Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a well-known condition that affects the skin on the face and body as well as the scalp. Do you have seborrhoeic dermatitis and want to know how to treat it? Read on:
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
Seborrhoeic dermatitis involves inflammation in the areas of the skin with the most sebaceous glands, such as the face, scalp, nose and chest. It is a chronic skin disease that appears in the form of outbreaks, although with the characteristic that it can go through periods of inactivity and may temporarily disappear.
This pathology occurs mainly in two age groups, in infancy (within the first three months of life) or in adulthood, generally in men.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis in children is still debated today because of its relationship to atopic dermatitis. Children suffering from this disease usually present with rounded pink lesions covered by a yellowish scaling. In addition to the scalp, these outbreaks usually affect the forehead, eyebrows, ears, nose, eyelids and neck, but can also spread to the trunk, armpits, groin, chest and back.
Although in childhood this skin condition tends to disappear in a few months or years, in adult life it usually presents stages of improvement and worsening caused by different factors, such as stress, excessive intake of carbohydrates, alcohol, coffee and the use of unsuitable greasy cosmetics.
The face, scalp, eyebrows, nose, chest and groin are some of the areas that are affected by this process, as can be seen in the attached graphic from Rueber Farmacias.
Alteration in the quantity and/or quality of skin lipids: This theory focuses on increased sebum activity in the problem areas. In fact, the focus is not so much on the quantity of sebum as on its composition.
- Pityrosporum ovale infection: it should also be borne in mind that the areas with most P. ovale dermatitis are also those with the highest P. ovale populations and, in fact, an improvement in the clinical picture has been observed when this population is reduced by antifungal treatment.
- Lifestyle: can be influenced by stress, heat, febrile illnesses, depression, irritating topical products and fatigue, leading to worsening of disease patterns or generating new outbreaks.
- Neural influence: this skin problem occurs with greater incidence in patients with Parkinson’s disease, facial paralysis and supraorbital or cudriplegic damage. This higher incidence seems to be due to chronic neural inflammation.
- Aggravating factors: immunosuppression (as in HIV patients), alcohol and vasodilators.
- Figurative seborrhoeic dermatitis: it starts with punctiform, pink, scaly patches that increase in size. There is pruritus of very variable intensity, although bearable.
- Pityriasiform seborrhoeic dermatitis: the lesions are rounded, pinkish in colour, with a finely scaly and oily surface in the seborrhoeic areas, but dry in other locations. They can appear in any area, but the scalp is always affected with a thin, adherent layer.
- Psoriasiform seborrhoeic dermatitis: the lesions are more reminiscent of psoriasis. Lenticular, nummular or plaque-like lesions of bright red colour with adherent scales. Regardless of the clinical form, the scalp is always affected.
Know more about seborreihc dermatitis
Symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis:
One of the most telling factors is flaking of the scalp. At first it is common to confuse it with dandruff, as the flaking process is mild and without lesions. However, as it evolves, the flaking eventually develops into erythema and inflammation, indicators of a true dermatitis.
One of the first symptoms is itching or stinging. The most frequent location is on the scalp where it manifests itself with a lot of dandruff. Seborrhoeic dermatitis on the face can affect the eyelashes, between the eyebrows, nasolabial folds and ear pinnae. The edges of the eyelids may be affected, sometimes leading to loss of eyelashes. This condition is known as seborrhoeic blepharitis.
This skin condition can be classified:
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis of infants: affects infants in the first months of life. It usually starts on the head and may be covered by a thick, greasy crust, called cradle cap. Later it may spread to the forehead and disseminated lesions may appear on the face, neck, trunk and arms with a psoriasiform appearance.
- Adult seborrhoeic dermatitis: some authors believe that there are three forms:
Treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis
Fortunately, this disease is treatable and quite effective. We will start by highlighting the day-to-day practices that can help us to improve the appearance and condition of a pathology such as this:
- In times of outbreak, it is advisable to dispense with the most intense treatments and remain alone with cosmetic treatments for as long as necessary.
