Seborrheic Dermatitis: Understanding and Managing this Skin Condition

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands. It manifests itself as rashes and dandruff on the face and scalp. The condition is more common in autumn and winter, when it tends to worsen. Seborrheic dermatitis is not a contagious disease, nor is it caused by poor hygiene habits. However, treatment can improve and control symptoms.

Many factors can contribute to seborrheic dermatitis, including emotional stress, hormones, certain illnesses and medications, and hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis mainly involves scalp hygiene and the use of suitable products, notably salicylic acid-based products.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition similar to dandruff, which can be found on the scalp. It mainly affects areas of the face where there are numerous sebaceous glands, such as the nose, mouth, eyebrows and beard area. Dermatitis is common on the face, ears and behind the ears.

In fair-skinned people, seborrheic dermatitis generally manifests itself as red patches and scaling, while in dark-skinned people, it may present as hypopigmented patches, i.e. lighter than their original skin color. When seborrheic dermatitis is well controlled, skin color returns to normal.

Seborrheic dermatitis is closely linked to dandruff and can be exacerbated by factors such as emotional stress, exhaustion and illness. Some people with underlying medical conditions, such as immune deficiencies or neurological problems, may be more prone to severe seborrheic dermatitis. This dermatitis is thought to be an inflammatory response to a natural yeast found on the skin, called Malassezia. Excessive production of sebum or oil in the skin is also linked to seborrheic dermatitis.

Maintaining good scalp hygiene is essential for controlling seborrheic dermatitis, as dandruff and flaking on the scalp can migrate to the face and worsen the condition. There are several active ingredients that can help control seborrheic dermatitis, such as salicylic acid. Salicylic acid can be found in shampoos, facial cleansers and skin care products for both face and scalp. It is important to follow the recommendations for use of these products to obtain the best possible results, and to adapt them to the frequency and severity of seborrheic dermatitis.

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Main causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands. Several factors are responsible for this condition, including :

• Malassezia yeastSeborrheic yeast: naturally present on the skin, this yeast generally causes no problems. However, in some people, an abnormal inflammatory reaction to this yeast causes seborrheic dermatitis.
• Sebum production: high sebum levelsor oil, on the skin can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis. Stress, hormonal changes and certain hormonal therapies can increase sebum production.
• Emotional stressStressful situations can trigger a flare-up of seborrheic dermatitis in some people.
• Underlying diseasesSeborrheic dermatitis: people with certain medical conditions, such as congenital immunodeficiency (e.g. HIV) or neurological problems (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson's), may experience more severe seborrheic dermatitis.
• Lack of scalp hygieneAn unkempt scalp can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis on the face.

Among the treatments available to control seborrheic dermatitis is salicylic acid, found in shampoos, facial cleansers and leave-on products. These products can be used daily or less frequently, depending on the severity of the condition. By adopting good scalp hygiene and using appropriate products, it is possible to control the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Impact of seborrheic dermatitis on different skin types

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands. It manifests itself differently according to skin type and can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, such as stress, hormones and underlying medical conditions.

Fair skin : In fair-skinned people, seborrheic dermatitis often manifests itself as red, scaly patches around the nose, mouth, eyebrows and beard.

Dark skin : Dark-skinned people may develop hypopigmented spots, i.e. areas of skin that are lighter than the rest of their skin. These spots usually return to their normal color when seborrheic dermatitis is well controlled.

Treatment in Adults and Elderly Children

1. Scalp treatment
   • Antifungal shampoos (ketoconazole) recommended at least twice a week.
   • Keratolytic and tar shampoos to control dandruff.
   • Long-term use of antifungal shampoos to manage recurrences.
2. Persistent Pruritus
   • Application of topical corticosteroid solutions (e.g. fluocinolone) if necessary.
   • Limit long-term use to avoid side effects.
3. Beard and Eyebrow Treatment
   • Similar approach to the scalp, but with less potent corticosteroids.
4. Non-stacking zones
   • Preference for antifungal creams (ketoconazole) and mild topical corticosteroids.
   • Restricted use of more potent corticosteroids due to skin sensitivity.
   • Efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors for long-term use.

Treatment of infants and children

1. Baby Shampoo
   • Daily use to manage redness and flaking of the scalp or face.
2. Corticosteroid and Antifungal Creams
   • Application of hydrocortisone or fluocinolone for scalp symptoms.
   • Topical antifungals for more severe cases.
3. Thick scaly lesions
   • Application of mineral oil, olive oil or corticosteroid, followed by daily shampooing.

Seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin disorder, needs to be managed according to age and symptom location. Topical treatments, combining antifungals, corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, offer effective solutions for controlling this condition.