Contents
Many of us are familiar with dermatitis – these are various skin diseases accompanied by itching and inflammation. The term “seborrheic” means that the disease affects areas of the body where a large number of sebaceous glands are located.1. This includes the scalp, face, interscapular region and chest region.
Signs of seborrheic dermatitis are usually well-defined plaques with scales, as well as redness and itching.2. If we are talking about hair, dandruff is more noticeable here, these are just the same exfoliated scales.
Risk factors for developing seborrheic dermatitis include1:
- psycho-emotional stress and depression;
- improper skin care;
- immunodeficiency states;
- Parkinson’s disease, alcoholic pancreatitis, hepatitis C and some other diseases;
- taking certain medications.
The incidence of seborrheic dermatitis, according to various sources, is 2-11%3 and mostly falls on the age of 18-40 years4. But the first peak of incidence falls on the most tender age – the first three months. However, if in infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually goes away on its own, then adults have to try to put their skin and hair in order.
Seborrheic dermatitis is treated with shampoos, ointments, and creams, and in some cases, selective phototherapy and oral medications (taken by mouth). We will talk about the best remedies for seborrheic dermatitis for topical use.
Rating of the top 10 effective and inexpensive pharmaceutical preparations for seborrheic dermatitis according to the KP
The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and maintain remission (or completely cure the patient) for as long as possible. But since the disease is considered chronic and relapsing, maintenance treatment is necessary after the active phase of therapy.
Most often, to eliminate the cause and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, agents containing synthetic adrenal hormones (glucocorticosteroids), antimicrobial and antifungal agents, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, tar, salicylic acid and sulfur are used.5.
In this article, we will analyze the best preparations for seborrheic dermatitis: creams and shampoos.
1. Uriage DS Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Means with a pronounced antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. The active ingredients of the shampoo help to effectively and quickly eliminate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis: irritation, itching and dandruff. Zinc lactate in the composition reduces the oiliness of the hair and normalizes the production of sebum. The innovative TLR2-Regul complex suppresses inflammation processes.
The manufacturer promises to eliminate itching and irritation, and even smoother and shinier hair as a bonus.
The instructions indicate that the drug can be applied not only to the hair, but also to the forehead and neck. It is recommended to use 1-2 times a week.
2. Shampoo Belosalik Salik
Salicylic acid in the composition of the product exfoliates keratinized scales, cleanses and softens the scalp, and also helps maintain an acidic environment (which is important for fighting fungus and preventing bacterial infection). Piroctone olamine has an antifungal and antimicrobial effect, while panthenol with chamomile extract soothes irritated skin, helps eliminate itching and irritation.
The manufacturer recommends using the shampoo 2-3 times a week: apply, lather and hold for 5 minutes, then rinse. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure, and in especially difficult cases, you must first apply the product to dry (or slightly damp) scalp and hold for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse. For prevention, 1 time per week is enough.
In the reviews, a lot of information is sometimes found that in order to obtain the effect, it is necessary to use this shampoo for a long time, and also note a strong smell.
3. Amalgama Lux shampoo-paste Sulsena
Selenium disulfide shampoo paste is a popular and inexpensive remedy for seborrheic dermatitis. The clinical guidelines indicate that a shampoo based on this substance can be used 3 times a week for the first two weeks of treatment, and then as needed.
The instructions for this product indicate that the shampoo is suitable for frequent use. However, in this case, get ready that this product will not be enough for you for a long time: only a volume of 75 ml is on sale.
It must be remembered that for the proper effect, it is necessary to hold the product on the hair for 10-15 minutes, only then rinse it off.
4. White salic spray
The hormonal substance betamethasone helps fight the inflammatory process and eliminates itching. Salicylic acid promotes effective exfoliation and cleansing of the scalp, has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
The spray should be applied directly to the damaged areas of the skin and rubbed gently. It is possible to treat seborrheic dermatitis with this drug for 2 weeks, whether it is possible longer – your doctor will guide you. In children (from 12 years old) can be used no more than 5 days.
In the reviews, users note the high efficiency of the spray. However, it must be remembered that drugs with corticosteroids in the composition have many contraindications.
5. La Roche-Posay Kerium DS Creme
Another combined remedy, but with a different “set” of active ingredients. Piroctone olamine helps to relieve inflammation, is active against harmful bacteria. Zinc pidolate well cleanses the skin and normalizes the sebaceous glands. Also in the composition there is a unique ingredient – thermal dermobiotic. The manufacturer reports that it restores the balance of beneficial bacteria, helping to strengthen the protective properties of the skin.
The cream helps to fight the signs of seborrheic dermatitis (redness, peeling, itching) and prevents relapses (within 6 weeks). It is important to understand that due to zinc in the composition, there may be not very pleasant sensations (burning, irritation) when applied to the affected skin at the beginning of treatment. Before purchasing the cream, it is better to try it on a small area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin.
6. Ketoconazole
The shampoo contains the antifungal substance ketoconazole (2%), and the drug itself is called that, which simplifies its search in pharmacy chains and online stores. With this remedy, you can treat seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, various types of dandruff.
Contraindications are hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and children’s age. But for the treatment of seborrhea in adolescents, it is ideal: shampoo can be used from the age of 12.
