Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [2].
Overview
Seborrhoeic eczema (also known as Seborrheic dermatitis AmE, seborrhea) is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.
Causes
The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unknown, although many factors have been implicated. The widely present yeast, Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale), is involved,[1][2] as well as genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors.[3][4] A suggestion that seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to this yeast has yet to be proven.[5] Those afflicted with seborrhoeic dermatitis have an unfavourable epidermic response to the infection, with the skin becoming inflamed and flaking.
In children, excessive vitamin A intake can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis.[6] Lack of biotin,[7] pyridoxine (vitamin B6)[7][8] and riboflavin (vitamin B2)[7] may also be a cause.
Hair loss
Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks go untreated for long periods of time, permanent hair loss may result due to damaged hair follicles.
Expect two to six months before hair growth may resume.
Physical examination
Gallery
Skin
Head
Ear
Neck
Trunk
Extremities
Genitales
Treatments
Medical Therapy
Soaps and detergents such as sodium laureth sulfate may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition. Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.
Among dermatologist recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.[9] For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhoea,[10] as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone acetonide). Pimecrolimus topical lotion is also sometimes prescribed.
Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as atrophy and telangiectasia.[11][12]
UV-A and UV-B light inhibit the growth of M. furfur,[13] although caution should be taken to avoid sun damage.
Those with seborrhoeic dermatitis might benefit from biotin supplements. One might also try a humidifier by the bed, as well as a gentle moisturizer with or without oatmeal. Applying milk of magnesia may help clear up seborrheic dermatitis; one may apply on the face while showering and rinse off at the end of the shower.[14]
Plant-based treatments
The World Health Organization mentions Aloe vera gel as a yet to be scientifically proven traditional medicine treatment for Seborrhoeic dermatitis.[15]
- Arctium lappa (Burdock) oil[16]
- Chelidonium majus (Celandine)[16]
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)[16]
- Melaleuca (Tea tree) species[16]
- Plantago (Plantain) species[16]
- Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)[16]
- Zingiber officinale (Ginger) root juice[16]
Related Chapter
References
- ↑ Hay R, Graham-Brown R (1997). "Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: causes and management". Clin Exp Dermatol. 22 (1): 3–6. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2230.1997.d01-231.x. PMID 9330043.
- ↑ Nowicki R (2006). "[Modern management of dandruff]". Pol Merkur Lekarski. 20 (115): 121–4. PMID 16617752.
- ↑ Am Fam Physician 2000;61:2703-10,2713-4
- ↑ Janniger C, Schwartz R (1995). "Seborrheic dermatitis". Am Fam Physician. 52 (1): 149–55, 159–60. PMID 7604759.
- ↑ Parry M, Sharpe G (1998). "Seborrheic dermatitis is not caused by an altered immune response to Malassezia yeast". Br J Dermatol. 139 (2): 254–63. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02362.x. PMID 9767239.
- ↑ "MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hypervitaminosis A". www.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Seborrheic Dermatitis: An Overview - July 1, 2006 -- American Family Physician". www.aafp.org. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ↑ "eMedicine - Nutritional Neuropathy : Article by R Andrew Sewell". www.emedicine.com. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ↑ Schwartz R, Janusz C, Janniger C (2006). "Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview". Am Fam Physician. 74 (1): 125–30. PMID 16848386.
- ↑ Faergemann J, Jones J, Hettler O, Loria Y (1996). "Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur) as the causative agent of seborrheic dermatitis: new treatment options". Br J Dermatol. 134 Suppl 46: 12-5: discussion 38. PMID 8763461. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help) - ↑ Smith J, Wehr R, Chalker D (1976). "Corticosteroid-induced cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasia. Experimental production associated with weight loss in rats". Arch Dermatol. 112 (8): 1115–7. doi:10.1001/archderm.112.8.1115. PMID 952530.
- ↑ Scheinfeld N (2005). "Seborrheic dermatitis". Skinmed. 4 (1): 49–50. doi:10.1111/j.1540-9740.2005.03961.x. PMID 15654167.
- ↑ Wikler J, Janssen N, Bruynzeel D, Nieboer C (1990). "The effect of UV-light on pityrosporum yeasts: ultrastructural changes and inhibition of growth". Acta Derm Venereol. 70 (1): 69–71. PMID 1967880.
- ↑ Graedon, Joe; Graedon, Teresa (2008-04-17), "The People's Pharmacy", Atlanta Journal Constitution Evening Edge, Atlanta Journal Constitution, p. 15 Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ "WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants - Volume 1: Aloe Vera Gel". www.who.int. Retrieved 2008-03-18.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 "The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries ... - Google Book Search". books.google.com. Retrieved 2008-03-19.