$Unique_ID{BRK02081}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Causes and Treatments of Seborrheic Dermatitis}
$Subject{seborrheic dermatitis skin scalp seborrhea medicated shampoo dandruff
lesions cradle cap hair loss zinc pyrithione selenium sulfide sulfur salicylic
acid coal tar hydrocortisone corticosteroid yeast Pityrosporum ovale
anti-yeast medications}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Causes and Treatments of Seborrheic Dermatitis


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QUESTION:  I have been diagnosed as having seborrheic dermatitis.  I am using
a medicated shampoo every fourth day.  It holds the itching in check, but I
would like to have a cure, if that is possible.  Also would like to know how
it got started and if it is contagious, and how to get rid of it?  Everyone
seems to think it is a lifetime guest.  I would very much appreciate your
explanation.

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ANSWER:  It sounds like you have a mild case, one which only affects the
scalp, rather than other parts of your body.  It is the dry or greasy scales
of the scalp caused by seborrhea that create those embarrassing flakes we call
dandruff.  However, in severe cases the lesions can appear behind the ears, in
the ear, on the eyebrows, the bridge of the nose and even on the chest.  In
newborns, seborrheic dermatitis is often seen, and is called "cradle cap".
The good news is that it does not cause hair loss.  The less happy news is
that it may indeed be a lifetime guest.
     However, it may be completely controlled through the proper use of
medicated shampoos.  Various medications are effective, including zinc
pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, and preparations
containing coal tar.  In severe cases that require a more rapid response,
hydrocortisone or other corticosteroid lotions can be employed.  Although
these preparations are used as frequently as once or twice a day to begin
with, once the condition begins to subside applications can be reduced to once
or twice a week.  Shampoos are also used on a daily basis to begin treatment,
and after reducing the inflammation can usually control the dandruff, scaling
and itching with but one or two applications per week.  Though not cured, the
condition may disappear for months at a time (remission).  Genetic factors are
thought to be a main element in the cause of the condition, but climate also
plays an important role, as the situation worsens during the winter months.
Though not considered an infectious disease, some recent research has focused
on a common yeast (Pityrosporum ovale) as a possible cause, and the use of
topical anti-yeast medications can be effective in some patients.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.