How To Get Rid Of Seborrheic Dermatitis? (DANDRUFF)

Summary

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, affects 3-10% of people, causing itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, often linked to oil production and yeast overgrowth. The condition is non-contagious and varies in severity. Treatment involves managing triggers, using antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents, and avoiding harsh products. Sun exposure can provide temporary relief but is not a long-term solution. New treatments like topical raflumab offer hope. Hair transplants are possible but require careful management to prevent flare-ups.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common form of eczema characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin.
• 🧬 It has a genetic component and is non-contagious, affecting 3-10% of the population.
• 🌱 SD is associated with oiliness of the skin or scalp and can affect all skin types.
• 🌟 Symptoms range from mild to severe and can significantly impact self-esteem.
• 🌡 Triggers for SD can include increased oil production, overgrowth of yeast, and immune system responses.
• 💊 Certain medical conditions and immune-compromised states can increase the likelihood or severity of SD.
• 🌞 Sun exposure may help in the short term but is not a consistent or long-term solution due to potential skin damage.
• 🚫 SD cannot be cured due to its genetic nature, but treatments can manage symptoms and triggers.
• 🧴 Regular washing and avoiding harsh shampoos can help prevent oil buildup and yeast overgrowth.
• 💊 Treatments for SD include antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, and corticosteroids, with new treatments like raflumab offering non-steroidal options.
• 💇 Hair transplants can be performed on patients with SD, but it's important to manage the condition to avoid flare-ups post-surgery.

Q & A

What is seic dermatitis?

Seic dermatitis, also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis or sebera, is a common form of eczema characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a poorly understood genetic component and is related to the oiliness of the skin or scalp.

What percentage of the population is affected by seic dermatitis?

It is estimated that 3 to 10% of the population have or have experienced seic dermatitis at some point.

Is seic dermatitis contagious?

No, seic dermatitis is non-contagious, meaning it cannot be caught from someone else or spread to others.

What are some common misconceptions about seic dermatitis?

Common misconceptions include the belief that it is contagious or that it is solely related to dry skin. In reality, it is associated with oiliness and can affect all skin types.

What factors can contribute to an episode of seic dermatitis?

Factors that can contribute to an episode include increased oil production, overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia, genetic predisposition, immune system response, and various aggravating factors such as immune-compromised states, nervous system disorders, hormone fluctuations, certain bacteria, climate extremes, and UV damage.

How does sun exposure affect seic dermatitis?

Sun exposure can help clear seic dermatitis in the short term, possibly due to the sterilizing effect of UVA and UVB light on the yeast and the suppression of Langerhans cells in the skin. However, it should not be considered a long-term solution due to potential skin damage.

What is the difference between seic dermatitis and other forms of eczema like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis?

Seic dermatitis tends to appear more yellow and greasy and is typically not itchy. Atopic dermatitis presents as dry, inflamed, and itchy patches with undefined edges, while psoriasis plaques are thicker, powdery, and often affect drier areas like elbows and knees.

Why is regular hair washing important for individuals with seic dermatitis?

Regular hair washing is important to prevent oil buildup and subsequent yeast overgrowth, which can exacerbate seic dermatitis. However, it is recommended to avoid harsh shampoos containing SLS, which can cause irritation.

What are some treatment options for seic dermatitis?

Treatment options include identifying and avoiding triggers, using antifungal agents like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, corticosteroids for short-term inflammation control, and new treatments like the FDA-approved topical foam raflum for patients aged 9 or above.

Can seic dermatitis affect hair transplant outcomes?

Seic dermatitis can potentially trigger a flare-up in predisposed patients, but if the condition and surgical recovery are properly managed, it should not affect the ultimate hair growth from the transplant.

How does the new FDA-approved treatment for seic dermatitis, raflum, work?

Raflum is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory phosphodiesterase inhibitor that alters gene expression in macrophages, changing the immune response to the condition.