Seborrheic Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment — Dandruff and Facial Redness

Seborrheic dermatitis: dandruff, redness and flaking on the face and brows. Causes, how it differs from psoriasis and fungus, treatment and home care. Dermatology visits in Fergana and Kokand.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in areas rich in oil glands. It often starts as "dandruff" on the scalp and can spread to the face, eyebrows and behind the ears, with redness and flaking. It is not contagious or dangerous, but it tends to come back, itches and affects appearance. With the right care and a dermatologist's advice it can be kept under control for long periods.

Where does seborrheic dermatitis appear?

Patches appear where oil glands are abundant:

• the scalp — dandruff, yellowish greasy flakes, itching;
• the eyebrows, eyelid margins and between the brows;
• the folds beside the nose and the sides of the nose;
• behind the ears and in the ear canal;
• the centre of the chest and between the shoulder blades.

In babies, yellowish crusts on the scalp ("cradle cap") are a form of seborrheic dermatitis and usually clear on their own.

Why does it happen?

There is no single cause. Several factors are involved:

• increased sebum production;
• a strong skin reaction to Malassezia, a yeast that normally lives on the skin;
• stress, fatigue and lack of sleep;
• cold, dry seasons — flares are more common in winter;
• some illnesses and medicines — a doctor assesses this.

Seborrheic dermatitis is not caused by poor hygiene and does not spread to other people.

How it differs from other skin conditions

It is often confused with psoriasis, fungal infection, rosacea or atopic dermatitis, which are treated differently:

• psoriasis — thicker, silvery scales with sharp borders; plaques may also be on the elbows and knees;
• fungal infection — often a ring-shaped patch, confirmed by a lab test;
• rosacea — redness and visible vessels in the centre of the face, little flaking;
• atopic dermatitis — intense itching and dry skin, often starting in childhood.

So if an anti-dandruff shampoo or cream does not help, a dermatologist should make the diagnosis, with dermoscopy and a lab test when needed.

How is it treated?

It is a chronic condition: the aim is to clear the patches quickly and make flares less frequent. The dermatologist chooses the plan by location and severity:

• medicated antifungal shampoos for the scalp;
• antifungal and anti-inflammatory products for the face and body, in short courses;
• gentle skin care that does not dry the skin;
• for severe or widespread disease, other treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Do not use steroid creams on your own for long periods: on the face they thin the skin and can keep the rash going. All medicines are prescribed by a doctor.

Home care

• Do not put off washing your hair — built-up oil and flakes make itching worse.
• Use a medicated shampoo as your doctor advised: lather it and leave it on for a few minutes.
• Avoid alcohol-based lotions, harsh scrubs and strong soap.
• Do not pick at the flakes — it increases inflammation.
• Watch stress and sleep: they often trigger flares.

When should you see a dermatologist?

• Dandruff and itching do not go away with ordinary shampoos.
• The rash spreads to the face, eyebrows or behind the ears.
• The skin becomes red, cracked, weepy or painful.
• Flares keep coming back or come with hair loss.
• You are not sure of the diagnosis — it might be psoriasis or a fungal infection.

Seborrheic dermatitis treatment in Fergana and Kokand

At Radeski Skin Clinic a dermatologist examines the skin and scalp, performs dermoscopy and a lab test when needed, and builds a care and treatment plan.

• Seborrheic dermatitis — the condition in brief;
• Dermatologist in Fergana — visits, prices and doctors;
• Dermatologist in Kokand — visits at the Kokand branch;
• if you are also losing hair: Trichologist and trichoscopy;
• similar conditions: Psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment, Atopic dermatitis.

If dandruff, itching or facial redness bother you, do not put off the consultation: the earlier care starts, the faster the rash comes under control.