Seborrhoeic Dermatitis - Medtick
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Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

What is it?

It occurs when the skin is renewing itself at a faster rate causing visible clumps of skin, sore skin, itchy and skin shedding.

  • It mainly occurs after puberty, babies have it too mainly known as cradle cap.
  • In babies it can be seen upto 12 months of age and should resolve by then.
  • It is not due to poor hygiene and is not contagious, but can occur and reoccur at any time.

One can have it on the following sites:

  • Any area where the body folds including armpits stomach (if obese) and groin areas.
  • Eyelids (Blepharitis)
  • Eyebrows
  • Creases of nose and cheeks
  • Beards
  • Front of chest
  • Mid back
  • In and around ears
  • Scalp

One can have:

  • Mild condition- some flaking and redness in a few small areas and treatments are helping.
  • Moderate condition -several areas affected (see above) with noticeable  redness and itching skin and treatments are moderately helping
  • Severe condition – large areas of redness, severe itching and where treatment is over the counter is not helping, stronger treatment via a medical doctor is required.

Cause

  • Unknown
  • Male sex

However it is believed to be caused by:

  • Fungus called Malassezia
  • Hormones secreted after puberty
  • Too much oil (sebum) produced by the skin (a natural moisturiser which does not let skin shed easily.
  • Not regularly combing one’s hair, hence it is not shed away properly.
  • Seasonal changes (it may get worst at winter due to lack of ultra-violet radiation from the sun, which helps to slow down the fungus).
  • Low humidity and/or low temperatures
  • Family history
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Neurological disorders
  • Circulation disorders
  • Weak immune system
  • Pachydermoperiostosis

Syndromes

Medication

Symptoms

  • Itchy skin?
  • Sore skin?
  • Red rash around the skin (on darker skin, the rashy skin  may appear lighter)?
  • Visible flakes of  skin?
  • Hair loss?
  • Greasy white or yellow scales with red patches?
  • Is one stressed?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

H.I.V test

  • A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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