Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common problem faced by people regardless of age and gender. The development of the disease is associated with impaired excretion and a change in the qualitative composition of sebum. Such a disease requires timely therapy.
Of course, today many people are interested in additional information about the disease. Why does seborrheic dermatitis develop? Photos of people who have experienced this disease, symptoms, possible complications, effective methods of treatment - all this will be presented in the article.
Why does pathology develop? Fungal infections
According to statistics, seborrheic dermatitis in most cases is the result of the activity of yeast-like fungi Malassezia furfur. These microorganisms feed on the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Normally, the number of opportunistic fungi is controlled by the immune system. But sometimes the defense mechanisms fail, as a result of which the yeast begins to actively multiply. Risk factors include:
- diseases of the internal secretion organs, disordershormonal levels;
- immunodeficiencies regardless of origin;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- nervous system damage;
- high stress;
- taking certain medications.
Hormonal disorders
Seborrheic dermatitis often develops against the background of hormonal imbalances. As you know, testosterone and its derivatives enhance the work of the sebaceous glands, which creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi.
According to statistics, in women suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, the ratio between estrogens and androgens is most often disturbed. Potential causes include:
- adrenogenital syndrome;
- adrenal tumor;
- polycystic ovaries;
- ovarian tumors;
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
- obesity (adipose tissues synthesize a small amount of hormones);
- childbirth and gynecological diseases;
Often develops seborrheic dermatitis in children of puberty, which, again, is associated with changes in hormonal levels and the development of the organs of the reproductive system.
Dermatitis due to pathologies of the nervous system
As you know, the work of the sebaceous glands is controlled not only by hormones, but also by the nervous system, in particular, by its autonomic divisions. That is why the secretion of sebum increases against the background of any disorders of the nervous system. The following conditions are potentially dangerous:
- reinforcedactivity of structures of the parasympathetic nervous system (vagotonia);
- psychoses that develop against the background of infection;
- Parkinson's disease;
- various forms of epilepsy;
- schizophrenia;
- lethargic encephalitis.
Diseases of the digestive tract
As evidenced by statistics, the development of seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with certain diseases of the digestive tract. The fact is that damaged / inflamed intestinal mucosa leads to metabolic disorders. The skin does not receive enough vitamins and nutrients, harmful products begin to accumulate in it. Potentially dangerous conditions are:
- dysbacteriosis (violation of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the intestinal microflora);
- penetration of worms into the body;
- ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines;
- colitis;
- gastritis, gastroduodenitis;
- disorders of intestinal motility, which are accompanied by constipation and diarrhea;
- diseases of the gallbladder, accompanied by stagnation of bile.
Other possible causes of dermatitis
Of course, there may be other causes of seborrheic dermatitis:
- For example, the work of the immune system is of great importance. According to the results of statistical studies, almost 90% of patients with AIDS suffer from some form of seborrheic dermatitis. Of course, immunodeficiency is not always the result of HIV infection. Immune system activitydecreases against the background of protracted systemic diseases.
- The list of reasons also includes taking certain medications, in particular those that affect the patient's hormonal background. Potentially dangerous are oral contraceptives. Men who take certain androgens are also at risk.
- Potentially dangerous is the neglect of hygiene rules (it must be remembered that the skin needs constant cleansing and care), aggressive cosmetic procedures, as well as improper use of hygiene products.
The main symptoms of the disease
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disease that is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms:
- As a rule, small spots with clear contours of pink or red appear first on the skin. Patients complain of severe itching and burning, which is associated with the activity of pathogenic microflora. Gradually, the lesions become covered with yellowish scales.
- In the event that seborrheic dermatitis affects the skin folds (for example, axillary or behind the ear), the tissues not only turn red, but also swell. Sometimes the affected areas are covered with cracks, which sometimes bleed.
- As the disease develops, the patient's skin begins to peel off, which is associated with the rejection of dead skin cells. Peeling is also accompanied by itching and other unpleasant sensations.
- Gradually, superficial skin cells are impregnated with sebum, due to which they remain on the surface of the integument, forming scales. At firstthey are small, white, but gradually overlap each other, forming yellowish seborrheic plaques. If the tissues become infected, then the skin under the scales becomes inflamed and begins to get wet. The formation of pus is also possible, as a result of which purulent or even bloody crusts appear on the integument.
- Rashes can also be attributed to the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, however, their appearance, as a rule, is associated with a secondary bacterial infection. The rash in this case is polymorphic - papules, small vesicles with various contents form on the skin.
- In more severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis is accompanied by the appearance of acne. Acne is the result of a complication of the disease rather than its symptom. The fact is that sebum and dead cells of the epidermis close the ducts of the sebaceous glands, which leads to inflammation.
Of course, the symptoms of the disease directly depend on its form and stage of development.
Disease forms
Today, there are three main types of seborrheic dermatitis:
- Common is oily seborrhea, in which hypersecretion of sebum is observed. At the same time, patients suffer from acne, pimples, constant oily sheen on the face.
- Dry type of seborrhea is accompanied by a decrease in sebum secretion. The skin is dry, and often the surface layers crack. This type of disease most often affects adolescents before puberty.
