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Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation. There is another name for this disease – seborrheic eczema. In this state, according to statistics, young people are most often found. The peak age is 40 years. But there are patients who are 1 year old and 25 years old. Men are more often at risk. There are cases when the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis was justified by pronounced geographical features, and researchers are trying to tie it to climatic and racial conditions.
Description of the disease
Seborrheic dermatitis affects the skin of the scalp, the epidermis of the face. The reason for the appearance is excessive colonization in the cells of the fungus malassezia furfur. They are suitable for the localization of the sebaceous glands. They usually form in certain areas:
to the head
carry
forehead
on the sternum,
interscapular zone.
It is believed that the sebaceous glands are the focus of the development of seborrheic dermatitis. The term “seborrhea” itself is translated as sebum flow. The secretion of the sebaceous glands is mainly represented by fatty acids, cholesterol, carbohydrate compounds, high molecular weight alcohols. A small percentage of the composition is represented by vitamins, salts, hormones, bactericidal substances. When sebum is excreted from the body, stocks of toxins, antibiotics, iodine, bromine, salicylic acid and a number of other drugs are simultaneously removed.
It takes only a week for up to 4-5 g of normal sebum to be released on the surface of human skin. Together with sweat, it creates a thin water-fat layer. It serves to protect the skin and hair from drying out, their elasticity increases, and antibacterial properties are activated. 5-7 days are enough for the antibacterial properties to stop working, the fats on the surface begin to decompose, and due to the appearance of their decay products, itching appears, the skin begins to suffer from a feeling of irritation.
Sebum also contains free and bound types of fatty acids, proteins, nucleotides. This is the best environment for the appearance of microbes, which also live and leave decay products. As a result, a certain amount of free fatty acids is created, which have an irritating and comedogenic effect. Comedones appear due to excessive amounts of sebum. It cannot be removed from the surface of the skin in a timely manner, and the pores become clogged.
There are two types of seborrhea – oily and dry. Fatty more often occurs when the time of puberty comes. Undoubtedly, the epidermis is badly affected by electromagnetic radiation, stress. Due to such influences, changes in the chemical composition, consistency and secretion of lipids occur, i.e. elimination of sebum from the pores of hormone-dependent glands.
A pronounced manifestation of the disease is acne. It is easy to determine the type of disease by the condition of the hair. The hair looks like glued together if the patient suffers from oily seborrhea. A greasy sheen is visible, regardless of the amount of washing, sticky strands form, fall out strongly. A common result of this disease is baldness. Liquid seborrhea usually occurs without adverse symptoms. When the age of 25 is reached, the secretions of the sebaceous glands begin to return to normal.
Dry (thick) seborrhea is pronounced in such a manifestation as a decline in sebum secretion. The release of fat to the surface is noticeably more difficult. Complications begin to develop.
These include education:
comedones,
atheroma,
acne,
dandruff.
There is a mixed form of seborrhea. Then the signs of dry and oily varieties of the disease are mixed, appear simultaneously.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are not difficult to recognize. Dandruff has many negative effects. In particular, it often signals seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes it is its initial stage. But so far, a XNUMX% relationship has not been established. There are other symptoms that appear:
itching
skin irritation,
redness of the face,
scales of white or yellow color,
peeling,
acne rash,
soreness, increased sensitivity of the skin.
The combination of conspicuous oily scales of a dirty yellow color with the formation of sexudate creates crusts, and red weeping skin can be found under them. Often in the affected area are eyebrows, folds near the nose, lips. The more the condition of perifollicular erythema worsens, the more “islands” with peeling. They form foci with noticeable and clear boundaries, they are painted matte red, on top – sebaceous scales. Several similar areas can be found, a diffuse lesion covering the scalp is also found, when the infection of dermatitis spreads under the frontal hairline, a “seborrheic crown” can be detected.
Scratching with secondary infection may develop severe eczema. In this case, significant exudation is accompanied by the formation of crusts. Due to repeated infection, inflammatory changes spread, the development of pustules.
Often there are signs of blepharitis – this is a concomitant disease of seborrheic dermatitis. At the same time, small crusts form along the edges of the eyelids. When they separate, they leave scars. Accompanied by the destruction of individual eyelashes.
Simultaneously with seborrheic dermatitis, the skin behind the ear is severely affected when the scalp develops. crusts form on the behind-the-ear fold, with them peeling of a matte red color spreads over the scalp, the back surface of the auricle. These distributions capture the auricle, the area of the external auditory canal.
Simultaneously with the fashion for beards, epidemics of the corresponding dermatitis arose in different countries. Erythema with oily peeling is especially pronounced on the cheeks. A chin with shaved skin is often covered with superficial folliculitis (a “barbershop” type of rash). There are times when infection of the follicles becomes a favorable factor for exacerbating sycosis, which also leaves scars.
