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Topcial application of a water-soluable ointment containing 50mg of Vitamin B6 per gram of ointment has been used as an effective treatment.<ref>Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571</ref>
Topcial application of a water-soluable ointment containing 50mg of Vitamin B6 per gram of ointment has been used as an effective treatment.<ref>Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571</ref>

Several nutrional supplements are recommended including: 3 mg twice per day of Biotin, <ref>Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571</ref> B-complex,<ref>Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571</ref> 20-30 mg per day of Zinc,<ref>Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571</ref> 1 tbsp per day of flaxseed oil.<ref>Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571</ref>


Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as [[atrophy]] and [[telangiectasia]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Smith J, Wehr R, Chalker D |title=Corticosteroid-induced cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasia. Experimental production associated with weight loss in rats |journal=Arch Dermatol |volume=112 |issue=8 |pages=1115–7 |year=1976 |pmid=952530 |doi=10.1001/archderm.112.8.1115}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Scheinfeld N |title=Seborrheic dermatitis |journal=Skinmed |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=49–50 |year=2005 |pmid=15654167 | url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/499706 |doi=10.1111/j.1540-9740.2005.03961.x}}</ref>
Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as [[atrophy]] and [[telangiectasia]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Smith J, Wehr R, Chalker D |title=Corticosteroid-induced cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasia. Experimental production associated with weight loss in rats |journal=Arch Dermatol |volume=112 |issue=8 |pages=1115–7 |year=1976 |pmid=952530 |doi=10.1001/archderm.112.8.1115}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Scheinfeld N |title=Seborrheic dermatitis |journal=Skinmed |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=49–50 |year=2005 |pmid=15654167 | url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/499706 |doi=10.1111/j.1540-9740.2005.03961.x}}</ref>

Revision as of 15:17, 13 March 2009

Seborrhoeic dermatitis
SpecialtyDermatology Edit this on Wikidata

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also Seborrheic dermatitis AmE, seborrhea) (also known as "Seborrheic eczema"[1]) is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis may be visually unpleasant and moderately itchy but is a harmless condition. The condition is often persistent but is easily controlled using readily available medication. After treatment, the condition may recur after a time lapse of months or years.

As with other dermatitis conditions, seborrhoeic dermatitis is often loosely defined as a form of eczema although it differs from other more serious conditions more properly defined as eczema.

Causes

The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unknown, although many factors have been implicated. The widely present yeast, Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale), is involved,[2][3] as well as genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors.[4][5] A hypothesis that seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to the yeast has not been proven.[6] Those afflicted with seborrhoeic dermatitis have an unfavourable epidermic response to the infection, with the skin becoming inflamed and flaking.

Acute form of seborrhoeic dermatitis on scalp

In children, excessive vitamin A intake can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis.[7] Lack of biotin,[8] pyridoxine (vitamin B6)[8][9] and riboflavin (vitamin B2)[8] may also be a cause.

Hair loss

Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks are untreated for extended intervals, permanent hair loss may result, because of damage to hair follicles.

Treatments

Soaps and detergents such as sodium laureth sulfate[citation needed] may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition.[citation needed] Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.

Among dermatologist-recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.[10] For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhoea,[11] as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone acetonide). Pimecrolimus topical lotion is also sometimes prescribed.

Topcial application of a water-soluable ointment containing 50mg of Vitamin B6 per gram of ointment has been used as an effective treatment.[12]

Several nutrional supplements are recommended including: 3 mg twice per day of Biotin, [13] B-complex,[14] 20-30 mg per day of Zinc,[15] 1 tbsp per day of flaxseed oil.[16]

Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as atrophy and telangiectasia.[17][18]