- Perform proper skin hygiene, using specific products that do not damage the skin barrier function and are tolerant.
- Avoid extreme temperatures and always protect yourself from the air, cold or sun in problem areas.
- Prevent or remedy heavy sweating, such as wearing breathable clothing.
- Treat any superinfection appropriately, with antifungal, anti-inflammatory and keratolytic agents.
Thus, here are a number of actives that should always be in your treatment for this health problem:
- Antifungals, which have the function of reducing the population of P. ovale, a bacterium that plays a key role in the development of this pathology.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce inflammation by acting directly or indirectly on the immune system.
- Antilipase, which acts by preventing the action of the lipases of microorganisms and, as a result, prevents the irritation caused by fatty acids, partially alleviating the inflammatory reaction.
- Keratolytics such as salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid. Not only do they break up the accumulations of corneocytes, but in higher concentrations they are capable of reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum. On the hair, they make it more porous by increasing its capacity to absorb the sebum produced by the scalp. This leads to a reduction of sebum on the scalp, decreasing the possibilities of P. ovale to act and, therefore, reducing the inflammation of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Antiseborrhoeic agents such as zinc or azelaic acid, which block the outlets of the pilosebaceous follicle, preventing the dispersion of sebum on the scalp.
Thus, in your treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis on the face, you should include creams containing this type of active ingredient.
One of the first symptoms that appear on the face is dryness, as well as loose skin, erythema and itching. The face is the most visible part of our body and seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause low self-esteem in those who suffer from it. That is why we should start using specific facial creams for this pathology. What can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis on the face? Stress, tiredness, extreme climates, oily or acne-prone skin, lack of hygiene, obesity or the use of non-recommended cosmetics.
As we have said before, excess fat is one of the possible causes of this disease, so if we eliminate unhealthy fats such as cold meats, fried foods, fast food, industrial pastries and sweets from our diet, we will reduce the progression of this disease.
One product that can help you a lot to control the influence of this pathology on the face is Sebovalis Facial Gel, which we will talk about later.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis also often affects the scalp. If you suffer from this condition, you need to look after your hair health with lotions and shampoos that curb excess sebum. At first it may be mistaken for a dandruff outbreak, but if you notice that it persists and starts to take on a yellowish tinge, we recommend that you see your dermatologist for a diagnosis.
Want to start controlling your outbreaks of seborrhoeic dermatitis? Take advantage of SEBOVALIS, our line dedicated to the care and control of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Products and creams for seborrhoeic dermatitis by sesderma
The SEVOBALIS line is one of the most complete care products for skin with seborrhoeic dermatitis. It not only calms itching and erythema, but also helps to rebalance sebum production and prevents P.ovale infection, making outbreaks less intense and less frequent. It also eliminates yellowish plaques and controls keratinisation of the scalp, a key factor in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
The active ingredients with which it is formulated, such as oat extract, calendula, mimosa and glycyrrhetinic acid, have a soothing and anti-inflammatory action, while salicylic and lactic acid break up corneocyte accumulations, moisturise and control the skin’s sebum for an anti-seborrhoeic action.
The SEBOVALIS line is composed of 5 products that cover all the possibilities of seborrhoeic dermatitis, with specific presentations for the face, body, hair and even to treat it from the inside with nutricosmetic capsules.
- Sebovalis Gel and Facial Cream: not all skin with seborrhoeic dermatitis is excessively oily, so SEBOVALIS FACIAL comes in gel format (for oily skin) and cream format (for combination or dry skin). It can be applied to treat facial skin redness and flaking as well as other areas such as the chest, back or ears. It is an excellent alternative and/or adjuvant to the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis with topical corticosteroids, as it regulates sebaceous secretion and the growth of microorganisms (P.Ovale), thanks to its antifungal and anti-seborrhoeic active ingredients. Micronised zinc pyrithione inhibits 5-alpha reductase, the main factor that triggers seborrhoea, and pyroctone olamine provides its antifungal properties.
