Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 L21
ICD-9 690
DiseasesDB 11911
MedlinePlus 000963
eMedicine derm/396
MeSH D012628

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also seborrheic dermatitis AmE, seborrhea, informally seb derm) (also known as "seborrheic eczema"[1]) is an inflammatory[2] skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and torso. Typically, seborrheic dermatitis presents with scaly, flaky, itchy, and red skin. It particularly affects the sebaceous-gland-rich areas of skin. In adolescents and adults, seborrhoeic dermatitis usually presents as scalp scaling (dandruff) or as mild to marked erythema of the nasolabial fold.

Contents

Causes

The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unknown, although a yeast that is part of the normal skin flora, Malassezia furfur, likely plays a key role.[3]

Fungal

Most cases of seborrhoeic dermatitis likely involve an inflammatory reaction to the proliferation of the yeast Malassezia,[4][5] though this hasn't been proven.[6]

The main species found in the scalp is Malassezia globosa, others being Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale) and Malassezia restricta. The yeast produces toxic substances that irritate and inflame the skin. Patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis appear to have a reduced resistance to the yeast. However, the colonization rate of affected skin may be lower than that of unaffected skin.[7]

Only saturated fatty acids (FAs) have been shown to support Malassezia growth. It has also been shown that while number density of M. globosa and M. restricta do not directly correlate to dandruff presence or severity, removal correlates directly with amelioration of flaking. Furthermore, in dandruff-susceptible individuals pure oleic acid, an unsaturated FA and Malassezia metabolite, induces flaking in the absence of Malassezia by direct effects on the host skin barrier. These findings support the following hypothesis:

Malassezia hydrolyze human sebum, releasing a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. They take up the required saturated FAs, leaving behind unsaturated FAs. The unsaturated FAs penetrate the stratum corneum and because of their non-uniform structure breach the skin's barrier function. This barrier breach induces an irritation response, leading to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.[8]

Other causes

Genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors have been shown to be involved in the manifestation of seborrhoeic dermatitis.[9][10]

Seborrhoeic dermatitis may be aggravated by illness, psychological stress, fatigue, change of season and reduced general health. It may also occur during times of stress or sleep deprivation.[11]

In children, excessive vitamin A intake can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis.[12] Lack of biotin,[11] pyridoxine (vitamin B6)[11][13] and riboflavin (vitamin B2)[11] may also be a cause.

Those with immunodeficiency (especially infection with HIV) and with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (for which the condition is an autonomic sign) and stroke are particularly prone to it.[14]

Symptoms

The condition's symptoms appear gradually and usually the first signs of seborrheic dermatitis are the flakes of skin called dandruff.[15] The symptoms may occur anywhere on the skin of the face, behind the ears and in areas where the skin folds. These are common sites that become red and flaky. The flakes can be yellow, white or grayish.[16] In more rare cases, redness and flaking may occur on the skin near the eyelashes, on the forehead or around the sides of the nose. Other body areas where these symptoms occur are the chest and upper back. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can appear basically on any part of the body where there is certain amount of hair and therefore follicles which might become inflamed. A sign that the condition has become more severe is the formation of thick, oily and yellow scales which might appear on the forehead, around the sides of the nose or on the skin near the eyelashes.

In more severe cases, yellowish to reddish scaly pimples appear along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, on the chest, and on the upper back.[17]

Commonly, patients experience mild redness, scaly skin lesions and in some cases hair loss.[18] Other symptoms include patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp, red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales, itching, soreness and yellow or white scales that may attach to the hair shaft.[19]

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in infants younger than three months and it causes a thick, oily, yellowish crust around the hairline and on the scalp. Itching is not common among infants. Frequently, a stubborn diaper rash accompanies the scalp rash.[17] Usually, when it occurs in infants the condition resolves itself within days and with no treatment.

Many patients experience alternating periods of the symptoms, when they either improve or suddenly worsen. In adults, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may last from few weeks to even years.

The condition is referred to a specialist when it becomes painful, the individual suspects that the skin might have become infected or they have tried self-care therapy without success. Also, seborrheic dermatitis can cause discomfort and interfere in one's daily activities. Addressing the condition to a doctor is important in order to prevent potentially long-lasting damage to the hair follicles which may lead to hair loss.