UV-A and UV-B light inhibit the growth of M. furfur,[19] although caution should be taken to avoid sun damage.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), one treatment that has proven successful, especially when steroid topicals and shampoos aren't working, and the patient continues to suffer from rapid hair loss and rashes, has been low doses (10–30 mg daily) of the prescription drug Accutane (Isotretinoin). The exact mechanism isn't known, but it is thought to work by reducing sebum, which plays an important role in seborrhoeic dermatitis. Patients should be evaluated monthly, while examing the proper liver functions when putting a patient on accutane therapy. Special screening should be in place for women patients, because of the risk of birth defects. This therapy can last, when the condition is chronic and the isotretinoin dose is low, for years. But, patients should be given a one to two month break off this particular therapy every 6 months to see if the condition still is affecting the patient.[20]

Other suggested treatments include using an air humidifier, as well as a gentle moisturizer with or without oatmeal.[citation needed] Applying milk of magnesia may help clear up seborrheic dermatitis; one may apply on the face while showering and rinse off at the end of the shower.[21]

Plant-based treatments

Main article: phytotherapy

The World Health Organization mentions Aloe vera gel as a yet to be scientifically proven traditional medicine treatment for Seborrhoeic dermatitis.[22]

See also

References

  1. ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0721629210.
  2. ^ Hay R, Graham-Brown R (1997). "Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: causes and management". Clin Exp Dermatol. 22 (1): 3–6. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2230.1997.d01-231.x. PMID 9330043.
  3. ^ Nowicki R (2006). "[Modern management of dandruff]". Pol Merkur Lekarski. 20 (115): 121–4. PMID 16617752.
  4. ^ Johnson BA, Nunley JR (2000). "Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis". Am Fam Physician. 61 (9): 2703–10, 2713–4. PMID 10821151.
  5. ^ Janniger C, Schwartz R (1995). "Seborrheic dermatitis". Am Fam Physician. 52 (1): 149–55, 159–60. PMID 7604759.
  6. ^ Parry M, Sharpe G (1998). "Seborrheic dermatitis is not caused by an altered immune response to Malassezia yeast". Br J Dermatol. 139 (2): 254–63. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.02362.x. PMID 9767239.
  7. ^ MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Hypervitaminosis A
  8. ^ a b c Schwartz RA, Janusz CA, Janniger CK (2006). "Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview". Am Fam Physician. 74 (1): 125–30. PMID 16848386.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Nutritional Neuropathy at eMedicine
  10. ^ Schwartz R, Janusz C, Janniger C (2006). "Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview". Am Fam Physician. 74 (1): 125–30. PMID 16848386.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Faergemann J, Jones J, Hettler O, Loria Y (1996). "Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur) as the causative agent of seborrheic dermatitis: new treatment options". Br J Dermatol. 134 Suppl 46: 12–5: discussion 38. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1996.tb15652.x. PMID 8763461.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571
  13. ^ Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571
  14. ^ Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571
  15. ^ Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571
  16. ^ Murray, Michael; Pizzorno, Joseph (1997). "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (Revised 2nd Edition) Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0761511571
  17. ^ Smith J, Wehr R, Chalker D (1976). "Corticosteroid-induced cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasia. Experimental production associated with weight loss in rats". Arch Dermatol. 112 (8): 1115–7. doi:10.1001/archderm.112.8.1115. PMID 952530.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Scheinfeld N (2005). "Seborrheic dermatitis". Skinmed. 4 (1): 49–50. doi:10.1111/j.1540-9740.2005.03961.x. PMID 15654167.
  19. ^ Wikler J, Janssen N, Bruynzeel D, Nieboer C (1990). "The effect of UV-light on pityrosporum yeasts: ultrastructural changes and inhibition of growth". Acta Derm Venereol. 70 (1): 69–71. PMID 1967880.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000501/2703.html
  21. ^ Graedon, Joe; Graedon, Teresa (2008-04-17), "The People's Pharmacy", Atlanta Journal Constitution Evening Edge, Atlanta Journal Constitution, p. 15 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants - Volume 1: Aloe Vera Gel". www.who.int. Retrieved 2008-03-18.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries ... - Google Book Search". books.google.com. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
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