Due to lack of free time, modern people prefer to treat the symptoms of the disease rather than eliminate its cause. This approach subsequently leads to the development of the disease in a chronic form, the destruction of the body from the inside. Seborrhea refers to such disorders. Its first stage usually occurs in adolescence, when they are in no hurry to see a doctor. Then the disease throughout life makes itself felt, manifesting unpleasant symptoms.
Seborrhea - what is it?
This is a skin disease that develops as a result of impaired functioning of the sebaceous glands. Each person has the latter. In young children, most of these glands are in a "sleeping" state. They begin to fully work only by puberty. For older people, a gradual decrease in these skin structures is characteristic.
The glands produce sebum or sebum. It covers a thin layer of the dermis and protects it, as well as the hair from drying out. In case of hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands, they begin to produce 1.5 times more sebum. Moreover, its composition changes dramatically: a smaller amount of linoleic acid results in an increase in skin pH, which creates favorable conditions for the activation of the infectious process. In case of hypofunction, the skin becomes thinner and dries up. Against the background of fat deficiency, its natural protective function is disrupted.
Main reasons
In order to better understand the mechanism of development of seborrhea, and what kind of ailment it is, it is necessary to understand its causes.
The leading role in the development of the disease belongs to the yeast-like lipophilic fungi of the species Malassezia. Normally, they are present in the microflora of healthy people. However, under the influence of adverse factors, the body cannot keep them in a passive state. As a result, hyperactivation of the fungus occurs, as a result, inflammation of the skin with the occurrence of seborrhea.
The provoking factors for the development of the disease are the following:
- endocrine disorders;
- decreased immunity;
- mental disorders;
- CNS pathology;
- abuse of diets;
- vitamin deficiency in the diet;
- frequent stress;
- physical overload;
- prolonged use of glucocorticosteroids;
- genetic predisposition.
People at risk of paralysis and paresis, suffering from Parkinson's disease, are at risk. It is proved that seborrhea is a pathology often found in patients with immunodeficiency virus. In HIV-infected people, the disease is diagnosed 5 times more often, and in AIDS patients - 9 times more often than in healthy people.
Classification of ailment
Seborrhea in adults occurs in several forms. Each of them has a specific clinical picture.
- Oily. Appears against the background of increased work of the sebaceous glands and increased production of sebum. The prominent grease is mixed with keratinized skin flakes, forming a thick yellow mass. This form of the disease is often accompanied by inflammatory processes: severe itching, wetting areas, bloody crusts. She is also characterized by partial or complete hair loss.
- Dry. Sebum production is declining. The skin begins to peel off, dandruff forms. Hair becomes brittle. After shampooing, a feeling of tightness is maintained.
- Mixed. It combines the symptoms of previous forms, manifested in various parts of the head.
Determining the type of ailment allows you to choose the most effective therapy.
Facial lesion
Seborrhea of the skin of the face is manifested by a profuse rash. Favorite places of its localization are the forehead, nose bridge, eyebrows, nasolabial triangle. Affected areas redden and itch.
There are other symptoms of the disease of this variety:
- the appearance of acne and blackheads;
- violation of the composition of sebum;
- enlarged pores;
- increased gloss of the skin.
Over time, the skin becomes covered with whitish flakes with a dry form of seborrhea. In the case of its oily variety, yellowish scales appear. When the inflammatory process affects the eyelids and the parotid region, blepharitis symptoms occur.
Seborrhea of the skin of the face is mainly diagnosed in men and women who suffer from hormonal changes and endocrine disorders.
Scalp affection
With damage to the scalp, the main symptom is dandruff. It can be dry or oily, accompanied by other signs of an ailment:
- peeling of the skin;
- thinning and hair loss;
- formation of yellowish crusts on the head.
If untreated, seborrhea of the scalp leads to diffuse alopecia or alopecia.
Torso affection
Seborrhea on the body usually has a localized character. The foci of inflammation are represented by a pink rash and peeling. They are located mainly on the chest and between the shoulder blades. As the disease progresses, the pathological elements fuse together, forming large plaques.
When a bacterial infection joins seborrhea, the clinical picture is supplemented by the following symptoms:
- itching and irritation on the skin;
- the appearance of painful pustules;
- crusts and cracks may occur on the surface of the epithelium.
Many patients note that the symptoms of seborrhea of the scalp, face and body are aggravated when eating spicy and spicy dishes, sweets, carbonated drinks in large quantities.
Seborrhea in a child
In newborns, doctors often diagnose seborrhea of the head. Symptoms of the disease manifest as yellowish crusts. They cover the scalp and skin near the border of hair growth (most often in the forehead). The crusts are well removed after water procedures or applying baby oil. A few more days under them may remain red spots that pass on their own.
