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Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Seborrheic Dermatitis, ordinarily better known as dandruff is a type of skin ailment that generally affects adults and adolescents. The occurrence of Seborrheic Dermatitis is more widespread among males in the age group of 30 to 60 and children below three months. Since it affects babies, it is also sometimes referred to as "cradle cap".

Seborrheic Dermatitis occurs mostly on the scalp but is also known to affect other parts of body notably the face and chest. At times, parts of arms, legs, and groin also get affected. The skin of the people suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis generally becomes flaky, greasy, and scaly in appearance.

Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

What exactly causes Seborrheic Dermatitis is not fully known since its occurrence shows such a wide variation in age and category of the patients. It is however well established that the causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis are different in adults and infants. Some possible reasons are:

* Hormonal Changes - changes in hormones could /can be one of the reasons of Seborrheic Dermatitis amongst children, since it generally disappears before they attain puberty.

* Malassezia - This is a type of fungus that is normally present on our skin in small quantities. This may also be another reason for the occurrence of Seborrheic Dermatitis when its count rises to more than a certain threshold.

* Neurological Disorders - Certain disorders like Epilepsy and Parkinson's disease may be in some ways linked to the onset of Seborrheic Dermatitis. To an extent, these conditions have been found to be co-existing. However, very little is known about the connection between the two.

Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis

It is possible to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis effectively if corrective measures are taken at the right time. Amongst factors that play an important role in determining the type and duration of treatment are - age of the patient, area where the infection has occurred and correct and timely diagnosis of the causes.

Use of shampoos consisting of salicylic acid also plays a crucial role in controlling Seborrheic Dermatitis. Formulations consisting of other chemicals and Coal tar are also effective in controlling Seborrheic Dermatitis. These should be alternated intelligently and their use should be progressively reduced as Seborrheic Dermatitis comes under control.

Professional medical advice should be sought in case these measures do not help. If infection, fluid formation, or pus is observed in the areas where Seborrheic Dermatitis exists or the skin becomes inflamed and feels very painful, a dermatologist should be contacted immediately.

At times, steroids need to be used to bring incidence of Seborrheic Dermatitis under control in severe cases in adults and adolescents. In case of babies, it is advisable to use traditional methods like gentle massaging and brushing of scalp and the use of very mild non-medicated shampoos or lotions and creams containing gentle steroids. Steroids should be started only after advice from a doctor.

At times Seborrheic Dermatitis may develop secondary symptoms like bacterial or fungal infections. In cases where Seborrheic Dermatitis becomes chronic, it may lower the self-confidence of the patient and may become a cause of embarrassment, psychological distress, and low esteem.