Is Seborrheic Dermatitis An Allergy?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas of the body. It most commonly affects the scalp, causing dandruff. It can also occur on the face, ears, chest, back, or groin. Seborrheic dermatitis isn't contagious and can't be passed from person to person. However, it can run in families. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it's believed to be tied to an overgrowth of a yeast (fungus) that normally lives on your skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis may get worse in cold weather or when you're stressed. Skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis may worsen seborrheic dermatitis. It can also be triggered by certain medicines, such as lithium or interferon.
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis focuses on loosening scales and calming inflammation. A goal is also to reduce how often the flare-ups occur. Some treatments you can try at home include:
- Shampoos with selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole
- OTC dandruff shampoos
- Bath oils or sprays
- Creams and ointments that contain corticosteroids or antifungals
If self-care treatments aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe medicated cream or ointment. They might also recommend light therapy, where you sit under a special lamp that emits ultraviolet light. This type of therapy helps slow down skin turnover.
There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. One common treatment is to use anti-dandruff shampoo, which can help to reduce the redness, itching, and flaking associated with the condition. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe topical steroids or antifungal medications.
While seborrheic dermatitis is not an allergy, it is often mistaken for one. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be similar to those of other conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you are unsure whether you have seborrheic dermatitis or another condition, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
While seborrheic dermatitis isn’t an allergy, there are some things that can trigger it or make it worse. These include:
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Dry skin
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Yeast infections
- Diseases that affect the immune system
If you think you might have seborrheic dermatitis, see your doctor. They can diagnose it based on your symptoms and the appearance of your skin. If your symptoms are mild, you might be able to treat them at home with over-the-counter products. These include medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. You can also try using a dandruff shampoo that contains coal tar or salicylic acid.
If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor might prescribe a medicated cream or ointment to apply to your skin. They might also recommend a topical antifungal medication like clotrimazole or ketoconazole. In some cases, they might prescribe oral antifungal medication or corticosteroid pills.