- There is also the so-called mixed type. At the same time, there are foci of both dry and oily skin on the patient's body.seborrhea.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face: photo and features of the clinical picture
Each form of disease is accompanied by its own, very characteristic symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis on the face is the most common. In most cases, adolescents, as well as young people under the age of 25, face a similar problem. The fact is that the skin here is rich in sebaceous glands, which is a risk factor.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face is fairly easy to identify. First, small reddish spots appear on the skin, which gradually become covered with thin yellow plaques. Such processes are accompanied by itching, burning and other unpleasant sensations. Sometimes the lesions coalesce at the edges, forming fairly large discs.
Seborrheic dermatitis is most severe in adult men who grow a beard or mustache. It is in the places of hair growth that large plaques are localized. Sometimes a purulent process joins dermatitis.
Sometimes the disease spreads to the skin of the eyelids. The tissues swell, turn red, sometimes covered with cracks. Small seborrheic scales form along the hairline. Possible development of blepharitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
The pathological process often affects the skin of the scalp. The first symptom in this case is dandruff. This stage is accompanied by irritation, severe burning and itching.
Gradually with seborrheic dermatitis onthickened scales, yellowish crusts saturated with sebum appear on the head. Over time, they cover almost the entire surface of the head. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, then the hair follicles become inflamed, pustules form in their place. Yellow scales disappear, and along with the hair - the patient's hair becomes thinner, thinner.
Possible Complications
Many people experience seborrheic dermatitis. Reviews of doctors indicate that the disease in most cases responds well to therapy. Nevertheless, the likelihood of developing complications should not be ruled out.
Sometimes, against the background of an illness, deep acne appears on the skin, which are difficult to treat. In addition, lesions on the skin often become a gateway for infection - secondary tissue damage is possible. If we are talking about seborrheic dermatitis on the head, then there is a possibility of complete or partial baldness.
Treatment regimen
How to cure seborrheic dermatitis? Therapy in this case must necessarily be comprehensive, since much here depends on the causes and stage of development of the disease:
- The main thing in this case is the use of antifungal agents. They are available in the form of tablets (they are used in severe forms of seborrhea), as well as ointments for the skin and shampoos for the hair. Drugs containing fluconazole, ketoconazole and clotrimazole are considered effective.
- Patients are prescribed antihistamines. Suchmedicines help relieve swelling, redness and itching that bother the patient so much. Effective are "Loratadin", "Clemastin". In more severe cases, doctors recommend intramuscular or intravenous administration of hyposensitizing drugs, in particular sodium thiosulfate and calcium gluconate.
- If there is a pronounced inflammatory process, then patients are prescribed glucocorticoid drugs in the form of ointments or creams for skin treatment. The most commonly used drugs are hydrocortisone and beclomethasone.
- In order to soften the epithelial integument, remove seborrheic plaques and scales, keratolytic drugs are used, in particular, products that contain urea, salicylic acid, zinc.
- If there is a secondary bacterial infection, then the patient's treatment is supplemented with antibiotics.
Shampoos for scalp lesions
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp? Doctors must include special shampoos in the treatment regimen. There are some of the most effective and popular drugs:
- Doctors often prescribe Friderm shampoo to patients. The main active ingredient of the drug is zinc pyrithione. In the first 14 days, the hair is washed twice a week, after which - once every 7 days for a month.
- Sebozol is considered a good antifungal agent, the main active ingredient of which is ketoconazole. This substance negatively affects the walls of fungi, preventsfurther development of pathogenic microorganisms, normalizes the secretory activity of the sebaceous glands, relieves irritation and skin peeling.
- Sometimes patients are advised to use Keto Plus shampoo. This is a combination product that contains zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole.
- A good effect is the use of shampoo "Sulsena" (active substance - selenium disulfide). This tool inhibits the reproduction of fungi, reduces peeling, cleanses the superficial skin layers, and also normalizes the process of tissue keratinization.
- Sometimes, with seborrheic dermatitis, the "Skin-cap" remedy is used. This shampoo also has antifungal properties, but inhibits the activity of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, its regular use prevents the formation of plaques and scales on the scalp.
Folk remedies
Of course, you can help yourself at home. Traditional medicine offers a huge number of recipes:
- Burdock mask is useful. Cooking it is simple: mix a teaspoon of honey and burdock oil with two teaspoons of burdock juice and onion juice. The resulting product is mixed with a small amount of shampoo and applied to the scalp. Hair should be covered with a film and wrapped with a warm towel. The mask can be washed off after an hour.
- If we are talking about skin lesions, then lotions from a decoction of chamomile will be useful. This plant has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce inflammation anditching. The daily procedure improves the patient's condition.
- Decoctions of sage and nettle are used to rinse the hair and scalp.
- Decoction of oak bark can be used to rinse hair after washing, as well as wiping the affected areas of the skin.
- A decoction of blackcurrant branches is considered useful, which can be taken orally (instead of tea).
It should be understood that the use of these funds is possible only with the permission of the attending physician. In no case should you ignore the problem, as this will definitely affect the condition of the skin and hair.