Similar manifestations of seborrhea do not require specific treatment. They pass around the first year of a child's life. They should not be picked up with sharp objects or nails, since there is a risk of infection. With a hereditary predisposition, the crusts remain up to 4-5 years.
Diagnostic Methods
It is impossible to diagnose a patient with “seborrhea of the scalp” according to the photo or solely by means of a physical examination. Diagnostic measures necessarily include the study of the patient's history, survey data. To differentiate the disease from other dermatological pathologies, a comprehensive examination is necessary. It usually consists of the following purposes:
- microscopy;
- dermatoscopy;
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- spectral inspection.
To determine the cause of the disease, the patient needs to be tested for sugar and hormones, undergo endoscopy. Such a detailed diagnosis is necessary to assess the complete clinical picture and prescribe the most effective therapy.
Power Features
Before starting treatment for skin seborrhea with drugs, it is necessary to establish nutrition. Since the exact causes of the disease remain unknown until now, the diet should pursue several goals:
- strengthening immunity;
- saturation of the body with vitamins, minerals and other useful substances;
- normalization of the digestive process;
- removal of toxins and toxins;
- an exception to the diet of allergen products.
It is recommended to follow a diet constantly, and not only with exacerbation of pathology. Seborrhea provides for increased production of sebum, so in the first place, those products that enhance this process should be excluded. We are talking about convenience foods, excessively salty and spicy foods, spices and spices. It is necessary to refuse products with flavor enhancers and dyes.
Regardless of the variety of seborrhea, it is better to abandon sweets and confectionery, fast food, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. Such an approach allows not only to reduce the symptoms of skin seborrhea, but also to normalize the digestive tract. It is also useful to limit the intake of allergen products (citrus fruits, chocolate, nuts, coffee, mushrooms, honey, etc.).
It should not be assumed that in the event of illness, the food will be tasteless. If desired, you can choose a healthy and at the same time tasty diet. For example, fermented milk products with a low fat content are useful for normalizing digestion. With seborrhea, raw fruits and vegetables, greens are allowed. They are an indispensable source of vitamins and minerals that help to improve the regenerative processes of the skin.
To normalize metabolism, it is useful to use animal protein. For this purpose, it is better to choose seafood, fish, eggs and lean meat. For the improvement of the whole organism, cereals and cereals should be eaten.
Drug treatment
Many do not know that seborrhea is not a contagious disease. Fungal colonies are present on the body of all people. Their active life occurs only under the influence of a number of factors and with systemic disorders in the body. To avoid unpleasant manifestations of the disease, the medication prescribed by a dermatologist cannot be ignored. Its duration is from 4 weeks to 2 months.
Medication for seborrhea of the oily or dry variety has several goals. In many ways, they are similar to those of therapeutic nutrition (normalization of the digestive tract and hormonal balance, improving the functioning of the central nervous system, stopping foci of infection on the skin, etc.). Therefore, the prescribed drugs are very extensive:
- Antifungal (Bifonazole, Ketonazole).
- Multivitamin complexes (Revit, Hexavit).
- Antiallergic (Loratadine).
- Antibacterial (Dosxycycline).
If the symptoms remain resistant to the therapy, hormonal ointments for local use are additionally prescribed. In especially serious situations, glucocorticosteroids are indicated.
Therapeutic Shampoos
Treatment of dry seborrhea of the head involves the use of therapeutic shampoos. They can be purchased in almost every pharmacy chain. However, regardless of the quick effect declared by the manufacturer, in order to obtain a positive therapeutic effect, it is important to adhere to the following rules:
- do not wash your hair with hot water;
- use the selected shampoo on a regular basis, but no more than 3 times a week.
Most often, from seborrhea, manufacturers offer agents that fight dandruff. One such is Head and Shoulders. However, shampoos of this company only eliminate the symptoms of the disease, and do not cope with the main cause.
Doctors recommend purchasing products based on zinc or tar, which effectively fight the fungus (Nizoral, Friderm Zinc, Friderm Tar). They eliminate dandruff and itching of the scalp. The duration of use is usually up to 4 weeks, and with severe alopecia - up to 12 weeks.
Non-hormonal creams and ointments
For the treatment of seborrhea of smooth skin, external preparations are recommended that provide a reduction in inflammatory reactions and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
- Cream "Eplan". Quickly removes peeling, has an antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Cream "Solcoseryl". Improves the appearance of the skin, has a wound healing effect.
- Ointment "Rendezvous". It is especially effective in treating dry skin seborrhea. It is characterized by a softening and anti-inflammatory effect, slows down the processes of keratinization of the skin.
