We had an enquiry about seborrheic dermatitis the other day. Considering it’s a fairly little-understood skin condition, we thought a blog article might be useful. This article will cover the following: What does seborrheic dermatitis look like, what is it, what causes it, what are the reasons you have it, and what you can do about it.
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
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Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its estimated UK prevalence is 3-5%. Its characteristics include red, inflamed skin, often covered with flaky, white or yellowish scales. The condition most commonly affects areas of the body rich in sebaceous (oil) glands, such as the scalp, face, and chest. Despite the fact that so many people suffer from it, seborrheic dermatitis is one of those skin conditions that is misunderstood, with misdiagnosis or delayed treatment being related hazards. Understanding this condition from a doctor’s point of view begins with recognising its hallmark features and knowing that it is a medical condition that can impact daily life. If you suffer from this condition, you will already be aware.
Recognising Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis shows up differently, depending on its location and severity. On the scalp, it often presents itself as dandruff, perhaps merely a mild form of the condition. With more severe cases, the scalp may become intensely itchy, with thick, crusty patches that may be particularly distressing. On the face, it typically appears around the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, and behind the ears, showing up as greasy patches of skin with flaky white or yellowish scales. The chest, especially the sternum area, can also be affected, in the form of similar scaly and inflamed lesions.
Seborrheic dermatitis varies in severity, with cases ranging from mild to severe. Mild cases might only involve some flaky skin or slight redness, whereas severe cases can come with significant discomfort, thickened skin, and the possibility of secondary infections due to scratching.
The Root Causes
The current extent of medical knowledge means that the exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis remain unclear. There are, however, several factors that are known to contribute. One participant is a yeast family called Malassezia, which is naturally present on the skin. It forms part of the skin microbiome. More specifically, one or two species of yeast, Malassezia globosa and Malassezia restricta are the two most commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis. In patients with seborrheic dermatitis, this yeast is thought to trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the characteristics of redness and scaling.
Sebum production also plays a significant role. Seborrheic dermatitis will tend to develop in areas with high sebaceous gland activity, where sebum can accumulate and create an environment conducive to yeast growth.
As with a lot of skin conditions, there is also a potential genetic component; some patients may have a predisposition to this condition, making them more susceptible to flare-ups.
Triggering Factors
Several factors can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis, turning a manageable condition into a persistent problem. Stress and fatigue are common triggers, most likely due to their impact on the body’s immune system and inflammatory response. Climate and seasonal changes also play a role. Cold, dry weather can worsen symptoms, as can hot, humid conditions.
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can lead to flare-ups. Certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or HIV can increase the severity of seborrheic dermatitis.
Treatment Options
Treating seborrheic dermatitis involves a combination of over-the-counter solutions, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications. For mild cases, medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, or zinc pyrithione can be effective in controlling symptoms, especially on the scalp.
A small amount of sunshine is often recommended, as sunlight can inhibit the growth of yeast organisms associated with seborrheic dermatitis. It follows help that LED Therapy may have merit. One small study has shown promise in this regard.
In more persistent or severe cases, a dermatologist might prescribe stronger antifungal medications or topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. If this is the case for you, it’s important to use these under medical supervision, as overuse may cause side effects.
Lifestyle Changes that may help Seborrheic Dermatitis
Stress Management
Stress is a common trigger for seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be highly beneficial:
- Practice gentle exercises like yoga or walking
- Develop a meditation or breathwork routine
- Spend time with nature
- Journal to process negative feelings
- Engage in enjoyable hobbies or activities
Sleep and Rest
Getting adequate sleep and rest is always important for overall skin health and can help manage seborrheic dermatitis. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Dietary Modifications
With regards to diet, nothing one could consume has been definitively linked to seborrheic dermatitis. That being said, studies have hinted that a diet containing raw vegetables and leafy greens may be beneficial. Some studies suggest a possible link between white bread, processed foods, and an increased risk of seborrheic dermatitis. Consider an anti-inflammatory diet approach by reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates. Some patients find improvement by avoiding foods that promote yeast growth, such as cheese and alcohol, and again, bread.
Since seborrheic dermatitis is linked to an inflammatory response to yeast, consuming anti-inflammatory foods may help. We are talking about the usual suggestions of green, leafy vegetables, nuts (almonds, walnuts), oily fish, olive oil, and berries.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments, or if they have an impact on your quality of life, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Signs that warrant a professional visit include severe itching, widespread lesions, pain, or symptoms that don’t respond to typical treatments. Dermatologists may be able to advise of advanced treatment options, such as light therapy or oral medications. Specialised advice will be personalised to each patient and will have a greater chance of facilitating success.
Living with Seborrheic Dermatitis
Living with seborrheic dermatitis requires the patient to have a proactive approach to its management. Whilst it is a chronic condition, with the right combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, many people find they can control their symptoms effectively. Understanding your triggers and developing coping strategies for flare-ups, such as having a treatment plan in place for stressful periods, can make dealing with seborrheic dermatitis much more manageable. We wish you the best of luck!
