In Focus: Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, which is also known as Seborrhea, is a skin condition or problem characterized by scaly, itchy, flaky and mostly reddish skin typically found in the oil-gland rich areas of skin such as the scalp, the face and even the trunk area.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is harmless, even though it is unlikable and unpleasing to the eyes and quite itchy. This skin disorder is often persistent but can be easily controlled by medication, although it may recur after a couple of months or years. Although the cause of this condition is still unknown, there are implicated factors that may cause seborrhoeic dermatitis as studies show. These factors include genetic, hormonal, environmental, immune-system factors and the presence of Malassezia yeast which is a type of fungi naturally found on skin surfaces of animals especially on humans. If untreated, it may result to hair loss because of the damage it causes to the hair follicles.
Dermatologist-recommended seborrhoeic dermatitis Treatments include anti-dandruff shampoo that are now popular in the market, topical terbinafine solution to be applied on the infected areas, certain lotions to ease dryness and flakiness and the application of milk of magnesia when bathing. There are also plant-based seborrhea treatments such as Burdock oil, Celandine, Tea-tree oil, Ginger root juice, Smilax china, Snakegourd, Chinese goldthread, Plantain and Licorice. Aloe Vera gel is also a yet to be scientifically proven traditional seborrheic dermatitis treatment.