Should you wash seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis

Diagnosis

To diagnose seborrheic dermatitis, your health care provider will likely talk with you about your symptoms and look at your skin. You may need to have a small piece of skin removed (biopsied) for study in a lab. This test helps rule out other conditions.

Treatment

For adolescents and adults, the main treatments for seborrheic dermatitis are medicated shampoos, creams and lotions. If nonprescription products and self-care habits don't help, your health care provider might suggest that you try one or more of these treatments:

• Antifungal gels, creams, lotions, foams or shampoos alternated with another medication. Your health care provider might suggest you try a product with 2% ketoconazole or 1% ciclopirox (Loprox). Or you might rotate between two or more products. Ketoconzole can worsen the dryness of tightly coiled or chemically treated hair and increase the risk of breakage. To ease this effect, use it only once a week with a moisturizing conditioner.

  How often you shampoo or apply other antifungal products will depend on your hair-grooming practices and symptoms. Medicated shampoos can be used once a day or 2 to 3 times a week for several weeks. Let the product sit on your scalp for a few minutes see package directions so it has time to work. Then rinse. After your symptoms clear up, use a medicated shampoo just once a week or once every two weeks. This will help prevent a relapse.

• Creams, lotions, shampoos or ointments that control inflammation. Your health care provider might prescribe a prescription-strength corticosteroid you apply to the scalp or other affected area. These include hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Capex, Synalar), clobetasol (Clobex, Temovate) and desonide (Desowen, Desonate). They are effective and easy to use. And use them only until symptoms clear up. If used for many weeks or months without a break, they can cause side effects. These include loss of skin color, thinning skin, and skin showing streaks or lines.

  Creams or ointments with a calcineurin inhibitor such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be effective. Another benefit is that they have fewer side effects than corticosteroids do. But they are not first-choice treatments because the Food and Drug Administration has concerns about a possible association with cancer. In addition, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus cost more than mild corticosteroid medications.

• Antifungal medication you take as a pill. If your condition isn't improving with other treatments or is severe, your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal medication in pill form.

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Lifestyle and home remedies

You may be able to control seborrheic dermatitis with lifestyle changes and home remedies. Many of these are sold in nonprescription forms. You may need to try different products or a combination of products before your condition improves.

The best approach for you depends on your skin type, hair-grooming practices and your symptoms. But even if your condition clears up, it's likely to come back at some point. Watch for the symptoms and resume treating the condition when it recurs. Or use nonprescription antidandruff products in your self-care routine to prevent flare-ups.

Wash your scalp regularly

If regular shampoo doesn't help with dandruff, try nonprescription dandruff shampoos. They are classified according to the active ingredient they contain:

• Pyrithione zinc (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others), also sold as bar soap
• Selenium sulfide (Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, others)
• Ketoconazole 1% (Nizoral A-D)
• Tar (Denorex Extra Strength, DHS Tar, others)
• Salicylic acid (Denorex, DHS Sal, others)

How often you shampoo or apply other antifungal products will depend on your hair-grooming practices and symptoms. Medicated shampoos can be used once a day or 2 to 3 times a week for several weeks. After your symptoms clear up, use a medicated shampoo just once a week or once every two weeks. This will help prevent a relapse. Shampoo that contains tar or selenium sulfide can discolor light-colored hair.

Sometimes a shampoo that has helped loses its effectiveness over time. If that's the case, try alternating between two or more types. Be sure to leave your shampoo on for the full recommended time this allows its ingredients to work. Then rinse. These shampoos may be rubbed gently on the face, ears and chest and rinsed off well.

Other home remedies

The following nonprescription treatments and self-care tips may help you control seborrheic dermatitis:

