Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin issue that affects your scalp and causes what appears to be dandruff, scaly patches, etc. The symptoms are overwhelming if left untreated and require continious treatments to reduce hair loss risks. Seborrheic dermatitis is a commonly occurring problem that affects various parts of the body, including the neck, face, and arms. It is estimated that this condition and flaking impacts more than half of the adult population.
Babies can develop seborrheic dermatitis when they're between 2 weeks and 12 months old. It usually starts with cradle cap. A baby with cradle cap will have slightly red scaly or crusty yellow patches on the scalp. It may also start on the face or diaper area and spread to other parts of the body. - kidshealth.org What is Seborrheic Dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic scalp condition that causes your scalp to itch, flake, appear scaly, and have red patches. This condition can also extend beyond your scalp extending to your ears, eyebrow folds, and nose areas. Seborrheic dermatitis seems quite similar to dandruff due to the similar symptoms. Hence, it's easy to classify it as a severe case of dandruff form due to its excessive flaking, sticky oil scales, and inflammation. How Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Occur? Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by Malassezia – a fungus present in skin [oil] secretions. Another possible cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is due to a response of an irregular immune system. This means it could be due to an autoimmune or allergic reaction. Stress and some lotions with alcohol content may also contribute to triggering the condition. Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss? Generally, Seborrheic dermatitis won't cause hair loss, but according to the American Hair Loss Association, any hair loss experience is short-lived. The itchiness is irritating enough to trigger excessive rubbing and scratching, which can cause breakage, more inflammation, and damage to your hair follicles. Plus, excess sebum oil production can boost an overgrowth of Malassezia. As this fungus grows out of control, it leads to inflammation, making it difficult for your hair to grow. Once you can get the fungus and its inflammation under control, your hair will grow back. Whats The Best Way To Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis may go away on its own without any treatment. However, most episodes of Seborrheic dermatitis would need some form of therapeutic intervention. You should expect to use different approaches to get rid of this condition. Initially, your physician might suggest that you purchase an over-the-counter shampoo to treat the symptoms.
So, using a gentle, cleansing shampoo helps to reduce your scalp's oiliness and buildup of dead skin. A gentle shampoo is ideal for your scalp because it contains the necessary blend of ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc, and selenium sulfide for managing the symptoms. Besides a Seborrheic dermatitis shampoo, your physician may prescribe an antifungal medication. However, you should know that medications are [and should be] the last resort.
At Home Treatments for Seborrheic Dermatitis
1. ) Tea tree, Eucalyptis, or Peppermint oils are popular for its antimicrobial and cleansing properties.
2. ) Aloe Vera contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for keeping flare-ups at bay.
3. ) Black cumin seed oil suppliments (daily intake) can also help shorten the duration of Seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.
Last But Not Least
hair loss due to Seborrheic dermatitis is short-lived. Once you treat the inflammation and fungus, your hair grows back. While you may experience flare-ups, a Seborrheic dermatitis shampoo on a weekly bases will help keep this condition under control.
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