- Treating shampoo: helps regulate keratinisation and desquamation of the scalp due to its salicylic acid content, which leads to a decrease in sebum and therefore decreases the infectivity of P.Ovale. Calendula extract and glycyrrhetinic acid improve erythema, desquamation and itching, reducing inflammation caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis, eliminates yellowish crusts formed on the scalp, and improves erythema, desquamation and itching. Oat extract improves erythema and itching, reducing inflammation caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis. Panthenol softens and conditions the hair, leaving it soft and silky and preventing hair greasiness.
- How to use: Apply to wet hair, lather and rinse with water. In outbreaks use every day and in maintenance 2 or 3 times a week. Alternate with Sesderma Seskavel Frequency shampoo.
- Hair solution: applied directly to scalp, face and ears, it acts on redness immediately. Thanks to its spray format, it is very easy to apply. It acts on redness on the scalp. Its liposome active ingredients penetrate the hair follicle, thus increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. It eliminates the yellowish crusts formed on the scalp, and improves erythema, desquamation and itching. Regulates sebaceous secretion and the growth of microorganisms (P.Ovale). It should be applied to the scalp at night and washed off the next day. In outbreak periods it can be used every day, although it is normal to use it as maintenance once or twice a week.
The formulation of SEBOVALIS:
What makes SEBOVALIS a unique line to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis? Its complete formula is infallible in the treatment and prevention of this pathology, acting against P.Ovale and the manifestations of hyperseborrhoea:
Active ingredients with antifungal action such as zinc pyrithione and piroctone olamine.
Active ingredients with anti-inflammatory action such as avena sativa. It is a Mediterranean plant whose composition is rich in: Mineral salts (Mn, Fe and Zn), saponins, flavonoids, vitamins (A, B, E and D) and phenolic acids which give it pharmacological properties such as remineralising, re-epithelialising, vitamin and antioxidant properties. One of the most important active ingredients is avenanthramide (polyphenol), which has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Antihistamine activity has also been demonstrated in vitro by inhibition of histamine secreted by mast cells.
Keratolytic active ingredients:
Lactic acid is a α-hydroxy acid found naturally in the skin as part of a metabolic process, its function in the skin being to help maintain its acid mantle between a pH of 5.5 and 6.0, in the intimate area this pH ranges between 4 and 4.5. It has a natural moisturising effect on the skin by attracting water molecules to the horny layer and stimulating the synthesis of ceramides, as well as improving and modulating the barrier function. It has a clarifying effect on skin pigmentation by promoting a more homogeneous dispersion of melanin and exerting an antioxidant effect.
Salicylic acid has keratolytic and antimicrobial properties and is widely used in dermatology for its ability to promote epidermal desquamation by breaking down intercellular desmosomal bridges. It also acts as a regulator of skin oiliness and as a potential anti-inflammatory with wide-ranging benefits:
Keratolytic: favours desquamation and the reduction of the number of comedones, although with less potency than retinoic acid. It is used in concentrations ranging from 5 to 20% (drug) and 1 to 5% (cosmetic). The pro-inflammatory effect has been described as one of the mechanisms of action in lesions such as vulgar warts, plantar warts, etc. It makes the virus more vulnerable to immune stimulation, and gradually favours its destruction.
Repairs photodamage: only associated with AHA or retinoic acid.
Photoprotective: acts as a chemical filter and the benzene ring transforms UVB into UVA.
Antifungal: helps penetration of topical antifungal drugs by eliminating the corneal layer, which nourishes yeasts and dermatophytes.
Anti-inflammatory: by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Recently it has been used again for its peeling effect as an active component of anti-ageing creams and at higher concentrations for medium-depth peelings.
