Seborrheic Dermatitis Explained : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Many people have had to deal with this, whether it be flaky skin or full-on persistent dandruff. In the case of Naman Ojha, a 36-year-old from Delhi, flaky skin and dandruff turned into a daily task. There formed red scaly patches on his scalp, eyebrows, and around his nose. The situation rapidly went from mild irritation to major concern as confidence in self weakened and social interactions went few and far between. Despite trying various remedies at home and over-the-counter treatments, the condition only continued to worsen. It wasn’t until he went to see a dermatologist that things finally cleared up for him, he was suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis, one of the most prevalent skin conditions around the world.

Naman’s experience gave an idea of what it is like to live with such a condition and the imperatives of knowing its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to keep it at bay.

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by red, itchy, and flaky patches that quite often appear on the scalp, face, and upper body. The condition somewhat resembles eczema and dandruff but is more consistent and prominent. This is not contagious but distressing and embarrassing to the person who has it. It is believed to be a consequence of a combination of genetic predisposition, overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, and an abnormal immune response against this yeast.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Causes

Though the exact cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis has not been ascertained, several factors lead to the development of the disorder, which include the following. Genetics, like Family medical history, may have a pattern. An overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast, which is found on the skin, can cause an inflammatory response. For instance, symptoms can also be worsened by cold and dry or highly humid weather conditions. Much of this is related to hormonal changes, such as puberty or pregnancy. Other diseases, such as Par­kinson’s disease, depression, and even immune disorders like HIV/AIDS, may leave one more vulnerable.

According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, stress and suppressed immune response exacerbate the symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms

Seborrheic Dermatitis includes symptoms that may be mild or severe, and in general, they involve:

• Greasy skin patches
• Flaking white or yellow scales, most often on the scalp, face, ears, or elsewhere
• Itchy or burning sensation in the affected areas
• Dandruff non-responsive to over-the-counter options
• Crusting of the scalp in severe cases

Seborrheic Dermatitis Diagnosis

Diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis typically involves a physical examination by a dermatologist. The doctor will look for telltale signs of the condition, such as red skin, scales, and flaky patches. In some instances, the doctor may biopsy the skin or take a scraping to rule out other conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. The diagnosis is usually clinical laboratory tests are usually ordered in cases of suspected infections.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

The management of Seborrheic Dermatitis involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, medications, and topical treatment. Some effective approaches include the following:

• Medicated Shampoos and Creams: These contain antifungal agents like ketoconazole, corticosteroids, or salicylic acid that reduce inflammation and normalize the overgrowth of yeast.
• Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: These are used to reduce immune responses causing skin inflammation.
• Lifestyle Changes: This would involve regular cleaning of the affected area to reduce extra oil, avoid exacerbating skin products, and better stress management.
• Phototherapy: Light therapy is also effective in severe cases.
• Systemic Antifungal Medication: When the fungal infection is too deep-rooted for topical procedures.

An American Journal of Dermatology study reported that topical antifungals combined with lifestyle recommendations benefitted over 80% of their study patients with various degrees of symptomatic improvement.

Scalp Psoriasis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Usually, Scalp Psoriasis is mistaken for Seborrheic Dermatitis because both conditions affect the scalp. Some significant differences between the two are:

• Scalp Psoriasis: This is usually characterized by thick silvery scales extending to the hairline and even further. Note that it is severely itchy, leading to painful sensations.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: It usually shows yellowish greasy scales mixed with redness to be localized at the hairline and in the facial areas. Itching is not much compared to psoriasis.

Although there is some overlap regarding the conditions, a good diagnosis from a health professional is necessary to avoid mismanagement.

When to See a Dermatologist?

If the symptoms persist and fail to get better with over-the-counter measures, consult a dermatologist. You should also consult a dermatologist when there is painful skin or severely inflamed areas, or when the quality of life is impacted. Early medical intervention helps avert complications and manages the symptoms of the disease effectively.

Conclusion

Naman Ojha’s experience speaks volumes about trials that come forward with the challenge of having Seborrheic Dermatitis. It may not be a life-threatening condition, but it has a say in the quality of one’s life. First and foremost, it is relevant to understand generally what Seborrheic Dermatitis is, inclusive of causes, symptoms, and possible treatment modalities to cope with this condition. In case you have the above symptoms or your relative has them, make sure you consult a doctor. An early diagnosis and proper treatment regimen can help manage the discomfort caused by these symptoms and maintain general well-being.

References:

1. Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association[Internet].
   https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/seborrheic-dermatitis-overview. Accessed Aug. 26, 2024.
2. Seborrheic Dermatitis. National Eczema Association[Internet].
   https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis/. Accessed Aug. 25, 2024.
3. Nusrat Gaffoor Bholah , Amanda Oakley. Seborrhoeic dermatitis. DermNet[Internet].
   https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis. Accessed Aug. 30, 2024.
4. Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults. Eczema Society[Internet].
   https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/seborrhoeic-dermatitis-in-adults/. Accessed Aug. 25, 2024.
5. Gary W. Clark, Sara M. Pope, And Khalid A. Jaboori. Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults. American Academy of Family Physicians [Internet].
   https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/seborrhoeic-dermatitis-in-adults/. Accessed Aug. 25, 2024.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical treatment. Given the distinct needs of each individual, it is advisable for the reader to seek guidance from their healthcare provider to assess the relevance of the information to their specific circumstances.