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis has not yet been identified. Much attention is paid to the genetic factor, often combined with the symptoms of the disease. In medicine, different symptoms are distinguished, which also proceed in different ways. Manifestations of the disease in infants are associated with the activity of the sebaceous glands, which is based on maternal androgens. In people of young and young age, the level of activity of the sebaceous glands is able to revive if the endogenous androgen acts.
Often against the background of seborrheic dermatitis, the production of sebaceous secretion is at a reduced level. But there are fewer free fatty acids in such an epidermis, as well as squalene, paraffin esters. A little more in the body of triglycerides, cholesterol. The statistics of seborrheic dermatitis increases with parkinsonism.
Experts were looking for links between the disease and the development and activity of yeast fungi, the corresponding bacteria. But no definite results were achieved. There was a connection with a secondary bacterial infection. It also failed to find evidence of an autoimmune mechanism of the disease. Concomitant factors such as stress are often highlighted.
Almost all people have a fungus such as malassezia furfur. But not everyone is infected with this disease.
For the development and growth of the fungus, many conditions are needed:
malnutrition,
bad habits,
hereditary components of sebum,
course of hormonal changes
etc. These conditions have a bad effect on the body, but this is enough for the development of the fungus. It develops, grows, and subsequently causes disease. In adolescence, the level of hormonal levels rises, the sebaceous glands begin to affect the health of the body, and the risk of disease increases markedly.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face is becoming more common. It is easy to identify, because the face forms an accumulation of peeling, with a strong sensation of itching. When the case is especially serious, the skin deteriorates not only on the face, but also on the areas behind the ears. If you do not start fighting the disease in time, then the peeling can intensify, the surfaces of the scales begin to get fat, they thicken, turn yellow, this is a warning about re-infection.
Often, seborrheic dermatitis on the face spreads to teenagers when puberty begins. With the normalization of sebum production, skin phenomena stop. But in some cases there are beneficial factors. Most often, the disease develops in male patients.
The disease is considered skin, but its manifestations are quite painful. The sebaceous supply of glands with seborrhea changes its chemical composition when compared with healthy people. The disease appears due to the fungus, when the vital activity of infections is disrupted, leading to associated problems.
In adolescents, seborrheic dermatitis on the face appears due to hormonal changes in the body.
Adults begin to get sick for the following reasons:
Irrational food.
Infection of various types.
Excess carbohydrate and fatty foods.
Problems of the gastrointestinal tract.
Thyroid disorder.
Lack of vitamins.
Sometimes it is enough to exclude dangerous products from the menu:
seasonings,
pickles,
chocolate.
All of them are an activator of sebum production.
In the treatment of this type of seborrheic dermatitis, corticosteroids are used externally. You need to take a consultation with a doctor, strive to avoid skin atrophy.
Improving the health of patients with seborrheic dermatitis is especially noticeable in the summer. In winter, along with a decline in immunity and a decrease in the required amount of immunity, deterioration is noticeable.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a special type of disease, with a recurrence of a chronic form, accompanied by the appearance of specific symptoms on the scalp. In particular, where hair grows on the head, erythematous-squamous and follicular papular-squamous types of rashes grow. Medical statistics announces: more often the disease affects 3-5 percent of the population, especially people aged 18-40. In children, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is very rare. It is believed that this is due to the course of separation of sebum in different age groups.
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp lie in the abnormal development of the lipophilic yeast-like fungus Malassezia furfur. This is the name of the scientist who is credited with the proof theorem in 1874 on the etiology of the fungal basis of this disease. If the body has sufficiently activated the immunity of local and general significance, then the fungi remain in a spore state. When certain conditions are created, they begin to actively multiply and grow. The background is a violation of the barrier functions of the epidermis, an increase in the separation of sebum.
Hyperactivation of fungal microflora develops under the following factors:
diseases in the endocrine system;
hormonal disruptions, regardless of their causes;
disorder of the nervous system;
weakening of the immune defense;
emotional outbursts or stress;
unjustified physical activity;
change in climatic zones.
Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is complex. Its tasks are the elimination of symptoms, the correction of ailments, which often become the root cause of the discussed skin disease.
A strict diet is required. The patient must adhere to a special hypoallergenic diet. The diet is based on foods that are rich in zinc, vitamins A, B, C, and selenium. Until the disease subsides, you will need to use special shampoos. They are produced for medical purposes and are based on keratolytic components, zinc and substances that help eliminate excess sebum. Locally, it is customary to carry out etiotropic therapy for seborrheic dermatitis. It consists in the use of antifungal drugs, whose base is nizoral and miconazole. If the layer of scales has become very dense, you first need to make compresses, which are based on vegetable oils and keratolytic ointments. In addition, physiotherapy is shown:
cryomassage;
darsonvalization procedure;
ultraviolet therapy.
