Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common problem that people face, regardless of age and gender. The development of the disease is associated with impaired discharge and a change in the qualitative composition of sebum. Such a disease requires timely treatment.
Of course, today many people are interested in additional information about the disease. Why does seborrheic dermatitis develop? Photos of people who have encountered this ailment, symptoms, possible complications, effective methods of treatment - all this will be presented in the article.
Why does pathology develop? Fungal infections
According to statistics, seborrheic dermatitis in most cases is the result of the activity of the yeast-like fungi Malassezia furfur. These microorganisms feed on the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the number of conditionally pathogenic fungi is controlled by the immune system. But sometimes the protective mechanisms fail, as a result of which the yeast begins to multiply actively. Risk factors include:
- diseases of the organs of internal secretion, hormonal disorders;
- immunodeficiencies, regardless of origin;
- digestive system diseases;
- lesions of the nervous system;
- severe stress;
- taking certain medications.
Hormonal disorder
Seborrheic dermatitis often develops against a background of hormonal imbalance. As you know, testosterone and its derivatives enhance the functioning of the sebaceous glands, which creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi.
According to statistics, in women suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, the ratio between estrogens and androgens is most often disturbed. The list of potential causes include:
- adrenogenital syndrome;
- adrenal gland tumor;
- polycystic ovary;
- ovarian tumors;
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
- obesity (adipose tissue synthesizes a small amount of hormones);
- childbirth and gynecological diseases;
Often, seborrheic dermatitis develops in children of puberty, which, again, is associated with changes in the hormonal background and the development of organs of the reproductive system.
Dermatitis on the background of pathologies of the nervous system
As you know, the work of the sebaceous glands is controlled not only by hormones, but also by the nervous system, in particular, its autonomic departments. That is why sebum secretion increases against the background of any disorders of the nervous system. The following conditions are potentially dangerous:
- increased activity of the structures of the parasympathetic nervous system (vagotonia);
- psychoses that develop against a background of infection;
- Parkinson's disease;
- various forms of epilepsy;
- schizophrenia;
- sleeping sickness.
Digestive tract diseases
According to statistics, the development of seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with certain diseases of the digestive tract. The fact is that a damaged / inflamed intestinal mucosa leads to metabolic disturbance. The skin does not receive enough vitamins and nutrients, harmful products begin to accumulate in it. Potentially dangerous conditions are:
- dysbiosis (violation of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the intestinal microflora);
- penetration of worms into the body;
- ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines;
- colitis;
- gastritis, gastroduodenitis;
- disorders of the motor activity of the intestine, which are accompanied by constipation and diarrhea;
- diseases of the gallbladder, accompanied by stagnation of bile.
Other possible causes of dermatitis
Of course, the reasons for the development of seborrheic dermatitis can be other:
- For example, the work of the immune system is of great importance. According to the results of statistical studies, almost 90% of AIDS patients suffer from some form of seborrheic dermatitis. Of course, immunodeficiency is not always the result of HIV infection. The activity of the immune system decreases against the background of protracted systemic diseases.
- The list of reasons also includes taking certain medications, in particular those that affect the patient's hormonal background. Oral contraceptives are potentially dangerous. Men taking certain androgens are also at risk.
- Potentially dangerous is neglect of hygiene rules (remember that the skin needs constant cleansing and care), aggressive cosmetic procedures, as well as improper use of hygiene products.
The main symptoms of the disease
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disease that is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms:
- As a rule, first small spots appear on the skin with clear pink or red contours. Patients complain of severe itching and burning, which is associated with the activity of pathogenic microflora. Gradually, lesions become covered with yellowish scales.
- In the event that seborrheic dermatitis affects the skin folds (for example, axillary or behind the ear), then the tissues not only turn red, but also swell. Sometimes the affected areas are covered with cracks, which sometimes bleed.
- As the disease develops, the patient's skin begins to peel off, which is associated with rejection of keratinized epithelial cells. Peeling is also accompanied by itching and other unpleasant sensations.
- Gradually, surface skin cells are saturated with sebum, due to which they remain on the surface of the integument, forming scales. At first they are small, white, but gradually layered on top of each other, forming yellowish seborrheic plaques. If the tissues become infected, the skin under the scales becomes inflamed, begins to get wet. Pus formation is also possible, as a result of which purulent or even bloody crusts appear on the integuments.
- Rashes can also be attributed to the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, however, their appearance, as a rule, is associated with a secondary bacterial infection. The rash in this case is polymorphic - papules, small vesicles with various contents form on the skin.
- In more severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis is accompanied by the appearance of acne. Acne is the result of a complication of the disease rather than its symptom. The fact is that sebum and dead cells of the epidermis block the ducts of the sebaceous glands, which leads to inflammation.
Of course, the symptoms of the disease directly depend on its form and stage of development.
Forms of the disease
To date, there are three main types of seborrheic dermatitis:
- Common is oily seborrhea, in which there is hypersecretion of sebum. At the same time, patients suffer from acne, acne, permanent greasy shine on the face.
- The dry type of seborrhea is accompanied by a decrease in sebum secretion. The skin is dry, and often the surface layers crack. From this kind of disease, adolescents most often suffer before puberty.