Other complementary lines for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis:
In addition to the SEBOVALIS line, there are other SESDERMA products with which it can be combined to boost results. One of them is SENSYSES OVALIS, perfect for daily cleansing of skin with this skin problem. SENSYES OVALIS cleanses and repairs skin prone to seborrhoeic dermatitis thanks to its piroctone olamine liposomes and witch hazel extract, which give it antiseptic, sebum-regulating and skin-protecting properties.
The Sebovalis line is an adjuvant in the pharmacological treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is also the alternative to this same treatment, thus avoiding the need to take drugs. We offer two treatments, a shock treatment and a maintenance treatment, for skin with seborrhoeic dermatitis:
Shock treatment: if seborrhoeic dermatitis has never been treated, a strong action on seborrhoeic dermatitis should be initiated, so apply for one month:
- Sebovalis treatment shampoo: every day until symptoms disappear.
- Sebovalis hair solution: every night for the same length of time as the shampoo.
- Sebovalis capsules: twice a day.
- Sebovalis facial cream: every night.
- Sensyses ovalis: daily cleansing.
Maintenance treatment: After 1 month of the shock treatment and for at least 3 months afterwards:
- Sebovalis treatment shampoo: twice a week.
- Seskavel frequency or glycolic shampoo: the rest of the days.
- Sebovalis capsules: once a day.
- Sebovalis gel/cream: every night.
- Sensyse ovalis: daily cleansing
If the patient is undergoing corticosteroid treatment, applying the Repaskin Mender serum and mist will facilitate and assist in the corticosteroids’ mechanism of action, as they require zinc fingers for proper function.
Dietary care (avoiding excessive lipids and carbohydrates), avoiding calories, hot flashes, stress, heat, fever, depression, irritating topical products, and fatigue can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing seborrheic dermatitis or cause new outbreaks.
Daily hygiene and hair cleansing help control and care for seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, this skin condition is often associated with alopecia due to excessive seborrhea production.
How to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis?
To treat and control seborrheic dermatitis, it is essential to follow an individualized treatment recommended by a dermatologist. These generally include the following steps:
- Use of therapeutic shampoos: formulas containing antifungal ingredients (such as ketoconazole, ciclopirox, or zinc pyrithione) are used to combat the Malassezia fungus, one of the main causes of the condition.
- Topical products: in some cases, creams or lotions with anti-inflammatory agents or corticosteroids are recommended to reduce irritation and redness.
- Hygiene and scalp care: it is important to maintain good hygiene and avoid irritating products that can aggravate the condition.
- Professional follow-up: medical supervision allows treatment to be adjusted based on response and prevents relapse.
What causes seborrheic dermatitis?
The appearance of seborrheic dermatitis is due to a combination of factors:
- Presence of fungi: the Malassezia fungus can thrive in a sebum-rich environment, causing irritation.
- Overactive sebaceous glands: excessive sebum production creates an ideal environment for fungal growth.
- Genetic and hormonal factors: family predisposition and hormonal changes can influence the onset of the disease.
- External factors: stress, adverse environmental conditions, or the use of inappropriate products can also trigger or worsen symptoms.
What do dermatologists recommend for seborrheic dermatitis?
Dermatologists typically recommend a multifactorial approach:
- Antifungal treatments: use of shampoos and lotions containing ketoconazole, ciclopirox, or zinc pyrithione to reduce the presence of the fungus.
- Anti-inflammatory agents: in certain cases, topical corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation.
- Hygiene care: maintaining a proper cleansing routine, avoiding harsh products and favoring those designed for sensitive skin.
- Long-term treatment: due to the chronic nature of the condition, symptom management may require ongoing maintenance to prevent relapses.
How long does it take for seborrheic dermatitis to clear up?
Time to improvement can vary:
- Mild to moderate cases: with proper treatment, improvements can be seen within a few weeks.
- Chronic or severe cases: may require longer-term management, with maintenance treatments to control symptoms and prevent relapses.
It is important to emphasize that, since this is a chronic condition, the main goal is to control flare-ups and maintain quality of life through consistent, personalized treatment.
