Seborrhoeic condition

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the common skin diseases that affect the skin and scalp. It is an inflammatory skin condition similar to eczema and psoriasis which presents with an itchy skin, red inflamed patches which scales off, eruptions with flakes of skin and crusts. It usually affects the scalp but it can also affect the face and upper part of the body especially areas that are rich in oily glands and hair follicles.

Causes

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. But some of the factors that might cause this condition are:

• Stress
• Certain genes
• Yeast infection called Malassezia
• Overproduction of oily secretions in the skin
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Certain medical conditions
• Extreme weather conditions

Symptoms

• Itching of the skin and scalp
• Redness and swelling of the affected parts
• Flakes of dry skin on the scalp, hair, beard, mustache, or eyebrows
• Oily skin with yellowish, greasy patches on the affected parts

Types

Cradle cap: seborrheic dermatitis that affects the infants. It starts as eruptions with scaly, greasy patches and then form thick crusts on the scalp of the infants. Sometimes it also affects the diaper area which is often mistaken for diaper rash. This condition usually goes away within six months and is mostly harmless.

Seborrheic dermatitis in adults: can occur anytime throughout the life of an adult. It affects the scalp, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. It presents as itchy scalp with white or yellowish scales or flakes. It is often associated with hair fall. It usually clears up for a period and reappears which are called periods of flare ups.

Areas affected

Seborrheic dermatitis develops in parts of the body which are rich in oily and sweat glands. It usually affects the scalp, but it can also occur in the following parts such as, in and around the ears, on the eyebrows, nose, chest and back, around the navel, buttocks, skin folds, groins and below the breasts.

Risk factors

• Malnutrition
• Poor skin care
• Stress
• Pollution and dust
• Certain skin and hair care products
• Certain medical conditions, such as a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, etc
• Chronic skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, etc
• Depression

Management

• Always use a mild antiseptic soap and detergent
• Avoid sharing personal items such as hairbrush, towels and pillows, etc
• Wash and rinse the soap and shampoo thoroughly from the skin and scalp
• Massage the hair regularly
• Wash the baby’s hair after massaging with baby oil or olive oil, with a mild shampoo, rinse the scalp properly and brush the hair with a soft brush
• Get plenty of sunlight which will prevent the infections naturally

Treatment

Most of the time seborrheic dermatitis clears up with a little care and proper hygiene. Sometimes it tends to keep flaring up often and can last for years. Regular washing, healthy lifestyle and a good diet and exposure to sunlight will help to control this condition. Sometimes medications with medicated soap and shampoo will be necessary to keep this problem at bay.

Homeopathic medicines for Seborrheic condition

Kali sulphuricum: It is the best homeopathic medicine for seborrheic condition with yellow scales. The scalp is moist and the yellow flakes are sticky with itching and tingling.

Thuja: It is the best medicine for seborrheic condition with white flakes on the scalp. There is hairfall associated with dandruff. The hair is dry with splits at ends.

Natrum muriaticum: It is indicated for seborrheic condition with an oily scalp with redness and white flakes. Burning sensation on the scalp and face with oily skin. Eruptions on face like acne with redness and greasy skin.

Graphites: It is indicated for seborrheic dermatitis with intense itching and offensive smell on the scalp. Moist scalp with tangled hair. Dandruff like flakes on the margins of the eyelids and behind the ear with intense itching. The scales reduce after washing, but reappear. Matting and falling of hair from the flakes.

Phosphorus: It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for seborrheic dermatitis with flakiness and hair fall. The hair falls out in bunches and may result in bald spots. Intense burning sensation on the scalp with moist sweat.

Arsenic album: It is indicated in cases of seborrheic dermatitis with itchy scalp and white scales. Intense itching and burning sensation in the scalp especially at night. The scalp is dry, rough, dirty with dry scales and extremely sensitive to touch.

Calcarea sulph: It is indicated for seborrheic dermatitis with eruptions filled with yellowish pus. The scales are associated with hair fall,

Sanicula: It is a great medicine for seborrheic dermatitis with flakes on the eyebrows and eye lashes. The scalp is moist with sweat and covered in scales.

Psorinum: It is one of the top remedies for seborrheic dermatitis with moist, offensive smelling scalp and intolerable itching is present. The hair is rough and tangled. Intense itching which gets worse at night and from warmth. Scratches until bleeds.

Sulphur: It is recommended when the skin is dirty and unhealthy. Dry skin with dry scales on the scalp. Intolerable itching and scratching of scalp especially at night. Severe burning sensation from itching and scratching.

Some of the best products available in the market for seborrheic condition are Schwabe India’s Anti Dandruff Combo, B&T Anti-Dandruff Oil, B&T Anti- Dandruff Shampoo, Topi Berberis Cream, Topi Sulphur cream, Graphites Pentarkan, etc.