Seborrhoeic dermatitis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| ICD-10 | L21. |
| ICD-9 | 690 |
| DiseasesDB | 11911 |
| MedlinePlus | 000963 |
| eMedicine | derm/396 |
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.
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[edit] Etiology
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains unknown, although many factors have been implicated. The ubiquitous yeast, Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale), is involved,[1][2] as well as genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors. [3][4] A suggestion that seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to this yeast has yet to be proven.[5] Those afflicted with seborrhoeic dermatitis have an unfavorable epidermic response to the infection, with the skin becoming inflamed and flaking.
[edit] Treatments
Soaps and detergents such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition. Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.
Among dermatologist recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.[6] For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhea,[7] as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids.
Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as atrophy and telangiectasia.[8]
UV-A and UV-B light inhibit the growth of M. furfur[9], although caution should be taken to avoid sun damage.
[edit] See also
- Dermatitis
- Dandruff
- Cradle Cap
- Acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, mycoses, psoriasis, and rosacea, which may be confused with seborrhoeic dermatitis.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Hay R, Graham-Brown R (1997). "Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis: causes and management". Clin Exp Dermatol 22 (1): 3-6. PMID 9330043.
- ^ Nowicki R (2006). "[Modern management of dandruff]". Pol Merkur Lekarski 20 (115): 121-4. PMID 16617752.
- ^ Am Fam Physician 2000;61:2703-10,2713-4
- ^ Janniger C, Schwartz R (1995). "Seborrheic dermatitis". Am Fam Physician 52 (1): 149-55, 159-60. PMID 7604759.
- ^ Parry M, Sharpe G (1998). "Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not caused by an altered immune response to Malassezia yeast". Br J Dermatol 139 (2): 254-63. PMID 9767239.
- ^ Schwartz R, Janusz C, Janniger C (2006). "Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview". Am Fam Physician 74 (1): 125-30. PMID 16848386.
- ^ Faergemann J, Jones J, Hettler O, Loria Y (Jun 1996). "Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur) as the causative agent of seborrhoeic dermatitis: new treatment options". Br J Dermatol 134 Suppl 46: 12-5: discussion 38. PMID 8763461.
- ^ Smith J, Wehr R, Chalker D (1976). "Corticosteroid-induced cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasia. Experimental production associated with weight loss in rats". Arch Dermatol 112 (8): 1115-7. PMID 952530.
- ^ Wikler J, Janssen N, Bruynzeel D, Nieboer C (1990). "The effect of UV-light on pityrosporum yeasts: ultrastructural changes and inhibition of growth". Acta Derm Venereol 70 (1): 69-71. PMID 1967880.
[edit] External links
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis. New Zealand Dermatological Society (24 Sep 2006). Retrieved on 2006-10-29.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis FAQS - Detailed information about Seborrheic Dermatitis and its treatments. Includes orthodox and alternative treatments.
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