Although seborrheic dermatitis is not life-threatening, it has considerable aesthetic and psychological discomfort. What this disease is, how it arises and why seborrheic dermatitis appears, will be discussed further.
What does seborrheic dermatitis look like?
As a rule, the disease runs for several years and even decades, worsening in the winter and somewhat weakening in the summer. The most common area of localization is the scalp, as well as the face, upper chest, back. Namely, the manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis are observed on skin folds and skin areas rich in sebaceous glands: above the eyebrows, between the eyebrows, behind the ears, near the nose, above the breastbone, in the interblade zone, in the armpits, in the groin.
The main manifestations of the disease are:
- peeling, the formation of dense crusts on the scalp;
- yellowish-white scales attached to the hair shafts;
- foci of lesions in the form of red, irritated spots, covered with scales;
- excessive fat content of the skin.
These symptoms are accompanied by itching, soreness. In severe cases, the disease leads to irritation, the inability to concentrate on work, insomnia. Progression of seborrheic dermatitis can lead to hair loss, the appearance of severe forms of acne and seborrheic eczema.
Difference between seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis should be differentiated from a disease such as psoriasis . The main clinical differences of these diseases are as follows:
- With seborrheic dermatitis lesions have clear boundaries, and in psoriasis - uneven.
- In psoriasis, there are Pinocov's bezels-areas without scales, and with seborrheic dermatitis this is not present.
- Scales with seborrheic dermatitis - yellowish, have a sebaceous appearance, and with psoriasis - silvery-white, dry.
Sometimes these two diseases occur in a person at the same time.
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
Currently, it is believed that the causative agents of seborrheic dermatitis are yeast-like lipophilic fungi Malassezia furfur. These fungi permanently inhabit the skin of almost all people (90%), concentrating around the sebaceous glands. However, they are in a spore state and do not cause any problems, i. E. in normal conditions, the human body controls their numbers. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs if the fungal microflora begins to intensify, develop rapidly and exhibit pathogenic properties.
The provoking factors of Malassezia furfur development are:
- disorders of the nervous system (nerve stress, central nervous system diseases, Parkinson's disease, paralysis);
- hormonal imbalance (pathology of the thyroid gland, hypercortisy, diabetes mellitus );
- immune disorders (general diseases, immunodeficiency).
The causes of the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis are also called the change in climatic conditions and the genetic factor.
Fungal flora forms toxic substances that adversely affect the skin. Their activities contribute to
Prevention of seborrheic dermatitis
The aggravation of the disease can be prevented by following such measures:
- Thorough hygiene of the skin and hair with daily use of antifungal cleansers.
- Hardening of the body, treatment of chronic pathologies.
- Observance of the right diet, intake of vitamins.