| Product: |
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis |
| Date: |
02/07/08 (315 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Very treatable
Disadvantages: Unsightly, itchy, and rarely completely cured
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is quite a common skin complaint, and one of a number of ways that eczema can manefest itself. In crude terms, this form of dermatitis is an extreme type of dandruff- the flakiness typical on the scalp simply appears elsewhere on the body and is sore and itchy. I suffer from a relatively mild case of this, but when it flares up it can be a miserable and quite irritating affair! It runs in my family, but Im uncertain as to whether there is a true genetic basis for this skin complaint- my mother, older brother, and my younger brother (as well as me) all suffer from it to varying degrees. I think, as a woman, if the rash appears on your face it can be quite embarrassing, and can make cosmetic purchases difficult! Heres my experience of this eczema:
~What is Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?~
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Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin disorder which generally affects the face, scalp, and trunk of the body. Sebum, from which the word Seborrhoeic is derived, refers to the natural oils that are excreted by the sebaceous glands of the skins epidermis. These are the oils which, in excess amounts, can clog pores (but which can keep us youthful!). Seborrhoeic dermatitis is therefore prevalant in parts of the body/face that are more greasy or prone to sweating- this complaint can often occur either side of the nose and forehead (t-zone), and even between the breasts and shoulder blades.
*Appearance*
Quite honestly, its not a pretty rash. It can start as an irritating dry or flaky patch of skin, but soon turns a reddish tinge as the problem sets in. If you scatch the area, the rash can quickly ooze a yellowish secretion, and the marks become an angry reddish colour. Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is just severe dandruff, and is seen when the normal flakiness becomes crusty, or scabby in appearance. Along the hairline, it can get quite sore and red if not treated.
~Who gets Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?~
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I began to get this problem when I entered puberty, and I guess it was triggered by the excess sebum that is present on adolescent skin. I do not suffer much from it now, being 27, but I do get the odd patch on my scalp and in/behind my ears. Not nice, but managable.
It is thought that this form of eczema may be antagonised by a weak immune system. This is because the yeast that colonises naturally on all of our skin surfaces overgrows on the sufferer of Seborrhoeic dermatitis. The bodies natural defences seem less able to keep the yeast, Malasseaia furfur, under control and so it irritates the skin. HIV patients are disproportionately affected by this skin complaint since their immunity is compromised by the virus. My family suffers from an immune disorder, so this might account for why we suffer from it. I am definately prone to worse outbreaks when Im stressed or ill, which again implies an immune weakness.
However, it is not an uncommon ailment, with 3% of the population being affected to some degree or other.
~Treatments~
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Depending on the nature and the extent of the problem, Seborrhoeic dermatitis can be managed. I say managed because it is not usually completely cured- its one of those things you learn to keep on top off and deal with. The only time it went spontaneously for me, and for a significant amount of time, was when I was pregnant ( my leg hairs also stopped growing which was great waxing wise!). Anyway, heres some possible remedies:
*Try Dietry Supplements*
It is thought that certain vitamin defficiencies are responsible for this eczema. A lack of biotin (Vit B7), pyridoxine (Vit B6), riboflavin (Vit B2), and zinc may antagonise the condition. I also take vitamin C, and Omega 3 as they are supposed to be good for the skin.
*Avoid Sodium Laureth Sulfate*
This is a dreaded addition to most soaps and bath foams, and is very harsh on sensitive skins. It strips moisture from the epidermis (top layer) and irritates whilst drying out. Look at your bath soaps very carefully, but be prepared for the shocking truth that most generic brands have this in them- even 'gentle' baby baths. Sometimes the only way to avoid this chemical is to shop organically. Basically it is a VERY cheap detergent used in many household cleaners too. Try these suppliers if you are serious about avoiding this chemical:
www.GreenPeople.co.uk
www.SoOrganic.com
www.TheNaturalSkincareCompany.co.uk
*Coal Tar, Ketoconazole, Selenium Sulfide, and Zinc Pyrithione*
These are just some of the active ingrediants found in medicated dandruff shampoos (higher end of the market). I use Nizoral, which has the anti-fungal additive ketoconazole in, and I find it very useful. You can even dilute it slightly and rub it on your eyebrow if they get affected, or even behind the ears. Be sure to rinse it off again though. Other brands include T-Gel.
*Topical Cortisteriod*
I have a hydrocortisone cream, just 0.5%, to apply to the small patches I get in the outside of my ear, and on my face. This is prescribed because it should be used sparingly since it can thin the skin.
*Milk of Magnesia*
Apparently you can apply milk of magnesia to affected areas; Ive never tried it, but it may be worth a little attempt.
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So, dont let this problem get you down. There are treatments out there to keep it under control. Who knows, one day I may be rid of it forever. I cant complain though as my case isnt very noticable now.
Summary: A type of eczema that affects 3% of people.
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