Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp – causes, treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a chronic and recurrent condition. The affected skin looks very unsightly and may cause discomfort and lower self-esteem. This problem most often affects adolescents during puberty, but it can also occur in adults and infants.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp – characteristics

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (seborrheic eczema) manifests as flaky skin within the hair. Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may also appear on the face and other parts of the body. The essence of the disease is inflammation, which contributes to excessive flaking of the epidermis. The condition particularly affects young men, but women and patients of almost any age may also develop it. The main symptom is a flaky erythema sometimes accompanied by itching. The severity of the disease varies depending on the individual case.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

One of the main causes of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is increased activity of the sebaceous glands and improper sebum composition. It has also been observed that patients with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the disease. People with diabetes, AIDS, hepatitis C, Down syndrome, and other conditions that lower immunity are particularly at risk. Increased susceptibility is also noted in patients with epilepsy, facial nerve palsy, and depression.

Other factors that exacerbate the disease include improper skin care, chronic stress, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, irritation caused by chemicals in cosmetics, frequent tanning, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, e.g., in solariums. Dandruff is one of the milder forms of seborrheic dermatitis. The presence of dandruff is associated with yeast growth on the skin. Many doctors believe that yeasts play a significant role in the development of seborrheic dermatitis. The more microorganisms present, the more recurrent the condition becomes, making it harder to treat.

How does seborrheic dermatitis manifest?

The first stage of the disease is excessive sebum production on the scalp. The skin becomes shiny and looks greasy. In areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands, erythematous patches may appear, accompanied by scaling. The flaky skin has a yellowish color due to excess sebum. In some cases, scabs may form. The disease worsens in autumn and winter, when the skin is exposed to less sunlight. Lesions initially appear on the hairy scalp and later spread to non-hairy areas, including the face.

Some patients develop skin problems along the spine or in the sternal region. Advanced seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may be characterized by fissures caused by frequent itching. In cases of severe inflammation, red exudative lesions may appear, especially in areas with limited air access. The most commonly affected body parts are those with numerous sebaceous glands. On the face, these include the eyebrows, chin crease, nasolabial folds, the center of the forehead, upper lip, and sometimes the cheeks.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in infants

In infants, this condition is known as cradle cap. Flaky and greasy patches appear on the baby’s scalp, sometimes accompanied by scabs. The scales are brownish or yellow and gradually detach from the skin’s surface. Cradle cap is usually harmless and resolves within a few months. In infants, the disease may also occur in other body areas, especially in places where diapers are used.

In most cases, cradle cap causes no other symptoms than mild itching. No medication can completely cure seborrheic dermatitis, but treatment can help limit the disease’s progression. Properly chosen therapy can remove scales from the skin, reduce itching, and prevent infections. Most cases do not require treatment, but it is always worth consulting a doctor, who may recommend applying an appropriate medication. Cradle cap usually occurs between 6 and 12 months of age, but seborrheic dermatitis in infants is very rare.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp during adolescence and adulthood

Before puberty, the disease occurs very rarely. Puberty is characterized by a surge of hormones and increased sebaceous gland activity. Sebum is produced in large amounts, leading to oily skin and infections. The skin becomes highly reactive to irritants, resulting in flaking. During adolescence, the composition of sebum also changes, with higher levels of triglycerides.

Over time, seborrheic dermatitis problems become less frequent. This is due to the presence of the male hormone testosterone. In some cases, the condition may still affect individuals over the age of 50. However, everything depends on the patient, their medical history, and previously used treatments.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

If you notice skin changes on your scalp, it is essential to consult a dermatologist who can diagnose seborrheic dermatitis. In most cases, no additional tests are necessary to confirm the disease. Observing and evaluating the lesions is usually enough to make a diagnosis and choose appropriate treatment. In some cases, blood tests or histopathological examinations may be ordered. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is challenging and depends on several factors, including the patient’s age and disease severity.

Most doctors recommend topical treatment with creams containing antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Treatment usually begins with a product that helps exfoliate the skin. Mild medicated shampoos for daily use are recommended for hair and scalp care. They contain gentle cleansing agents and antifungal substances. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed.

This option is used for patients with severe skin lesions who do not respond to previous treatments. Oral therapy is reserved for adults with recurrent disease. Antibiotics, retinoids, and steroids are sometimes used. Treatment is often difficult and may last for years, but it is worth pursuing to control the disease’s progression.

Prevention of seborrheic dermatitis and home remedies

After completing treatment, the skin requires special care and attention. Preventive measures include using shampoos with ciclopiroxolamine or ketoconazole once a month for about six months. For other body areas, exfoliating and seboregulating peels containing salicylic acid or mandelic acid are recommended. Creams with antifungal ingredients may also be helpful. Avoid using soaps, as they dry out and irritate the skin. Other factors that exacerbate the disease include stress, fatigue, and stimulants, which should be avoided.

For the face, specialized cosmetics with medicinal ingredients are recommended. Home remedies for preventing the disease include a balanced, healthy diet. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, mint, chamomile, lavender, or almond oil can be massaged into itchy areas. Beauty salons offer a variety of treatments, but their type and frequency should be consulted with a dermatologist. Salons may use mineral masks rich in zinc, sulfur, copper, sericite, calcium, quartz, or silicon. Treatments designed for seborrheic skin, such as cavitation or iontophoresis, are also available. However, the foundation is properly chosen daily skin care.