- There is also the so-called mixed type. At the same time, foci of both dry and oily seborrhea are present on the patient's body.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face: photos and features of the clinical picture
Each form of the disease is accompanied by its own, very characteristic symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis on the face manifests itself most often. In most cases, teenagers, as well as young people under the age of 25, face a similar problem. The fact is that the skin here is rich in sebaceous glands, which is a risk factor.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face is fairly easy to identify. First, small reddish spots appear on the skin, which are gradually covered with thin yellow plaques. Such processes are accompanied by itching, burning and other unpleasant sensations. Sometimes lesions fuse together, forming fairly large discs.
Seborrheic dermatitis is most severe in adult men who grow a beard or mustache. It is in the places of hair growth that large plaques are localized. Sometimes a purulent process joins dermatitis.
Sometimes the disease spreads to the skin of the eyelids. Tissues swell, redden, sometimes become cracked. Small seborrheic scales form along the hairline. Perhaps the development of blepharitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
The pathological process often affects the skin of the scalp. The first symptom in this case is dandruff. This stage is accompanied by irritation, severe burning and itching.
Gradually, with seborrheic dermatitis, thickened scales, yellowish crusts saturated with sebum appear on the head. Over time, they cover almost the entire surface of the head. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, then the hair follicles become inflamed, pustules form in their place. The yellow scales disappear, and along with the hair, the patient’s hair becomes thinner and thinner.
Possible complications
Many people experience a disease like seborrheic dermatitis. Reviews of doctors indicate that the disease in most cases is well amenable to therapy. Nevertheless, the likelihood of developing complications should not be ruled out.
Sometimes, against the backdrop of an ailment, deep acne appears on the skin, which is difficult to treat. In addition, skin lesions often become a gateway to infection - possibly secondary tissue damage. If we are talking about seborrheic dermatitis on the head, then there is a possibility of complete or partial baldness.
Treatment regimen
How to cure seborrheic dermatitis? Therapy in this case must necessarily be comprehensive, since much here depends on the causes and stage of development of the disease:
- The main in this case is the use of antifungal agents. They are available in the form of tablets (they are used for severe forms of seborrhea), as well as ointments for the skin and shampoos for hair. Effective drugs are those containing fluconazole, ketoconazole and clotrimazole.
- Patients are prescribed antihistamines. Such medications can help relieve swelling, redness, and itching that bother the patient. Effective are "Loratadine", "Clemastine." In more severe cases, doctors recommend intramuscular or intravenous administration of hyposensitizing drugs, in particular sodium thiosulfate and calcium gluconate.
- If there is a pronounced inflammatory process, then patients are prescribed glucocorticoid drugs in the form of ointments or creams for treating the skin. The most commonly used drugs are hydrocortisone and beclomethasone.
- In order to soften the epithelial integument, remove seborrheic plaques and flakes, keratolytic drugs are used , in particular, products containing urea, salicylic acid, and zinc.
- If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, then the patient's treatment is supplemented with antibiotics.
Shampoos for scalp lesions
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp? Doctors must include special shampoos in the treatment regimen. There are several most effective and popular drugs:
- Doctors often prescribe Frederm shampoo to patients. The main active substance of the drug is zinc pyrithione. In the first 14 days, hair is washed twice a week, after which - once every 7 days for a month.
- A good antifungal agent is considered to be "Sebozol", the main active component of which is ketoconazole. This substance negatively affects the walls of fungi, prevents the further development of pathogenic microorganisms, normalizes the secretory activity of the sebaceous glands, and relieves irritation and skin peeling.
- Sometimes patients are advised to use Keto-plus shampoo. This is a combination agent, which contains zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole.
- A good effect is the use of Sulsena shampoo (the active substance is selenium disulfide). This tool inhibits the reproduction of fungi, reduces peeling, cleanses the surface skin layers, and also normalizes the keratinization of tissues.
- Sometimes with seborrheic dermatitis, the Skin-cap remedy is used. This shampoo also has antifungal properties, but inhibits the activity of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, its regular use prevents the formation of plaques and scales on the scalp.
Folk remedies
Of course, you can help yourself at home. Traditional medicine offers a huge number of recipes:
- Useful is a mask of burdock. It’s easy to cook: mix a teaspoon of honey and burdock oil with two teaspoons of burdock juice and onion juice. The resulting product is mixed with a small amount of shampoo and applied to the scalp. Hair should be covered with a film and wrapped in a warm towel. The mask can be washed off after an hour.
- If we are talking about skin lesions, lotions from a decoction of pharmacy chamomile will be useful. This plant has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve inflammation and itching. Daily treatment improves the patient's condition.
- To rinse hair and scalp, decoctions of sage and nettle are used.
- A decoction of oak bark can be used to rinse hair after washing, as well as rubbing affected skin areas.
- Useful is a decoction of blackcurrant branches, which can be taken orally (instead of tea).
It should be understood that the use of these funds is possible only with the permission of the attending physician. In no case should you ignore the problem, as this will certainly affect the condition of the skin and hair.