Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also seborrheic dermatitis AmE, seborrhea) (also known as "seborrheic eczema") is an inflammatory
skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and torso. Typically, seborrheic dermatitis presents with scaly, flaky,
itchy, and red skin. It particularly affects the sebaceous-gland-rich areas of skin.
- In adolescents and adults,
seborrhoeic dermatitis usually presents as scalp scaling similar to dandruff or as mild to marked erythema of the nasolabial fold.
Treatment for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
- Proper scalp hygiene is primary in treating seborrheic dermatitis.
- Dermatologists recommend topical treatments such as shampoos, cleansers or creams/lotions that contain
antifungal, anti-inflammatory, sebo-suppressive or keratolytic ingredients
- One combination approach combines a dandruff shampoo, antifungal agent and topical steroid.
If a class III steroid is unsuccessful, short-term ""pulse fashion"" use of a more potent topical steroid in
combination with a dandruff shampoo and antifungal agent may put some resistant patients into remission and actually
decrease total steroid exposure.
- Therapeutic choices include a nonfluorinated class IV steroid such as mometasone furoate an
extra-potent class I or class II topical steroid such as clobetasol propionate or fluocinonide.
- The more potent agents may be applied once or twice per day, even on the face, but must be stopped after two weeks
because of the increased frequency of side effects.
- If the patient responds before the two-week limit, the agent should be stopped
immediately.
- Some prescription creams such as topical cortisone may be effective in minimizing inflammation and itchiness.
- Antihistamines are used primarily to reduce itching, if present. However, research studies suggest that some antihistamines
have anti-inflammatory properties.
