Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Description:
This condition is thought to be related to dandruff which is the excessive shedding of the outermost layer of cells. It occurs when the skin becomes inflamed causing more sebum to be produced making larger, stickier flakes, particularly on the scalp. Like dandruff this condition is not contagious or particularly harmful, but it is a recurring compliant. One of the side effects could be temporary hair loss. If it is a particularly severe outbreak that has been left untreated the hair follicles (little pits in the scalp out of which the hair grows) can be damaged causing permanent hair loss.
Symptoms:
Scaly patches of skin among the hair
Larger, ‘stickier’ flakes than ordinary dandruff, most often found on the scalp
Temporary hair loss
Causes:
It is not yet known exactly what causes it but it is thought to be an inflammatory response to yeast-Malassezia furfur, and people who suffer from this condition have a reduced resistance to the yeast.
Other possible causes include:
Genetic factors
Environmental factors
Hormonal factors
Immune system factors
An excessive intake of Vitamin A, especially in children
A lack of Biotin, Vitamin B6 or Vitamin B2
The condition can be aggravated by:
Illness
Psychological stress
Fatigue
Treatments:
This condition can be controlled or treated in a number of ways. Soaps and detergents, particularly those containing sodium laureth sulphate, can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis to flare up as they remove moisture out of the top layers or skin so using an alternative would help. In order to reduce the problem and hopefully clear it up frequent shampooing with special “itchy” or “flaky” scalp products is essential. Shampoos containing the following ingredients may help by removing dense scale.
- Coal tar
- Ciclopiroxolamine
- Ketoconazade
- Selenium sulphide
- Zinc pyrithione
- Salicylic acid
- Terbinafine
- Alpha hydroxide acids
- Corticosteroids
- Or an anti-fungal agent
UV-A and UV-B light can inhibit the growth of M.furfur but it can also cause skin damage. If you continue to suffer rashes and hair loss and the shampoos or topical steroids aren’t working the prescribed drug Accutane (Isotretinion) in low doses of 10-30mg a day may help to reduce sebum which is secreted by the scalp and in excess causes flakes to be oily and sticky. Air humidifiers or gentle moisturisers can also help control the condition.