Gilbert’s dandruff – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, home remedies

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Gilbert’s dandruff is a type of skin rash. It classically begins with a single red and slightly scaly area known as the “mother plate”. Then, a few days or weeks later, a rash of many similar, but smaller, round or oval lesions appears, mainly on the trunk and upper limbs. About 20% of cases show unusual deviations from this pattern. It usually lasts less than three months and goes away without treatment. It is most common in people between the ages of 10 and 35.

Gilbert’s dandruff – symptoms

In many cases, the characteristic rash associated with Gilbert’s dandruff (Gibert’s dandruff) is preceded by vague, non-specific symptoms similar to those seen with viral upper respiratory tract infection. These symptoms can include fever, headache, stuffy nose, sore throat and tiredness. Sometimes there is no history of the disease prior to the appearance of a rash.

Affected individuals initially develop a stain, also known as mother plaque, which is a single scaly red spot, usually on the back, chest, or abdomen. Once on the back, it may go undetected until a generalized rash appears.

The mother plate is a slightly raised plate, which is usually between 5 and 10 centimeters. It is often misdiagnosed as ringworm. There will be many smaller scaly, pink, or red spots over the next few days or weeks. In people with darker skin, the rash may be gray, dark brown, or black.

Although the back, chest, and abdomen are the most affected areas, the rash can spread to the arms, legs, and neck. Other areas of the body may be involved less frequently. In rare cases, the rash may be located in one specific area of ​​the body. In some people the rash may not itch, while in others the rash may be very itchy.

The rash usually lasts one to three months in about 80 percent of cases. Gilbert’s dandruff eventually goes away on its own, even without treatment, and usually leaves no scars or permanent marks. However, people with darker skin may have residual dark spots in places of inflammation that can last for months before they go away.

See also: How to recognize an allergic rash? Causes, symptoms and treatment of skin allergies

Gilbert’s dandruff – causes

Scientists believe that Gilbert’s dandruff is caused by a viral infection. However, although the disorder was first described in the medical literature in 1860, no infectious pathogen has ever been identified.

Several factors support the theory that Gilbert’s dandruff is caused by a viral infection – most people have vague, nonspecific symptoms before the rash appears (precursor disease); after the acute phase of infection, the disease does not recur, which suggests that the body is building up resistance to the infection. Additionally, Gilbert’s dandruff occurred in clusters, suggesting that the viral disease is impacting the community. While the virus is believed to cause Gilbert’s dandruff, the disease is not believed to be contagious.

It is said that herpes viruses may be related to Gilbert’s dandruff. There are many types of human herpes viruses. The ones found in people with Gilbert’s dandruff are herpes viruses 6 and 7. These types cannot cause cold sores or genital herpes.

Human herpes viruses 6 and 7 are common. Many people around the world become infected with them at a young age. Children often become infected when someone kisses or sneezes on them. Once we have these viruses, they stay in our body. These viruses generally do not cause problems because the immune system keeps them under control. It is possible that people develop Gilbert’s dandruff when their immune system “lowers their guard”, allowing viruses to travel through the body and reproduce. However, this has not yet been proven and more research is still needed in this direction.

Some researchers have theorized that autoimmune factors may play a role in the development of Gilbert’s dandruff. Autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue for unknown reasons.

See also: What infects us? The seven most common diseases worth remembering all year round

Gilbert’s Dandruff – Who’s Most At Risk?

Some reports in the medical literature indicate that Gilbert’s dandruff affects women more than men. Others argue that the disorder affects men and women in equal numbers. The disorder most commonly affects people between the ages of 10 and 35, but has been reported in all age groups, including infants and the elderly (doctors have diagnosed Gilbert’s dandruff in patients aged 3 months to 83 years).

It is worth paying attention to the fact that Gilbert’s dandruff is more common in the spring and fall months. It is also a common disease all over the world. It occurs in any climate, from the hottest to the coldest. However, the disease appears to be more common in temperate places.

Gilbert’s Dandruff – Related Medical Conditions

The symptoms of the following conditions may be similar to those of Gilbert’s dandruff. Comparisons can be useful in differential diagnosis.

Gilbert’s dandruff and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry, reddish (erythematous), thick patches on the skin that are covered with silvery-gray scales. These spots can be referred to as papules or plaques and most commonly affect the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and / or lower back. The plaques can be intensely itchy or painful.

In some cases, people with psoriasis may experience abnormalities in the fingernails or fingernails and the soft tissues of the mouth. The severity of psoriasis varies from case to case. Psoriasis can be classified as mild, moderate or severe, depending on the amount of skin involved and the impact on a person’s quality of life. About one-third of cases have a family history of psoriasis.

Gilbert’s dandruff and syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria (microorganisms) pale treponema. It is spread by direct contact with an infected lesion, usually through sexual intercourse. Untreated syphilis goes through primary, secondary and latent stages. The early stages of syphilis may not have any detectable symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may remain dormant for years. After all, any tissue or vascular organ in the body could be affected.

