Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Bad?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and harmless skin disorder. It's not contagious, and it isn't caused by poor hygiene. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it's believed to be related to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on your skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually doesn't require treatment. You may need treatment if the rash is severe, it's widespread, or it doesn't respond to home treatment. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis usually involves antifungal medicines, corticosteroids, or both.
Most people with seborrheic dermatitis have periodic flare-ups of symptoms followed by periods without any symptoms. When symptoms flares up, you may need to use medicine every day for a few weeks. Some people need long-term daily care to control their symptoms.
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes a red, scaly rash. It usually affects the scalp, but it can also occur on the face, chest, and back. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it's believed to be related to an overgrowth of a yeast that naturally lives on the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is common in adults, but it can also occur in infants (cradle cap).
What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?
The most common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly rash. The rash may be itchy, but it's usually not painful. In severe cases, the rash may spread from the scalp to the face, chest, and back. Other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Dandruff
- Oily skin
- Reddish-brown patches on the skin
- Skin that cracks or bleeds
How is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed?
Seborrheic dermatitis is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. A skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?
There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are several treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. These include:
- Scalp treatments : These help to reduce inflammation and dandruff. Examples include shampoos, creams, and gels containing corticosteroids, anti-fungals, or tar.
- Topical treatments: These help to reduce inflammation and dandruff. Examples include shampoos, creams, and gels containing corticosteroids, anti-fungals, or tar.
- Light therapy:: This treatment uses special lights to kill the yeast that causes seborrheic dermatitis. It's typically done in a doctor's office or skin clinic.
If you're struggling with seborrheic dermatitis, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about treatment options.