• Soften and remove scales from your hair. Apply mineral oil, peanut oil or olive oil to your scalp. Leave it in for 1 to 3 hours. Then comb or brush your hair and wash it.
• Wash your skin regularly. Use warm, not hot, water and a gentle soap or nonsoap cleanser. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
• Apply a medicated cream. First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole.
• Don't use styling products. Stop using hair sprays, gels and other styling products while you're treating the condition.
• Don't use skin and hair products that contain alcohol. These can cause the disease to flare up.
• If you have a beard or mustache, shampoo facial hair regularly. Seborrheic dermatitis can be worse under mustaches and beards. Shampoo with 1% ketoconazole daily until your symptoms improve. Then switch to shampooing once a week or once every two weeks. Or shaving might ease your symptoms.
• Gently clean your eyelids. If your eyelids are inflamed or scaly, wash them each night. Use a few drops of baby shampoo mixed with two capfuls of warm water. Wipe away scales with a cotton swab. Warm, damp cloths pressed to your eyelids also may help.
• Gently wash your baby's scalp. If your infant has mild cradle cap, wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo once a day. Gently loosen the scales with a cloth or an infant hairbrush before rinsing out the shampoo. If scaling persists, first apply mineral oil or olive oil to the scalp for an hour or two. Cradle cap usually disappears in a few weeks or months.

Alternative medicine

Many alternative therapies, including those listed below, have helped some people manage their seborrheic dermatitis. But evidence for their effectiveness isn't proved. It's always a good idea to check with your health care provider before adding any alternative medicines to your self-care routine.

• Tea tree oil. A shampoo with 5% tea tree oil may be used on the affected area. Some studies suggest that tea tree oil can trigger an allergic reaction.
• Aloe. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Aloe is an ingredient in many products, or you can use it directly from the leaf of an aloe plant.

If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapies, talk with your health care provider about their pros and cons.

Preparing for your appointment

You'll probably first visit your primary care provider. Or you may see a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions (dermatologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, list your answers to the following questions:

• What are your symptoms, and when did they start?
• Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms?
• What medications are you taking, including those you take by mouth as well as creams or ointments?
• What treatments have you tried so far? Has anything helped?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask you a few questions. Being ready to answer them may free up time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your health care provider might ask:

• What are your symptoms, and when did you first notice them?
• Is this the first time you've had these symptoms, or have you had them before?
• How severe are your symptoms? Are they about the same all the time, getting worse, or sometimes better and sometimes worse?
• Do your symptoms affect your quality of life, including your ability to sleep?
• Have you tried any at-home treatments, such as creams, gels or shampoos?
• How often do you use these treatments?
• Does anything seem to help?
• Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
• What medications, vitamins or supplements are you taking?
• Have you been under stress lately or experienced major life changes?

What you can do in the meantime

A nonprescription antifungal cream or anti-itch cream can be helpful. If your scalp is affected, a nonprescription antifungal shampoo, foam or other product may ease your symptoms. Try not to scratch or pick at the affected area. This increases your risk of infection.

Sept. 27, 2022

Seborrheic dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment

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The Ultimate Guide to Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis: Find Your Perfect Face Wash

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What You Will Learn About Choosing the Right Face Wash for Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Definition, symptoms, causes, and prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Importance of consulting a dermatologist and collaborating with professionals.
• Key ingredients, pH level, and suitability for different skin types in face wash selection.

I. Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

A. Definition and common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects areas of the body with a high concentration of oil glands, such as the face, scalp, and chest. It is characterized by redness, flaking, and itching of the skin. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and an overgrowth of yeast on the skin called Malassezia are believed to play a role.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can vary from mild to severe. Common signs include oily or greasy skin, yellow or white scales, and red patches. These symptoms can be persistent and may come and go over time. Individuals with seborrheic dermatitis often experience discomfort and self-consciousness due to the visible nature of the condition.

B. Causes and triggers of seborrheic dermatitis

While the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains unknown, certain factors are known to contribute to its development and exacerbation. These include:

1. Malassezia overgrowth: The presence of an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia on the skin is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis. This yeast is naturally present on the skin, but in some individuals, it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the condition.
2. Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions, can contribute to the development or worsening of seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Genetic predisposition: There is evidence to suggest that seborrheic dermatitis may have a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of the condition may be more susceptible to developing it.
4. Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as cold weather, dry air, and exposure to harsh chemicals or irritants can trigger or exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.

C. Prevalence and demographics affected by seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a relatively common condition, affecting people of all ages and ethnicities. It is estimated that around 3% to 5% of the general population is affected by seborrheic dermatitis, with a slightly higher prevalence in males. The condition typically occurs in infants (known as cradle cap), adolescents, and adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

II. Seeking Professional Consultation

A. Importance of consulting a dermatologist or healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis

If you suspect that you may have seborrheic dermatitis, it is essential to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. While the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may be similar to other skin conditions, a proper diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment.