Seborrheic dermatitis in children
Seborrheic dermatitis in children is a skin infection class disease. The symptomatology varies, it depends on the skin areas affected in the child. If the lesion turned out to be the face, then dry and oily seborrheic dermatitis can be diagnosed.
The symptoms of this disease are usually:
skin peeling;
redness at the growth sites of eyelashes and eyebrows;
the appearance of scales around the wings of the nose, cheekbones;
there is severe itching and pain where the lesions occurred.
Oily seborrheic dermatitis in children is accompanied by a copious amount of secreted fat. On children’s skin, the disease on the face is localized at the nasolabial folds. The dry variety is manifested, on the contrary, by drying out of the skin. As a result, it begins to peel off, and it is very difficult to get rid of this phenomenon.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp of a child leads to hair loss. In children, the disease causes characteristic symptoms such as diarrhea. In this category of patients, the lesions are very large.
Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in children requires a complex method. For children, medication alone is not enough. A special diet is required. The child does not eat regular foods. In particular, babies need milk with a special composition. It is necessary that it contains vitamins of different groups, especially A, C, B. Just like adults, selenium and zinc are needed. An excessive dose of products with their content is dangerous for children, complications arise. As adults, children eat like adults. Medical shampoos may be prescribed – if seborrheic dermatitis has affected the scalp.
How to cure seborrheic dermatitis?
How to cure seborrheic dermatitis? A special system has been developed for this. Medicines are prescribed that are necessary to normalize the state of the nervous system, as well as treating the digestive tract. In the process of treatment, it is necessary to treat the affected areas of the skin with soda. Salicylic or boric acid, diluted to a weak solution, is also used. At the same time, ultraviolet therapy is needed.
No modern effective drugs are produced that normalize the state of the sebaceous glands. During treatment, an orientation is created towards correcting the selected symptom. When it is necessary to eliminate localization in the scalp, antifungal therapy is prescribed.
This helps shampoo, which includes substances:
ketonazole,
ciclopirox,
pyriton zinc,
tar.
To cure seborrheic dermatitis in the acute stage, their daily use is required. The course can be interrupted only with an obvious decrease in symptoms. If there is an inefficiency or a decrease in the ongoing treatment when using one of the shampoos, it is allowed to replace it with another.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face requires a special approach. Especially often, doctors recommend a drug such as ketoconazole. This substance perfectly slows down and stops the growth of the accumulation of fungal bacteria. Experience with patients has confirmed its effectiveness. It must be applied to the skin of the face, a semblance of foam is created. The procedure should last three minutes, then the mixture is washed off. There are cases of small rashes. Then appoint ketoconazole (cream, 2%). If the case is particularly complicated, then hydrocortisone is prescribed.
Seborrheic dermatitis, which occurs on the back and chest, should be treated with shampoos. In addition, prescribe drugs with antifungal action, immunomodulators.
Diet for seborrheic dermatitis
Diet for seborrheic dermatitis will be the first advice that any doctor will give. You will have to adjust the diet regardless of the degree of development of the disease. You have to follow a very strict menu. You have to forget about some of your favorite foods. It will be necessary to replenish the part called “healthy eating”. Then the balance in the body can be restored, and this is an unacceptable condition for the development of a fungus pathogen. What will be included in the new menu?
Liquid. We need freshly squeezed juices, fruit drinks, natural herbal infusions, clean fresh water.
Diet meat. This includes lean parts of pork and beef, white meat chicken. Rarely, pampering in the form of a turkey or a rabbit is allowed. Low-fat varieties of fish are shown, especially if the dishes from them were steamed.
Vegetables. Pumpkin dishes are definitely recommended. Its flesh should not be bright. You can add dishes with zucchini, squash, cabbage and asparagus. You definitely need to eat seaweed. Other vegetables are also acceptable, but in limited quantities.
Dairy cuisine. Porridge is made from whole milk, diluted in half with water. Thus, oatmeal, barley, buckwheat are prepared. Allowed the use of cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt.
Berries. You can eat them fresh and frozen, they also make fruit drinks. With seborrheic dermatitis, the benefits will be from the use of gooseberries, currants, cranberries, watermelon and cherries. You can not use jam.
A large list of products is prohibited. Dishes from carbohydrates are forbidden, not only cakes, sweets, but also buns, sweet drinks. Will have to postpone:
fried and fatty foods
marinated smoked products,
fast food,
caviar,
citrus,
Strawberry,
mushrooms.