What is seborrhea of the scalp?

What is seborrhea of the scalp?

Seborrhea (say: seb-uh-ree-uh) is a common skin problem. It causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called “dandruff.” It can be on parts of the face as well, including the folds around the nose and behind the ears, the forehead, and the eyebrows and eyelids.

What does seborrhea come from?

Seborrhea comes from a yeast that irritates our skin. By definition, seborrhea is “the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands, whose ducts open into the hair follicles.” The problem is that yeast thrives on this oily secretion.

What kills seborrheic dermatitis on scalp?

Common treatments for seborrheic dermatitis include antifungals like econazole, ketoconazole, and clotrimazole, corticosteroids like clobetasol, and shampoos containing coal tar, selenium sulfide, coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole.

What kills seborrheic dermatitis?

Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis of the face and body include topical antifungals, corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Topical antifungals include ciclopirox, ketoconazole or sertaconazole.

How do I get rid of hardened sebum on my scalp?

The first step in cleaning sebum plugs from the scalp is to wash your scalp with warm water. Next, use a mild shampoo while gently massaging your scalp with your fingertips. This helps loosen all the hardened and dried sebum on the scalp. Excess build-up of sebum occurs on the scalp rather than hair strands.

Does seborrhea cause hair loss?

Seborrheic dermatitis generally doesn't cause hair loss. However, excessive scratching can injure your hair follicles, resulting in some hair loss. In addition, the extra sebum associated with seborrheic dermatitis can trigger an overgrowth of malassezia.

Why does my scalp have so much build up?

Scalp buildup occurs when an oily secretion called sebum accumulates alongside sweat, hair products, and dead skin cells on the scalp. It can have symptoms similar to those of seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema. For example, each of these conditions can cause flakes to appear in the hair and scalp.

Why is my scalp peeling?

Scalp peeling can be a result of dermatitis, dandruff, or psoriasis. Of all types of dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis most commonly cause peeling on the scalp. If your symptoms are not alleviated with home or OTC treatments, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Is apple cider vinegar good for seborrheic dermatitis?

An apple cider vinegar soak will loosen the scales on your scalp. It may also lessen inflammation in the area of the flare-up.

What happens if seborrheic dermatitis is left untreated?

If left untreated, the scale may become thick, yellow and greasy and, occasionally, secondary bacterial infection may occur.