Around 3-10 out of every 100 people have the skin condition Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD). Identifying the Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms early will help in effective management of the condition. Its treatment is based on symptoms and diagnosis. SD symptoms can develop anywhere on your body except the soles and palms. However, it commonly affects the scalp but can also occur on the back, chest, or face, mainly the oil-rich body parts.
SD can affect people of any age, from infants to older adults, and its symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. Keep reading this article to learn about the signs and symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis in children and adults.
What are the symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms can appear as a rash on different body locations or stubborn dandruff on the scalp. Here are the Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms in infants, children, and adults:
Skin flakes (Dandruff)
Dandruff is one of the most common signs. It is present as white or yellowish scales that flake off the scalp, eyebrows, mustache, beard, or other affected areas. Depending on your skin type, the flakes can be oily or dry. Treatments like Nizral shampoo can help manage Seborrheic Dermatitis scalp symptoms.
Seborrheic Dermatitis on the scalp is typically referred to in infants as ‘cradle cap.’ Thick, greasy scales of yellow or brown shade will appear. This symptom typically resolves on its own as the infant grows. Cradle cap can also affect skin folds and the diaper area. While it usually resolves on its own, it can sometimes reappear during puberty.
Redness of the skin
Seborrheic Dermatitis often causes redness and inflammation on patches of skin, typically on the scalp, face, upper chest, and back. Seborrheic Dermatitis on the face tends to affect the areas around the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, and beard in men. The redness can vary from mild to severe and, in most cases, is accompanied by a burning sensation or discomfort.
Facial redness is one of the most bothersome symptoms, especially in adults, as it can be mistaken for other conditions like acne or rosacea. In severe cases, the skin may look raw or irritated.
Itching and burning
Itching is a prevalent symptom of the condition. Many individuals experience mild to intense itching, particularly on the scalp. It can be particularly distressing when it affects the scalp. This discomfort can lead to excessive scratching, further exaggerating the condition and potentially causing hair loss.
Some people may experience a stinging sensation or soreness in the affected areas. This can be especially true when the skin becomes more inflamed or secondary infections occur.
Greasy skin
A distinctive symptom of Seborrheic Dermatitis is the presence of oily or greasy skin patches. Greasy skin occurs because the condition primarily affects oil-rich areas of the body. The sebaceous glands in these regions produce excess oil, which mixes with dead skin flakes, giving them a greasy look.
The greasy patches often appear yellowish and can be thick or scaly. The oiliness may make the skin shine or feel slick to the touch. In combination with redness and flaking, the excess oil can worsen the appearance of SD.
Crusty Scales
In more severe or untreated cases, the Seborrheic Dermatitis-affected areas may develop crusting or fissuring of the skin, which can become inflamed and painful, especially if secondary infections occur.
Crusting happens when the scaly patches become thicker and harder, forming a crust over the affected area. This crust can be yellowish or brown and is often accompanied by inflammation.
Fissuring, or the development of cracks in the skin, can occur in areas of high movement or friction, such as the folds of the skin. These cracks can be painful and multiply the risk of secondary bacterial or fungal infections, requiring prompt medical attention.
Hypopigmentation or Hyperpigmentation
Seborrheic Dermatitis can cause the skin color to change in some people. This can especially take place for individuals with darker skin tones. The condition may cause hypopigmentation, i.e., lightening of the skin, or hyperpigmentation, which is darkening in some areas.
These pigment alterations are harmless and fade when SD severity is under control. However, in some cases, they may persist for a longer time.
Treatment and management of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis treatment aims to control symptoms and minimize the recurrence of flare-ups. It typically includes over-the-counter dandruff shampoos or prescribed medicated shampoos like Nizral shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis scalp, antifungal creams, corticosteroid lotions, or specific medicated cleansers for other body areas. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and regular, gentle washing of affected areas, can also help control SD symptoms.
Conclusion
Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) is a common skin condition that can present various symptoms. The Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms can range from dandruff and redness to itching, burning, and skin discoloration across different parts of the body. While the SD symptoms can be distressing, there are multiple Seborrheic Dermatitis treatment options available to manage them. Whether it’s using medicated shampoos like Nizral 50 ml for addressing scalp symptoms, applying antifungal creams, or making lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to get relief and control this chronic skin condition. Early intervention can help manage the condition effectively, and products like Nizral shampoo offer a practical solution for scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis.
