets SD scalp
Seborrheic Dermatitis affects around 11% of the population.
It is most common in newborns who are upto three months old and people aged between 30 to 60.
Babies affected with Seborrheic Dermatitis in the scalp are known as cradle crap.
When babies have Seborrheic Dermatitis during their first few months of life, the condition goes away within a year by its own and never occurs again.
You are more prone to get this type of dermatitis if you were born with naturally oily skin.
A family history of Psoriasis could be a risk for you to get this condition.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is not caused by the weather but can worsen in dry and cold climates.
People with specific health issues, including congenital disorders like Down Syndrome or Psychiatric conditions like depression, are also prone to getting this disease.
Is there any way to cure Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis has no such cure by which it can go away with time.
However, there are various treatment plans to reduce the symptoms, such as itching and redness, and sometimes clear the rash.
Scratching the itchy rash can even worsen the situation and cause infection.
It is best to treat this condition at an early age, according to Dermatologists.
Seborrheic Dermatitis can be reduced with prescribed medicated shampoos, lotions, and moisturizers.
A few available treatment options include:
- Selenium Sulfide, Pyrithione Zinc, and Ketoconazole-containing shampoos
- Topical Ketoconazole cream or Terbinafine solution
- Topical Sodium Sulfacetamide
- Topical Corticosteroids
When to go to a doctor
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- You’re so disturbed that you’re losing sleep or getting distracted from your everyday activities
- You’ve attempted self-care, but your symptoms remain
- You suspect that your skin is infected
- You are nervous or embarrassed about your situation
Conclusion
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a long-lasting skin condition that affects the scalp.
It mainly occurs in areas that are rich in oil glands.
The common symptoms are redness, itching, rashes, and flakes on the scalp.
This condition results from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Stress, some medications such as Psoralen and Lithium, hormonal fluctuations, and cold, dry weather can trigger Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is common among infants and people aged between 30 to 60.
This scalp condition cannot be cured or prevented, but there are treatment help relieve your symptoms.
You should go to your dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of the situation. They might prescribe certain medicated creams, lotions, and shampoos to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
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