You can buy this tool in any suitable volume: 70 or 150 ml. The drug has many positive reviews. However, there is information that the shampoo dries the hair a little and makes it stiffer. Therefore, you should first consult with a specialist whether this remedy is right for you.
7. Sebozol
Antifungal agent with a wide spectrum of action. In particular, Sebozol helps to treat seborrheic dermatitis by acting on the cause of the disease. The composition contains ketoconazole, which inhibits the reproduction of pathogenic fungi.
The drug can effectively reduce inflammation, flaking and itching. For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, the ointment should be applied to the affected areas 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment can be 2-4 weeks – it all depends on what recommendations your doctor gives you.
The ointment can cause side effects in the form of a burning sensation and allergic reactions, but the list of contraindications is very modest. This includes only hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as pregnancy and lactation. It is allowed to apply from 1 year.
8. Psoryl Zn-Balance
This shampoo contains several active substances at once: zinc pyrithione and climbazole. Both substances are effective in fighting the fungus (the cause of seborrheic dermatitis). Zinc has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, and also helps to eliminate itching and burning. Citric acid in the composition of the product reduces peeling and fights excessive oiliness of the skin, plus the hair becomes softer and smoother.
Shampoo is available only in a volume of 150 ml. For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, it is recommended to use it 2-3 times a week for a month. And since the components are not addictive, long-term use is allowed (but more rarely) in order to prevent relapses.
9. Cinokap cream
The active substance is zinc pyrithione, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activity. The cream helps against redness, peeling and itching.
The tool can be used not only for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, but also for the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, with dry skin. Suitable for the treatment of adults and children from 1 year. And contraindications are only infancy (up to 1 year) and individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to the components of the cream.
Side effects, according to the manufacturer, are rare – and then only in the form of allergic reactions. Therefore, first study the composition, consult a doctor and first try a small dose of cream on a small area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin.
For treatment, the cream is recommended to be applied 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
10. Elidel
The active ingredient in this cream is pimecrolimus. This substance has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while it does not affect natural immunity. The cream helps to get rid of redness and itching, which cause a lot of discomfort for people with seborrheic dermatitis.
The cream can be used for the whole family – it is suitable even for children, but only from 3 months. The mode of application and the duration of the course will be prescribed by the doctor, the drug is a prescription drug. Important: side effects are possible – a feeling of warmth or burning.
How to choose drugs for seborrheic dermatitis
According to clinical guidelines, conservative treatment of seborrheic dermatitis includes the use of special shampoos, creams, ointments and sprays. Usually these are anti-inflammatory, antifungal and keratolytic drugs, which may include1:
- synthetic adrenal hormones or glucocorticosteroids (clobetasol, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, mometasone furate, methylprednisolone);
- antifungal agents (ketoconazole, ciclopirox, clotrimazole);
- zinc pyrithione;
- sulfide selenium (disulfide selenium);
- tar;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus).
It is important to understand that the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis depends on various factors. It is necessary to take into account the prevalence and degree of inflammation, age and other features (for example, concomitant diseases). Therefore, self-treatment is a rash step. Consult a doctor and he will select the optimal treatment.
Reviews of doctors about drugs for seborrheic dermatitis
Doctors adhere to general recommendations, that is, they allow drugs with proven effectiveness in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Usually drugs are prescribed according to the mechanism of action: for example, first – hormonal to relieve inflammation, then – antifungal, to eliminate the cause of the disease.
At the same time, some experts recommend the use of combined preparations, which include glucocorticosteroids, antifungal agents, and, for example, antibacterial ones.
In any case, each doctor usually prescribes those shampoos and creams that have earned his trust, demonstrating high efficiency and safety in practice.
Popular questions and answers
Seborrheic dermatitis is a fairly common problem. But many try not to go into details: they just go to the pharmacy and buy “something” for dandruff and itching. But in vain! Our expert doctor-dermatologist, trichologist, venereologist Natalia Zhovtan will tell you why seborrheic dermatitis is dangerous, and why you can’t be treated with anything.
How long does seborrheic dermatitis take to heal?
Why is seborrheic dermatitis dangerous?
Can seborrheic dermatitis be permanently cured?
Which doctor treats seborrheic dermatitis?
What can be confused with the disease in terms of symptoms?
Sources of:
- Seborrheic dermatitis. Clinical recommendations of the Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. https://goo.su/0UJxNz
- S.V. Panyukova, A.L. Piruzyan, I.L. Korsunskaya. Seborrheic dermatitis: how to help the patient // Consilium Medicum. 2020. Volume 20. No. 7. pp. 46-48. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/seboreynyy-dermatit-kak-pomoch-patsientu/viewer
- O.Yu. Olisova, M.I. Davidovich. Modern approach to the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis // Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases. 2014. Volume 17. No. 4. pp. 31-35 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennyy-podhod-k-lecheniyu-seboreynogo-dermatita/viewer
- V.G. Kornisheva, E.Yu. Mogilev. Seborrheic dermatitis (review) // Problems of Medical Mycology. 2012. Volume 14. No. 3. pp. 3-9. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/seboreynyy-dermatit-obzor/viewer
- O.V. Kalinina, V.V. Evstafiev, V.I. Albanova. Therapy of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp // Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases. 2014. No. 2. pp. 48-53 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/terapiya-seboreynogo-dermatita-volosistoy-chasti-golovy/viewer