Hair loss

Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks are untreated for extended intervals, permanent hair loss may result because of damage to hair follicles.

It is still unclear if seborrheic dermatitis causes permanent hair loss, although the inflammation involves the hair follicles.[20] Some researchers claim that the yeast causing seborrheic dermatitis is the main cause of hair loss because of this condition. For others, hair loss can be a result of the many other factors combined: excess oil production by the oil glands for reasons such as hormonal imbalance, stress, extreme hot or cold weather conditions, weakened immune system, Parkinson's disease, certain neurological conditions and keeping the scalp unclean.

Treatments

Dermatologists recommend topical treatments such as shampoos, cleansers or creams/lotions that contain antifungal, anti-inflammatory, sebo-suppressive or keratolytic ingredients:

One approach is to try different combinations of the usual agents: a dandruff shampoo, an antifungal agent and a topical steroid. If this fails, short-term use of a more potent topical steroid in a "pulse fashion" may put some refractory patients into remission and actually decrease the total steroid exposure. Therapeutic choices for pulse therapy may include a nonfluorinated class III steroid such as mometasone furoate (Elocon) or an extra-potent class I or class II topical steroid such as clobetasol propionate (Temovate) or fluocinonide (Lidex). The class III topical steroid should be tried first, but if the condition remains unresponsive, the clinician may then choose to use a class I agent. These more potent agents may be applied once or twice per day, even on the face, but must be stopped after two weeks because of the increased frequency of side effects. If the patient responds before the two-week limit, the agent should be stopped immediately. Adjuvant therapy including use of a dandruff shampoo, an antifungal agent, or both, is essential during the "pulse" period and should be continued as maintenance therapy after each pulse.

Treating seborrheic dermatitis is quite difficult to achieve given that there seem to be more than just one factor contributing to its development, but the condition can be held under control with few measures. Controlling the disorder can be done by using various medicated shampoos or creams. Maintaining the scalp clean is mandatory for sufferers of seborrheic dermatitis and therefore using anti-dandruff shampoos which are effective may be one way of preventing getting this condition. Also, there are several special shampoos that contain sulfur, zinc or salicylic acid. A thorough cleaning of the scalp is the first step to be made in preventing and curing this condition because by having a proper scalp hygiene, the bacteria and fungus are removed and the likelihood of developing a follicular inflammation is reduced.

Some creams may also be used to treat hair loss caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Topical cortisone creams are highly effective in minimizing the symptoms of this condition, especially inflammation and itchiness. These creams are only available on prescription.

Antifungal

Over-the-counter
Prescription

Medications other than antifungals

Omega Fatty Acids 3-6-9 Taking a tablespoon a day for at least a period 6 - 12 weeks has been sited to reduce inflammation and therefore reduce the effects of psoriasis.

Phototherapy

Dermatologists recommend the use of photodynamic therapy also known as phototherapy which uses UV-A and UV-B laser or red and blue LED light to inhibit the growth of Malassezia and reduce the inflammation.[29][30][31]

Natural treatments

Supplements

Diet

There is evidence that there is relationship between seborrheic dermatitis and intestinal yeast, such as candida.[53] An antifungal diet consisting of the elimination of sugar and increasing vegetable intake should reduce seborrheic dermatitis.[54][55] Moreover, a change in the diet should be considered given that foods rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene are efficient in reducing the inflammation.

Alternative treatments

Applying milk of magnesia may help clear up seborrheic dermatitis; one may apply on the face while showering and rinse off at the end of the shower.[56]

Prevention

A healthy scalp is the first step to preventing a flare-up. This can be accomplished with good hygiene and daily use of over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal shampoo.

Regular sun exposure may help relieve symptoms. UV radiation curbs the growth of Malassezia yeast, which is the suspected cause of the rash.[57] Low humidity, which can be obtained by relocating to a place with the right climatic conditions, and also artificially created indoors by means of air conditioning, can also have a beneficial effect, since the yeast prefers humid conditions. Symptoms may also be alleviated by means of a short hair cut which allows more air and sun to reach the affected areas, and through washing the hair at least every two days.

See also

References

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External links

Atopic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
(allergic, irritant)
Eczema
Pruritus/Itch/
Prurigo
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