SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (or Seborrhoeic Eczema) is a fairly common scalp problem, characterised by the presence of yellowish, greasy scales on the skin. It is associated with erythema, small crusty formations, intense itching and sometimes a burning sensation and pain in the affected areas.
The causes are not yet clear, but triggering factors may be:
- Environmental (sweat, climate, clothing)
- Genetics
- Vitamin and zinc deficiency
- Psychological (stress, anxiety)
- Use of drugs (corticosteroids)
- Hormonal
- Infectious (yeasts)
Seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs when the chemical composition of sebum and sweat, also due to the influence of bacteria that like to reside on this type of substrate, produces an inflammation of the epidermis and dermis.
It is a real skin disease that affects men more than women and can occur between the ages of 18 and 40.
In seborrhoeic dermatitis, oily scales (dandruff) are shed not only from the scalp, but also from other areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the eyebrows, the skin areas on the sides of the nose, the skin areas behind the ears, the axillary area and finally also the groin area.
Many men and women since puberty present oily, greasy, shiny and thickened skin with the follicular orifices more evident especially at the level of the grooves of the nose, forehead, chest, scalp (where we find the so-called oily dandruff).
Seborrhoeic dermatitis often appears in these individuals at some point in their lives. It is characterised by pinkish, pinkish-yellowish, or dark red erythematous patches, covered with small to medium-sized, thick, greasy scales, sometimes forming crusty, serous agglomerations.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is often localised only to the scalp and its margins. On the scalp, a reddish section called the 'seborrhoeic cord or crown' emerges at forehead level.
Recognised contributory factors are bacterial, fungal (Pityrosporum ovale, Malassezia, Staphylococcus), infectious, mechanical, irritative, psychosomatic and sebaceous dysfunction (hypothetically of hereditary origin).
Seborrhoeic dermatitis, like psoriasis, has a variable course, with phases of exacerbation of the problem and phases of apparent remission. It generally tends to worsen at seasonal changes or during periods of increased stress.
With cosmetic treatment, the aim is to control the evolution of the problem, but never to 'cure' it, or at least to date it seems that no one has ever been definitively cured of these problems.
The correct method of cosmetic treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis involves mud baths, lotions and peelings in combination with specific sebum-balancing cleansing.
It is very important to keep the skin clean and oxygenated to avoid the inflammatory progression that often causes Effluvium Seborrhoeicum (hair loss) and bacterial proliferation that could trigger complicated infections to be treated.
People with seborrhoeic dermatitis, as well as people with psoriasis, confirm that dermatological treatment with the use of drugs, lotions, creams, medicated shampoos improves the problems for the period of use, but since continuous use is not recommended, as soon as they stop treatment the problem manifests itself again, often in an even more intense form.
Contacting a qualified professional is always the best choice when dealing with concerns related to the health of your skin and hair. Whether you are uncertain about the nature of any abnormalities or simply want confirmation, an expert can make all the difference. A timely and accurate diagnosis is a crucial step for the well-being of your skin and hair, providing you with peace of mind and an appropriate treatment plan.
