Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects areas with increased sebaceous gland activity: the scalp, face, chest, and back. In mild cases, it may present as dandruff; in more pronounced cases — as redness, itching, and flaking.
The exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis remain unclear. One of the triggers may be the body’s reaction to Malassezia yeast, which naturally lives on the skin. Factors that can provoke flare-ups include cold weather, stress, hormonal changes, and chronic conditions (for example, Parkinson’s disease).
Symptoms
1️⃣ Flaking (may resemble dandruff)
2️⃣ Redness
3️⃣ Itching, sometimes burning
Treatment is individualized, but usually includes:
🟡 Antifungal therapy: topical or systemic
🟡 Anti-inflammatory treatment:
- Topical corticosteroids (TCS)
- Calcineurin inhibitors (TCI)
🟡 In rare cases — systemic retinoids
🎀 Without antifungal components, treatment will be ineffective
Skincare
Proper skincare plays a key role in managing seborrheic dermatitis:
🟡 Scalp: regular use of shampoos with active ingredients (see this post)
🟡 Face and body: gentle cleansers, proper moisturizing, and daily sunscreen
🟡 Avoiding triggers: manage stress perception and choose cosmetics carefully
Seborrheic dermatitis cannot be fully cured, but with proper care and treatment it can be very well controlled.