What Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Feel Like?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can cause your skin to feel itchy, dry, and scaly. It usually affects your scalp, but it can also occur on your face, behind your ears, or on your chest. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to a combination of hormones, changes in the weather, or an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on your skin.
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may notice that your skin feels itchy, dry, and scaly. You may also see dandruff or flaky skin on your scalp, behind your ears, or on your chest. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to a combination of hormones, changes in the weather, or an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on your skin.
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:
- use a gentle shampoo and avoid harsh chemicals
- use a moisturizer to help soothe your skin
- avoid triggers like stress or changes in the weather
- talk to your doctor about possible treatments
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Oily, greasy, or waxy skin
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Flaking or scaling of the skin
- Redness or irritation of the skin
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Treatment options include shampoos, creams, and ointments. If you have severe seborrheic dermatitis, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and prevent the condition from coming back.
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may notice that your skin feels:
- Oily
- Greasy
- Crusty
- Flaky
- Itchy
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis often appear in areas where there are a lot of sebaceous glands, such as your scalp, eyebrows, forehead, nose, and chest. In some cases, the rash may also spread to your ears, face, or upper back. While seborrheic dermatitis isn't contagious, it can be uncomfortable and frustrating. There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. If you think you might have seborrheic dermatitis, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.