- "Dexapanthenol" and its analogues. It is allowed to use during pregnancy and for the treatment of young children.
Hormone therapy
The traditional treatment of oily seborrhea on the face or scalp does not always immediately give a positive result. Therefore, sometimes you have to resort to hormonal drugs. Those are the ointments "Flucinar", "Hydrocortisone", "Celestoderm." They are used in short courses and only as prescribed by the doctor.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
Physiotherapeutic treatment enhances the drug effect and normalizes the sebaceous glands. Doctors recommend the following procedures:
- Darsonvalization. During the procedure, high-frequency pulse currents are used. Their effect improves skin tone, enhances blood circulation.
- Cryomassage. It implies the use of cold sources, which constrict blood vessels and eliminate inflammatory reactions.
- Laser puncture. The essence of the procedure is the effect of low-energy laser radiation on biological active points.
Sulfur baths also give a good effect. They are prescribed a course of 10-12 procedures.
Help traditional medicine
Self-medication with seborrhea is a rather risky step. It is important to understand that the amount of sebum produced is often affected by malfunctions in the endocrine, digestive, nervous and other systems. Therefore, recipes of traditional medicine can only for a while reduce the manifestations of the disease. However, without eliminating the root cause, it is not possible to finally overcome it.
Alternatively, alternative medicine can be used to alleviate the symptoms of seborrhea. You must first consult a doctor, as some herbs are contraindicated in individual cases.
- Mix glycerin and soda with water until a creamy consistency is formed. The mixture should be cooled. It is recommended to use it as a mask, gently rubbing it into the scalp. The whole procedure lasts no more than 20 minutes, after which the composition must be washed off. Glycerin softens the skin, and soda improves blood microcirculation.
- With seborrhea, you can add essential oils to masks and shampoos (2-3 drops per cap). In the case of a dry variety of the disease, it is better to use lavender, geranium and chamomile. With oily seborrhea, oils of lemon, cypress, sandalwood are shown.
- At the first manifestations of the disease, it is worth recalling the usual burdock oil. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. To conduct therapy, just rub the product into the scalp. This should be done with extreme caution. Otherwise, there is a risk of pulling out the hairs affected by the disease and damage the skin. After applying the oil, you need to wrap your head with a towel. The mask is left for 6 hours, after which it is washed off with a special shampoo from dry seborrhea. Similar procedures can be repeated twice a week for one month. Burdock oil helps moisturize the scalp and prevent hair loss.
- Symptoms of the disease stop well after applying a decoction of oak bark. To prepare it, you need 3 tablespoons of the dry mixture, pour a glass of boiling water. The mass must be thoroughly stirred and cooked over low heat for about 20 minutes. After this, the broth needs to be filtered and cooled to room temperature. You can use it when rinsing your hair after applying shampoo every three days.
- Photos of seborrhea of the scalp are presented a little higher in the article. Few people know that with this localization of the manifestations of the disease, walnut leaves help well. They need to be finely chopped (about 6 tablespoons of the mixture should be obtained), pour 0.5 liters of water and boil. The broth should be infused for 3 hours at room temperature. Then in it you should moisten a towel and cover it with your head, and put a plastic bag on top. After about 30 minutes, rinse your hair without using shampoo. The procedure is recommended to be repeated every 3 days until the symptoms disappear.
- The healing mask based on honey has also proven itself. You will need to take a teaspoon of flower honey and mayonnaise, mix and combine with a small amount of olive oil. The resulting composition must be carefully and evenly distributed throughout the hair. The head should be covered with a plastic bag, and a terry towel on top. The mask can be left for 40 minutes. After it needs to be washed off using shampoo. To rinse your hair in the final stage, you should use water with vinegar (take a tablespoon of vinegar for 250 ml of water). The procedure is recommended to be repeated every 3 days for a month.
Above are only the most popular recipes for seborrhea. Everyone can choose for themselves the most convenient tool, guided by the form of the disease and its localization.
Possible consequences
Not cured in a timely manner seborrhea of the head, according to doctors, can lead to a number of more serious ailments. For example, a chronic form of acne, erythroderma, and pyoderma often develop on the face and body. Seborrhea on the head often leads to partial or complete baldness. That is why, when its first signs are detected, you should consult a doctor and clearly implement his therapeutic recommendations.
Prevention Methods
In the photo, seborrhea of the skin looks quite unpleasant. To avoid the disease, doctors recommend following fairly simple rules:
- to strengthen immunity;
- avoid stressful situations;
- use quality personal care products.
For the prevention of seborrhea, it is extremely important to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition. No less useful sports, hiking and good rest. Such events can improve health and the nervous system.