Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Common Rashes of the Skin: Part 6 - Seborrheic Dermatitis



Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs most frequently in areas with the most sebaceous glands, such as the T-zone area of the face, scalp, inside the ears, and chest. This condition is linked to Malassezia, a type of yeast. The rash usually presents as scaly red patches, and rarely, as red plaques. The overlying scale can be white or yellow in color. These red patches can itch or burn.


Researchers are still studying what causes this common skin disease. It appears that the cause is complex. Many factors seem to work together to cause seborrheic dermatitis, including the yeast that normally lives on our skin, our genes, living in a cold and dry climate, stress, and a person’s overall health. 


The medications used to treat seborrheic dermatitis include antifungal shampoos and creams, anti-inflammatory creams, and barrier repair creams.


Many infants get cradle cap, which is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike adult seborrheic dermatitis, the condition usually resolves on its own in infants, usually within 6 months to 1 year of age.

No comments:

Post a Comment