A dermatologist or healthcare professional will conduct a thorough examination of your skin and may perform additional tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis. They will also take into account your medical history and any underlying factors that may contribute to the condition.

B. Benefits of personalized treatment plans and recommendations

One of the key advantages of consulting a dermatologist or healthcare professional is the ability to receive personalized treatment plans and recommendations. Seborrheic dermatitis can vary in severity and individual response to treatment, so a tailored approach is essential for optimal results.

A dermatologist or healthcare professional will assess the specific needs of your skin and recommend suitable treatment options based on the severity of your condition. They may prescribe medicated creams or ointments, oral medications, or recommend specific skincare products to manage the symptoms effectively. Additionally, they can provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and offer advice on managing triggers and flare-ups.

C. Collaboration with professionals to choose suitable face wash options

When it comes to choosing the right face wash for seborrheic dermatitis, collaborating with a dermatologist or healthcare professional can be immensely helpful. They have in-depth knowledge of the condition and can recommend face washes that are suitable for your skin type and specific needs.

Dermatologists and healthcare professionals may suggest face washes that contain specific ingredients known to be effective in managing seborrheic dermatitis. They can also provide guidance on how to incorporate the face wash into your daily skincare routine and offer tips on gentle cleansing techniques to avoid further irritation.

Collaborating with professionals ensures that you make informed decisions regarding your skincare and receive the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.

III. Key Ingredients for Effective Symptom Management

When choosing a face wash for seborrheic dermatitis, it is essential to consider the key ingredients that can help manage the symptoms effectively. The following ingredients have been found to be beneficial in addressing the underlying causes of seborrheic dermatitis and reducing inflammation:

A. Zinc: Exploring its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

Zinc is a mineral that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent ingredient for managing seborrheic dermatitis. It helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with the condition and also has the ability to inhibit the growth of the yeast Malassezia, which is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

Studies have shown that zinc can help regulate sebum production and promote the healing of the skin barrier. When choosing a face wash, look for products that contain zinc, such as zinc pyrithione or zinc oxide, to effectively manage seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

B. Tea Tree Oil: Assessing its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties

Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis. Tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation, control excess oil production, and inhibit the growth of Malassezia yeast.

When selecting a face wash, consider products that contain tea tree oil in appropriate concentrations. It is important to note that tea tree oil can be potent, so it should be used in moderation and diluted properly.

C. Salicylic Acid: Understanding its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that has exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid can also help regulate oil production, which is beneficial for individuals with oily skin.

When choosing a face wash, look for products that contain salicylic acid in appropriate concentrations. It is important to note that salicylic acid may cause dryness or irritation in some individuals, so it is recommended to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase as tolerated.

D. Sulfur: Examining its role in reducing inflammation and controlling oil production

Sulfur is a mineral that has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. It has anti-inflammatory and keratolytic effects, meaning it helps reduce inflammation and loosen dead skin cells. Sulfur also has the ability to regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for individuals with oily skin.

When considering a face wash for seborrheic dermatitis, look for products that contain sulfur. It is important to note that sulfur has a distinct odor, which may not be appealing to everyone. However, its effectiveness in managing seborrheic dermatitis symptoms makes it a valuable ingredient to consider.

Disclaimer:Before starting any new treatment or using specific face washes for seborrheic dermatitis, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. Individual cases may vary, and professional guidance is essential for the best outcomes.

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Q & A

What is seborrheic dermatitis and how does it affect the skin?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching, and flaking of the skin, scalp, and hair.

Who is prone to seborrheic dermatitis and why?

Anyone can develop seborrheic dermatitis, but it is more common in infants, adults with oily skin, and those with certain medical conditions.

How do I choose the right face wash for seborrheic dermatitis?

Look for face washes with gentle ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil that can help control oil and reduce inflammation.

What if I have sensitive skin? Can I still use face wash for seborrheic dermatitis?

Yes, you can find face washes specifically designed for sensitive skin that are also effective for seborrheic dermatitis.

How long does it take to see results from using a face wash for seborrheic dermatitis?

Results may vary, but with consistent use, you should start noticing improvements within a few weeks.

What if the face wash doesnt work for my seborrheic dermatitis?

If a specific face wash doesnt work for you, consult a dermatologist who can recommend alternative treatments tailored to your needs.