Skin Conditions: Seborrheic Dermatitis

Skin Conditions Index : Seborrheic Dermatitis

PERTINENT FACTS:

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a form of eczema which most often effects the scalp. In many persons, the ears, face, chest, back, underarms and groin may also be effected. It is the most common cause of dandruff - a condition experienced by almost everyone at some time in their lives. It is not contagious and is not indicative of any more severe condition occurring internally. The cause is entirely unknown. Strictly speaking, it is not a curable condition, but it can almost always be controlled to the extent that scaling, redness and itching are no longer troublesome. It disappears in time.

TREATMENT OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS:

SCALP

MEDICATED SHAMPOO

Ideally, you should use the shampoo prescribed for you every day at the beginning of your treatment.
The shampoo should be lathered and then massaged vigorously and deeply into the scalp for 100 stroke s with the finger tips. This will free up as many of the scales as possible so that they can be washed out with the shampoo.
It is not sufficient to merely lather the shampoo and allow it to set on the scalp for several minutes as is indicated on the directions for some shampoos.

I. SCALP LOTION
The scalp lotion should be used rather sparingly on the affected areas of the scalp for the prescribed number of times per day and rub in well.

II. OTHER SCALP AND HAIR PREPARATIONS
To make the hair more manageable, it is acceptable to use a cream rinse, protein conditioner or hair spray following the above treatments. Permanents are also acceptable. Greasy or oily preparations of any type usually aggravate scalp seborrhea and should not be used at all.

AREAS OTHER THAN THE SCALP

For any affected areas other than the scalp, apply the prescription cream or lotion sparingly, for the recommended number of times daily and rub in well.
These areas should not be vigorously soaped or scrubbed as this will irritate skin already inflamed by the seborrheic dermatitis.
Oily or greasy preparations such as moisturizing lotions and cleansing creams typically make seborrheic dermatitis worse and should not be sued on any of the affected areas.

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