Secondary syphilis usually develops within two weeks to six months of the onset of the primary changes. This stage of the disease is characterized by lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be pink or copper, extensive, symmetrical, and along the cut line of the skin. The hands and soles are often affected. Secondary syphilis skin lesions are contagious. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, sore throat, headache, low fever, muscle aches, nasal discharge and swollen lymph nodes may occur.

Relapse occurs in 25 percent of untreated cases, most often in the first year. Secondary syphilis usually lasts two to six weeks and some lesions can leave scars.

Gilbert’s dandruff and medications

Certain medications can potentially cause a rash very similar to Gilbert’s dandruff as a side effect of their use. These drugs include barbiturates, bismuth, clonidine, captopril, gold, imatinib mesylate, interferon, arsenic and gold compounds.

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Gilbert’s dandruff – diagnosis

The diagnosis of Gilbert’s dandruff is made on the basis of the characteristic symptoms, detailed history of the patient, and careful clinical evaluation. In the earlier stages of the disease, additional tests, such as blood tests or a biopsy, may be necessary to distinguish Gilbert’s dandruff from similar skin conditions.

Gilbert’s dandruff – treatment

Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Many people may not need treatment, and rashes usually resolve on their own within 1 to 3 months. Most treatments are aimed at controlling or reducing the itching. Such treatments include antihistamines, steroid creams or ointments.

Needless to say, various treatments have been used to try to reduce the duration of Gilbert’s dandruff rash. Such therapies include systemic corticosteroids, certain antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and famciclovir, and the antibiotic erythromycin. There is limited evidence to support either of these treatments.

It should be added that phototherapy is used in people with inflammatory skin diseases, such as Gilbert’s dandruff. Phototherapy can be used alone or in combination with local treatment. Some affected individuals may be treated by increased exposure to sunlight.

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Gilbert’s dandruff – complications

In most cases, Gilbert’s dandruff is harmless and won’t come back after you’re gone. If, in our case, the disease lasts longer than 3 months, we should consult a doctor. We may have a different condition or react differently to the drug.

It is worth being aware of the fact that pregnant women belong to the group that has a greater chance of a serious complication of this condition. If we are pregnant and have rosacea, we should go to the gynecologist / obstetrician immediately. In one small study, most women who developed a rash in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy had a miscarriage.

Gilbert’s dandruff – relapse

Many people get Gilbert’s dandruff once and will never have it again. However, it is possible to develop a rash more than once. In studies, 2 to 3 percent of people get the disease again. While unusual, one patient developed rosacea once a year for 5 years in a row.

Gilbert’s dandruff – home remedies

Although the rash will go away on its own without treatment, these few tips can help us feel more comfortable when we have a rash. Here’s what dermatologists recommend for their Gilbert’s dandruff patients.

Try to prevent overheating. High temperature can worsen rash and itching. To reduce the risk of overheating:

1. Avoid high temperatures as much as possible.
2. Stop strenuous activities when you have a rash.
3. Stay away from hot tubs and jacuzzis.

Reduce the discomfort of showers, baths, and skin care products. Hot water and strong soaps can worsen the rash and itching. If the rash is not itchy, taking a hot shower or using strong soap can cause itching.

To avoid this, dermatologists recommend the following.

1. Stop using the following products on skin with rashes: Skin care products labeled ‘antibacterial’ and containing perfumes or deodorants.
2. Take lukewarm (or as cool as you can stand) baths and showers.
3. Use a mild, non-perfumed cleanser, body wash, or soap.
4. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to all dry skin within 3 minutes of leaving a shower or bath.

Protect the rash from sunburn. Sunburn from Gilbert’s dandruff can make matters worse. To reduce the risk of sunburn, dermatologists recommend:

1. Cover the rash with loose clothing.
2. If possible, look for shade.
3. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen to all skin that cannot be covered by clothing, using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and a broad spectrum of protection.

If you have a rash on your face that makes you feel uncomfortable, use a concealer. To avoid irritation of the rash, use a sensitive skin concealer.

Try to ease the itching. The rash is often itchy and sometimes very itchy. To relieve itching at home, dermatologists recommend:

1. apply a cool compress on itchy skin. To make a cool compress, place a clean cloth under cool running water. After soaking, squeeze out any excess water and apply a cloth over itchy skin. Keep the compress on the itchy area for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. apply pramoxin lotion, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to itchy skin. If you are treating a child under the age of 12, consult your pediatrician before using any of them. If you want to apply these preparations to a large area of ​​skin, apply a small amount first. If you don’t get an allergic reaction within 24 hours, apply to a larger area.
3. to keep the itching from waking you up and keeping you awake, take an antihistamine tablet before going to bed. To prevent itching when you are awake, you can take an antihistamine that says “sleepless” on the packet.

Although Gilbert’s dandruff rash can often be treated at home, seek medical attention if the rash gets worse or lasts longer than 3 months.

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