What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis? How Is It Treated?

Dermatologist Dr. Bahar Öznur stated that "Seborrheic Dermatitis," which presents as a dandruff problem more frequently in men, occurs in 11 percent of the population. Dr. Bahar Öznur emphasized that itching that diminishes during summer will not fully resolve and consultation with a physician is necessary for a solution. Redness, scaling, itching and crusting appearing on the scalp and facial areas generally indicate an inflammatory skin disease known as "Seborrheic Dermatitis" or colloquially as "oily eczema."

Acıbadem Ankara Hospital Dermatology Specialist Dr. Bahar Öznur noted that this condition affects 11 percent of the population and continued as follows:

"The mild form of this disease, characterized by dandruff, is observed much more frequently, especially in men. Although it follows a course of flare-ups and improvements, it does not fully resolve and follows a chronic course. Active stress management is among the primary treatment methods for this disease."  

Seen as "cradle cap" in infants

Dr. Bahar Öznur noted that the disease most commonly appears as redness, itching, crusting and scaling on the scalp, nose sides, eyebrows and behind the ears, and between the chest, and stated that the form generally seen in infants under 6 months is known colloquially as "cradle cap," which typically resolves spontaneously around one year of age.

Improves during summer months

Dr. Bahar Öznur stated that the disease is mostly caused by excessive growth of a fungus called 'Malassezia Furfur,' which settles in our natural skin flora, and the sensitivity that our body develops against this fungus. He identified other factors as 'stress, cold and dry air, oily skin, use of alcohol-based lotions, genetic predisposition and hormonal irregularities.'

Use of certain medications can worsen the disease

Dr. Bahar Öznur, noting that Seborrheic Dermatitis can also accompany certain diseases, stated: "These diseases include conditions that suppress the immune system; organ transplantation, HIV infection and lymphoma. It can also accompany neurological diseases (such as Parkinson's disease) and psychological conditions. Additionally, use of certain medications can worsen the disease."

Do not confuse with psoriasis

Drawing attention to the fact that itching from Seborrheic Dermatitis can be confused with psoriasis, Dr. Bahar Öznur explained: "Clinically in psoriasis, waxy psoriasis color and thick plaques are observed more intensely, but diagnosis can be made by sending a skin biopsy taken from the skin for pathological examination. Moreover, since the treatment of the two diseases is similar, improvements usually occur at the same rate."

Stress management is essential!

Emphasizing that the treatment of the disease is aimed at reducing symptoms, Dr. Bahar Öznur explained that active stress management is recommended first in cases developing from stress. Noting that hair should be washed intermittently with "antiseborrheic" shampoos in treatment, Dr. Bahar Öznur stated "Since resistance can develop to the shampoos used, they may need to be changed every 3-4 months. Patients are generally recommended to use shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, tar and salicylic acid. These shampoos can cause excessive dryness and sensitivity at the hair roots, therefore they should be used intermittently." Dr. Bahar Öznur also noted that patients are recommended creams and solutions containing "topical corticosteroids," explaining "However, prolonged use of such products can cause skin thinning, therefore they must be used in a controlled manner." Dr. Bahar Öznur stated that locally applied anti-inflammatory creams can be used long-term safely, and at more advanced stages, creams effective against fungus can be preferred.