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It is an inflammatory condition of the skin. It often affects the scalp, causing scaly and red patches.
The patches can also appear on the face and upper body. The affected areas may have a secretion of an oily substance in the hair follicles.
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is caused by an autoimmune response or allergy , and is not contagious. It is not curable either, but it can be treated.
The treatment of SD is not always necessary, since the symptoms can disappear naturally. But for most people, SD is a lifelong condition that will continue to sprout and disappear. Proper skin care can help keep symptoms at bay.
Seborrheic dermatitis in children
Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in childhood, affects the scalp and causes scaly patches on the baby’s scalp that can be fatty or crunchy.
It is usually not harmful and may disappear without treatment within a few months. Some babies may have SD in the diaper area, which is usually mistaken for diaper rash.
In rare cases, SD can cover the entire body of the baby, causing red and scaly patches and inflamed skin.
Regardless of how you take SD in babies, it tends to disappear permanently before one’s age. The choice of topical treatments for children under one year should be made in consultation with a doctor.
Seborrheic dermatitis in adults
Adult SD is a condition that appears and disappears throughout a person’s life. Weather and stress tend to trigger outbreaks. The treatment can reduce rashes and relieve some symptoms.
Causes and risk factors
SD is prevalent in 1-3 percent of the population, according to a report in the American Family Physician medical journal. The causes of SD are unknown, but many people with this condition tend to have excessive yeast on the skin in the affected areas.
Having certain medical conditions can increase the risk of SD. Other conditions that can put someone at risk for SD are:
- Chronic acne
- Alcoholism or excessive use of alcohol.
- Depression .
- Eating disorders.
- Soriasis.
- Rosacea
Researchers think that genetics and hormones may play a role in the development of SD, but they must still identify specific genetic mutations related to the disease. Stress, too much normal yeast from the skin and cold and dry weather are also potential triggers of an SD outbreak.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of SD can include:
- Dandruff or flaking of the skin on the scalp, hair, beard, mustache or eyebrows.
- Oily skin spots on the scalp, face, nose, eyelids, ears, chest, armpits, groin and under the breasts.
- Red and inflamed skin.
- Skin itch.
What are the natural treatments for SD?
SD triggers depend on skin type and sensitivity. When it comes to natural solutions, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Here are some natural remedies that can help keep SD symptoms at bay or treat outbreaks:
Good skin care:
For SD in the body, especially the face, it is advisable to keep the affected areas clean by washing them with soap and water every day.
Getting plenty of sunlight can also stop the growth of the yeast that inflames the skin, during an outbreak of SD.
For scalp symptoms, adults can use anti-dandruff shampoos that contain coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione.
Fish oil:
Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies have shown that taking fish oil supplements causes a reduction in the skin symptoms of several inflammatory skin conditions.
Fish oil is safe, as long as it is taken according to the instructions. Breastfeeding mothers should be aware that taking fish oil increases the level of omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk. A person should talk to a doctor before supplementing a baby under 1 year of age with omega-3 fatty acids.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties, and research has shown that it is effective in the treatment of SD. Aloe vera supplements can help suppress outbreaks and decrease their severity.
Do not give aloe vera supplements to children under 10 years old without first discussing safety and dosage with a doctor.
Aloe vera is also used to treat constipation, so supplements can have side effects, which include:
- Abdominal cramping.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Discoloration of urine.
Topical use of aloe vera can also help control redness and itching during outbreaks of SD.
Before using aloe vera topical, check for allergies by applying a small amount to a healthy spot of the size of a dime. If there is no reaction in 12-24 hours, topical use should be safe.
Keep in mind that allergic reactions can develop over time. Stop the use of topical aloe vera if signs of allergy appear.
Side effects of topical aloe vera may include:
- Redness.
- Ardor.
- Stinging.
- Possible allergic reaction in people with skin sensitivity.
Probiotics:
Probiotics can stimulate the immune system and decrease inflammatory responses throughout the body.
While research on the effects of probiotics on the number of outbreaks of SD is limited, probiotics still promote healthier immune responses, so it would be worth trying.
Do not give children under 1 year of age any product with probiotics, such as yogurt or oral supplements, as the effects for very young children have not been investigated.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil has been studied for a long time as a treatment for many skin conditions. It has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Topical use of tea tree oil is safe, but should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of vegetable oil before applying. This can help reduce itching and promote scarring of scaly skin patches
Other essential oils:
Herbal essential oils:
Various essential oils diluted topically on the skin can be applied to help relieve the symptoms of SD.
Evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant seed oil also contain properties that can help treat the symptoms of SD. They can help reduce itching and redness. These oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before application.
The use of essential oils in young children, babies, pregnant women and nursing mothers has not been studied in depth. Someone should only use essential oils on babies with great caution and after consulting with a doctor.
Essential oils should not be swallowed and should only be used topically or from a diffuser.
Medical treatment
Topical medications are the most common treatment for SD outbreaks. These include:
- Creams
- Foams.
- Gels
- Lotions
- Ointments containing corticosteroids or hydrocortisone.
These medications can cause thinning of the skin with excessive use, so doctors will only recommend them for short-term use. Supplementing these topical medications with natural treatments can decrease side effects and may be better in the long term.
For SD on the scalp triggered by bacteria, antibacterial gels can be prescribed. Shampoos and antifungal creams are also options for this SD symptom.
Light therapy has been used in severe cases of SD. Light therapy involves exposing the affected areas of the skin or scalp to ultraviolet light.
