Seborrheic dermatitis is a lifelong skin condition prone to periods of remission and flare-ups. While there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, with proper treatment and self-care, the condition can be managed and perhaps resolved.
What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis presents as scaly patches, lesions or plaques on the scalp and areas of the skin with the most sebaceous glands (face and trunk). When in the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can cause persistent dandruff. According to an article published in the American Journal of Family Physicians, it's unclear why people develop seborrheic dermatitis. However, there are certain populations that it seems to affect more than others, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. Another possibility is that seborrheic dermatitis is related to overgrowth of a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale, which is naturally present on the body, as the condition responds well to antifungal treatments. Men are more likely to have seborrheic dermatitis than are women.
Treatments for the Scalp
Seborrheic dermatitis that affects the scalp can be resolved by using nonprescription (over-the-counter) shampoos that contain the active ingredients ketoconazole, ciclopirox, coal tar, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide and salicylic acid, which are found in many dandruff shampoos. These are often first recommended for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and if the condition does not improve, a stronger medicated shampoo or a topical steroid cream may be prescribed by a doctor.
Body and Face
Inflammation and scaling of the skin caused by seborrheic dermatitis can also be reduced by using nonprescription antifungal creams. The Mayo Clinic also suggests refraining from using harsh detergent soaps on the body and rinsing off well after showers or baths. A prescription topical corticosteroid or antifungal may be recommended, and sometimes a combination of both is used.
Oral Medications
Prescription oral medications, such as terbinafine, as well as medications called "immunomodulators" (tacrolimus and pimecrolimus) can also reduce inflammation caused by seborrheic dermatitis. However, use of immunomodulators is only a temporary measure, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that long-term use may impact the immune system. (Tacrolimus, for example, is typically taken as an anti-rejection drug when a patient has had a new kidney or liver transplant and is used to slow down the body's immune response.)
Alternative Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, one study found tea tree oil to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. However, the study revealed that the participants' symptoms did not resolve entirely, so traditional treatment may be more effective.
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