Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as “dandruff” in adults and “cradle cap” in children, is a condition that causes a scaly, itchy, and flaky substance on your scalp and skin. It can be unpredictable in terms of occurrence and cure.
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, is a skin condition that occurs in people of all ages. It causes an itchy, red, and flaky substance in the scalp and skin. Contrary to popular belief, seborrheic dermatitis can occur in many parts of the body, including the scalp, behind the ears, around the nose, on the chest, and around the navel.
This condition often clears and shows up again from time to time. It is most severe in cold and dry climates.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
Symptoms of this condition are white or yellow flaky substances that may or may not be greasy in the hair. Redness, inflammation, and itchy skin are other symptoms. Symptoms can vary depending on the seriousness of the condition.
Causes
There is no particular reason why a person develops seborrheic dermatitis. Males are more prone to it than females. The common causes are:
- Genes might sometimes contribute to developing this condition
- Cold and dry climates
- Irregular response of the body’s immune system
- A fungal growth called “Malassezia,” which exists in oil secretion (sebum) by the skin
Diagnosis and treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis may clear automatically or stay through many sessions of treatment. The best measures to take are as follows:
Medicated shampoos: Over-the-counter shampoos are recommended by doctors to clear dermatitis in the scalp. However, when you stop using this shampoo, the condition is proven to reappear. The ingredients in these shampoos comprise of coal tar, selenium sulphide, ketoconazole, and salicylic acid.
For babies, warm water can be used to wash the scalp and then baby shampoo can be used. If the condition prevails, once can consult a doctor before using a medicated shampoo as regular dandruff shampoo can cause irritation to the baby’s sensitive skin.
Antifungal creams and gels: It has been proven that ketoconazole and corticosteroid-based creams and gels are effecting in treating dermatitis. However, they should only be used if all other remedies do not work and only if the doctors recommend them. One should remember that strong creams may produce undesirable side-effects.
Sunlight: Sunlight can prevent the fungal growth that causes seborrheic dermatitis. Being outdoors, exercising, and exposing your skin and hair to the sunlight can help in these situations.
Avoid heat products: Heat products that are used to style hair can damage it. The heat can cause dryness in the scalp and can stimulate the growth of dandruff. Keeping the hair moist and healthy prevents this condition.
Wash regularly: Washing your hair and face regularly can reduce this condition as it keeps the skin and hair clean and removes the residues of oil secretion and old flakes. Avoid using soaps and shampoos with harsh ingredients. Using tea tree oil and aloe vera gel can help in the removal of dermatitis.
If the condition prevails even after maintaining and treating your skin and hair, consult a doctor to determine the cause and treatment for it as it may vary from one person to another.
