Definition:
A common skin disorder called seborrheic dermatis mainly affects the scalp causing a scaly, red skin, itchy and dandruff. It can also affect the upper chest, face, back and oily areas of the body.
Diagnosis:
After talking to you about your symptoms and examining your scalp and skin, the doctor may diagnose seborreic dermatitis. A skin biopsy or other tests may sometimes be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis and as well as rule out other types of dermatitis.
Treatment:
Treatments can control signs of seborrheic dermatitis, although there's no cure for it. It mainly depends on your skin type before treatment is done basing on the severity of your condition and where it occurs on your body.
The first step in treating seborrheic dermatitis is through the use of medicated shampoos. Salicylic acid, tar, ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide are examples of some.
Symptoms and Signs:
Among the common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include yellow or white scales that may attach to the hair shaft, skin flakes or dandruff, patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp, itching or soreness and red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
Causes:
Several contributing factors play a role such as abnormality of the oil glands and hair follicles, although the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known. With this disorder, people seem to have increased oil production called sebum.
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