DSeborrheic dermatitis is skin disorders that cause skin scaly, dandruff, and colored redness. Pthis inflammation usually occurs on the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and adults aged 30-60 years. When it occurs in infants, this condition is called cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by a scalp that looks crusty and scaly.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not a contagious disease and until now the cause is unknown. Although the cause is unknown, people with weak immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, are known to be more prone to scalp disease.
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is often characterized by the following symptoms:
- Red and itchy skin.
- Scaly skin.
- Dandruff arises due to flaky skin, either on the scalp or the mustache, beard, chest, and eyebrows.
- A rash that is round or oval in shape.
These symptoms mainly appear on the scalp, and usually arise or get worse when the sufferer is under stress. In certain cases, seborrheic dermatitis can also appear with other health problems, namely acne, hirsutism, and baldness. This condition is called SAHA syndrome.
When to go to the doctor
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated on its own with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos. If seborrheic dermatitis does not improve to the point of discomfort, and causes embarrassment or anxiety, the patient needs to see a doctor.
In addition, if seborrheic dermatitis is not managed independently or until it causes a skin infection, immediately consult a doctor. If there is an infection in the skin, the doctor will give medicine to treat the infection.
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. However, it is suspected that this condition is caused by a fungus Malassezia which grows due to excessive oil on the surface of the skin.
Apart from oil production and fungal growth, the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis is also thought to be due to an abnormal response of the immune system.
There are a number of factors that make a person more at risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis, including:
- Have a weak immune system, for example people who have recently undergone an organ transplant, people with HIV/AIDS, or people with cancer.
- Are in the recovery stage from a dangerous disease, such as a person who has just had a heart attack.
- Have a mental or neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease or depression.
- Using certain medications, such as interferon, lithium, or psoralen.
- Exposure to extreme weather, such as cold and dry weather.
Diagnosis of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is usually only determined through examination of the skin condition, without the need for further examination. However, a dermatologist may perform a sample of skin cells or a biopsy if other causes are suspected.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos. These shampoos generally contain selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sodium sulfacetamide, or sulfur.
Patients need to try several types of shampoo to find out which shampoo is the most effective for reducing the inflammation of seborrheic dermatitis they are experiencing.
Meanwhile, to relieve inflammation in areas other than the head, patients can use antifungal creams, such as creams clotrimazole, which is applied 1-2 times a day.
In addition to treatment with over-the-counter shampoos or creams, some home treatments can also be done to control this inflammation. These efforts include:
- Do not scratch the part of the body affected by seborrheic dermatitis, as this can exacerbate irritation and increase the risk of infection.
- Bathe and shampoo regularly, and rinse the soap or shampoo used until they are completely clean. Use a moisturizer if needed.
- Do not use soap or shaving cream on the face because it can trigger skin irritation.
- Using clothes with soft cotton material to reduce irritation on the skin surface.
If treatment with over-the-counter shampoos or creams doesn't treat the inflammation, your doctor may prescribe the following medications:
Corticosteroids topical (external medicine)
Your doctor can give you a cream, shampoo, or ointment that contains corticosteroids to apply to the problem area. Examples of this type of drug are: hydrocortisone, clobetasol, and desonide.
antifungal
One type of shampoo that can be used is a shampoo containing ketoconazole. While the antifungal drugs taken are given if the patient's condition has not shown improvement despite having undergone treatment.
Complications of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Severe seborrheic dermatitis in the hairy area can cause complications in the form of baldness. In addition, complications can also arise due to treatment with corticosteroids, namely thinning of the skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Prevention
Seborrheic dermatitis cannot be prevented. If you have experienced it, you can take the following steps to prevent the recurrence of the disease:
- Wash with antifungal shampoo for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. To clean the body, use soap that can remove oil to prevent bacteria and fungi from forming.
- Do not use skin and hair care products that contain alcohol, because it can cause inflammation in the skin.
- Stop using hair spray, gels, or styling products that can trigger a recurrence of seborrheic dermatitis.