What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Hair loss and thinning are symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic alopecia, a chronic skin disorder that mostly affects the scalp. Also, there are several types of dermatitis, one of which is seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by a fungus. Likewise, Seborrhea is a group of skin diseases characterized by persistent inflammation resulting in scaly, greasy skin from overactive sebaceous glands. Because seborrheic dermatitis causes hair loss through irritation and inflammation of the scalp brought on by an increase in sebum production, it is often diagnosed alongside hair loss. Thus, if you scratch your scalp a lot, you may damage your hair follicles and prevent your hair from growing as it should.

An overgrowth of Malassezia on skins has been linked to excessive sebum production. Also, if allowed to multiply unchecked, the naturally occurring yeast known as Malassezia can lead to inflammation and severe damage to hair follicles. Similar to how increasing sebum production can lead to hair loss, higher Malassezia production can do the same.

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What Sets Off Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Since seborrheic dermatitis can appear in otherwise healthy persons, it is difficult to pinpoint a specific cause. While there is no single cause for this persistent illness, some factors may enhance a person’s vulnerability to it:

• A compromised immune system
• Multiple pharmaceuticals
• Persistent anxiety
• Genetics

Preexisting problems include acne, rosacea, alcoholism, eating disorders,  psoriasis, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and recovery after a stroke or heart attack.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms

The ability of hair follicles to produce new hair grows hair normally is negatively impacted by seborrheic dermatitis. Thus, the symptoms stem from the overproduction of oil by the skin and hair follicles, which is caused by the overactivity of the sebaceous glands.

The most typical signs and symptoms are:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Heads that have developed greasy patches
• Dandruff
• Scalp itch
• Inflammation and redness of the skin
• Balding and hair thinning

How Can I Get Rid of My Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Treating the underlying skin issue is necessary for alleviating the disorder’s bothersome symptoms. Without addressing the underlying cause of the problem (the fungal infection), treating hair loss, thinning hair, and flaky skin might worsen the condition.

Over-the-counter antifungal drugs, natural treatments, and prescription pharmaceuticals can all help you eliminate seborrheic dermatitis.

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What Causes A Flare-Up Of Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis can create itchy, red, flaky patches as the condition worsens. Flares of seborrheic dermatitis can be difficult to treat. Anyone experiencing these signs and symptoms will agree that they are unpleasant at best.

Any of the following could prompt a flare-up:

• Worsening stress
• Freezing temperatures
• Lacking precipitation
• Hormone fluctuations
• Awful constituents in soaps

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Be Cured?

This is an incurable condition. Some people get flare-ups at certain times of the year, while others have them when they’re stressed. As a chronic disorder, seborrheic dermatitis can last for a lifetime.

Hair loss is a common symptom, but you can manage it, and hair will grow back. Hair loss is just one symptom of a fungal skin infection, which you can efficiently treat with over-the-counter drugs and topical medications.

When the underlying cause (inflammation) is addressed with antifungal drugs and anti-inflammatory treatments, the hair will begin to grow back.

The most effective course of treatment for any given patient will have to consider their lifestyle, unique symptoms, and the seriousness of their ailment. Before settling on a path of therapy, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of all of your available options.

Natural and Over-the-Counter Remedies to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Zinc pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione can be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. This substance inhibits the growth of yeasts and bacteria. Some shampoos include pyrithione zinc, which works by killing the fungus that causes dandruff and subsequent itching and flaking. Depending on the area of the skin irritating, you can also find it in cream form or as a face cleanser. Scalp stinging, burning, and peeling are two of pyrithione zinc’s possible adverse effects.

Selenium sulfide

Another antifungal drug that helps cure seborrheic dermatitis by getting rid of Malassezia yeast and soothing inflamed skin is selenium sulfide. Medicated shampoos, lotions, and face and body washes are all accessible options for this treatment. Skin irritation, dryness, oiliness, and accelerated hair loss are some of the possible negative effects of selenium sulfide.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is a powerful medication for treating skin fungus infections. Also, this component is a potent antifungal drug that stops and prevents the spread of the fungus, including the fungi that trigger episodes of seborrheic dermatitis. Ketoconazole can cause unpleasant symptoms like sickness and vomiting, stomach pain and discomfort, dizziness, headaches, and a skin rash.

Salicylic acid

The uneven production of sebum can cause the scalp to harden, although salicylic acid can help soften the scales. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is sometimes mixed with other components in therapeutic shampoos to alleviate scaly scalp due to seborrheic dermatitis, even though there isn’t much evidence backing salicylic acid as a remedy for seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid can cause burning or itching, and peeling if used topically.

Medicated shampoo

Most cases of seborrheic dermatitis are treated with medicated shampoo. Since this skin issue typically manifests on the scalp, medicinal shampoo can be applied topically to the affected area to treat the problem and relieve the symptoms. Anti-dandruff, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch effects can all be achieved with the help of medicated shampoos containing pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid.

Medicated shampoos containing antifungal agents (in this case, ketoconazole) may cause various unwanted side effects, including itching or irritation of the skin, oiliness or dryness of the scalp, atypical hair texture, a rash, and even a headache.

Topical corticosteroids

You can effectively treat seborrheic dermatitis with topical corticosteroids. These drugs reduce inflammation, ease erythema (red skin spots), and calm itching skin. Also, Anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects have been observed with several corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids are most commonly found in ointment and cream forms.

Hydrocortisone and other topical corticosteroids can cause a host of uncomfortable side effects, including but not limited to: skin redness and peeling, nausea, headache, dizziness, blistering skin, increased sweating, acne, sleeplessness, and irritability.

Immunomodulating drugs

You can treat seborrheic dermatitis with immunomodulating drugs such as calcineurin inhibitor creams. The term “immunomodulating” refers to how this therapy directly influences the body’s immune system to lessen skin inflammation. Inflammation, manifested by redness and itching, is inhibited by calcineurin inhibitors. (The Food and Drug Administration has not green-lighted these medicines.)

Likewise, Creams containing calcineurin inhibitors may cause irritation, acne, rosacea, redness, and flushing if they come into contact with the skin.

Conclusion

If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you should consult dermatologists who will partner with you to develop a treatment plan that targets the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves. Having skin that’s constantly itchy and flaky isn’t something you should have to endure.