Occurence of Seborrheic Eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting areas of the head and trunk where sebaceous glands are most prominent. Adult seborrheic eczema is eczema believed by some to be caused by a yeast condition. Lipophilic yeasts of the Malassezia genus, as well as genetic, environmental and general health factors, contribute to this disorder. Scalp seborrhea varies from mild dandruff to dense, diffuse, adherent scale. Facial and trunk seborrhea is characterized by powdery or greasy scale in skin folds and along hair margins.

Adult seborrheic eczema also known as Dandruff or Seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants.

Seborrheic eczema is a non-contagious condition that causes flaking and redness of the skin. It occurs when there is inflammation in areas of the skin where sebaceous (skin oil) glands are concentrated. It usually affects the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as eyebrows, eyelids, the folds of the nose, lips, behind or inside the ears, in the external ear, the forehead and the chin and the skin of the trunk, particularly around the navel, in the skin folds under the arms, in the groin, or under the breasts.

Seborrheic eczema can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, and is usually unattractive. It can disappear spontaneously and suddenly reappear, for no known reason. Or it can stubbornly linger, resisting treatment. But as frustrating as it can be, it is readily diagnosed and is treatable. Seborrheic eczema begins gradually, with dry or greasy scaling of the scalp. The affected areas are oily and red, and may or may not be itchy.

Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, without redness or scaling. Patients with seborrhea may later get seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic eczema has both redness and scaling.

Causes of Seborrheic Eczema

The exact cause of Seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. Yeast called Pityrosporum ovale, may be a factor in the development of Seborrheic eczema. This member of the fungus group is quite common and is found on healthy skin. For people with Seborrheic eczema/dermatitis, when the skin retains oil and scales, this organism grows rapidly and can aggravate the skin condition. That's why some people with Seborrheic respond well to treatment with soaps or shampoos containing anti-fungal agents.

Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families. Stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, use of lotions that contain alcohol, or skin disorders such as acne or obesity may increase the risk. Neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease, head injury, and stroke can also be associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also associated with higher incidence.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Eczema

Symptoms of seborrheic eczema include:

  • skin lesions
  • plaque or over large area
  • greasy, oily areas of skin
  • skin scales, white and flaking or yellowish, oily, and adherent "dandruff"
  • plaques may include the scalp, eyebrows, nose, forehead, or ears
  • itching; may become more itchy if infected
  • mild redness
  • hair loss may also be associated with this disease

Adult seborrheic eczema is a chronic condition. In its mildest form, adult seborrheic eczema has the appearance of oily, scaling, mildly inflamed and reddened skin, and moderate to intense itching. Seborrheic scales flaking from the scalp can look like dandruff. In moderate to severe adult form, seborrheic eczema has characteristic thick, oily, yellowish-brown crusts, mild to severe skin inflammation and redness, and intense itching. The itching may be especially intense on the scalp, ears and eyelids.

The diagnosis is based on the appearance and location of the skin lesions. When lesions are on the scalp, seborrheic eczema and psoriasis may be almost indistinguishable from one another. In patients with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, seborrheic eczema is believed to trigger psoriasis or evolve into psoriasis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic skin condition that shares some features with psoriasis: the lesions of seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can appear as light red to pink patches with scales over the face and ears.

This condition is most common in three age groups — infancy when it's called "cradle cap," middle age, and the elderly. Cradle cap usually clears without treatment by age 8 to 12 months. This may be due to the gradual disappearance of hormones passed from the mother to the child before birth. In some infants, seborrheic eczema (link to infantile eczema page) may develop only in the diaper area where it could be confused with other forms of diaper rash. When seborrheic eczema develops at other ages it can come and go.

Controlling Seborrheic Eczema

Treatment varies, depending on the affected areas and the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be treated with medicated shampoos and application of over-the-counter products. For more stubborn cases, consult a physician who can confirm the diagnosis. Such cases may require consultation by a dermatologist.

Washing your face two or three times a day with a cleanser such as Cetaphil gentle cleansing bar for dry sensitive skin or Neutrogena dry, sensitive skin cleansing bar can help control facial oiliness. When Seborrheic eczema affects the scalp, you may find it necessary to shampoo daily with one of many non-prescription medicated shampoos.

Shampooing Tips for a Scalp with Seborrheic Eczema:

  • Look for a shampoo that contains one of four important ingredients: coal tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid.
  • Shampoo as often as every day, or as occasionally as two to three times per week.

After applying the shampoo, leave it on your hair and scalp for at least five minutes to make sure that the medication reaches the scalp.

Treating Seborrheic eczema often requires patience — treatment can last many months until the scaling subsides. The condition can be kept under control so that the embarrassing scaling is minimized. It is not known whether emotional stress, diet or food allergies trigger the condition. To control it, a treatment program should be developed and followed.