Appointments for “Seborrheic Dermatitis” are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at IC Clinic Shinjuku.
“What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?”
“What should I do if I develop seborrheic dermatitis?” If you are troubled by skin conditions like these, you are not alone.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation that tends to develop in areas with high sebum (oil) production.
This article covers the causes and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as treatment approaches.
By reading this article, you will gain a better understanding of the symptoms and prevention of seborrheic dermatitis.
The latter half of the article also explains medications commonly used for seborrheic dermatitis, so please read to the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
- 2 What Are the Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
- 3 How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Treated?
- 3.1 Treatment Approach (1): Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
- 3.2 Treatment Approach (2): Adult Seborrheic Dermatitis
- 4 5 Factors That Can Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- 5 How Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Be Prevented?
- 5.1 Prevention Method (1): Use Shampoo and Soap Suited to Your Skin Type
- 5.2 Prevention Method (2): Adopt Lifestyle Habits That Help Manage Stress
- 6 Can Over-the-Counter Medications Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis? A Guide to Available Medications
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Seborrheic Dermatitis
- 7.1 Q: Are certain age groups or sexes more prone to seborrheic dermatitis?
- 7.2 Q: What if seborrheic dermatitis is slow to improve?
- 8 For Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to develop not only on the scalp and face, but also in sebum-rich areas such as the chest, groin, and underarms.
Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be caused mainly by the following factors:
- An allergic reaction to Malassezia, a fungus naturally present on the skin
- Abnormal sebum secretion
- Deficiency of B vitamins
- Stress
- Skin surface pH*
*pH is a scale used to measure acidity and alkalinity.
Seborrheic dermatitis is triggered by an allergic reaction to Malassezia, a fungus that naturally lives on the skin, and tends to develop in areas with high sebum production.
As a result, conditions that increase sebum secretion—such as B vitamin deficiency or stress—may make the condition more likely to occur.
What Are the Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
When seborrheic dermatitis develops, the following symptoms are commonly observed:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin flaking, resembling dandruff
In particular, when inflammation occurs on the scalp, significant dandruff is often present.
Itching may or may not be present.
How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Treated?
Seborrheic dermatitis is classified into two types based on the age of onset:
- Infantile seborrheic dermatitis — occurring during infancy
- Adult seborrheic dermatitis — occurring after adolescence
Each type is managed differently, as described below.
Treatment Approach (1): Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
For infantile seborrheic dermatitis, topical corticosteroids and antifungal agents (such as topical ketoconazole) may be used.
However, the condition generally resolves on its own within a few months, so treatment is typically short-term.
Treatment Approach (2): Adult Seborrheic Dermatitis
When the condition develops after adolescence, it is classified as adult seborrheic dermatitis and is managed with a combination of topical corticosteroids and antifungal agents (such as topical ketoconazole).
Once inflammation has cleared with treatment, continued use of antifungal agents (such as topical ketoconazole) is recommended as a preventive measure.
5 Factors That Can Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
The main factors that can worsen seborrheic dermatitis include the following five:
- Stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep
- Sebum buildup due to insufficient cleansing
- Vitamin deficiency and smoking
- Hormonal imbalance
- Constipation
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that tends to develop in areas with high sebum production.
As a result, it can be worsened not only by sebum buildup from inadequate cleansing, but also by hormonal imbalances and excessive sebum secretion caused by stress and fatigue.
How Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Be Prevented?
Specific measures to help prevent seborrheic dermatitis include the following:
- Use shampoo and soap suited to your skin type
- Adopt lifestyle habits that help manage stress
Each of these prevention methods is explained in detail below.
Prevention Method (1): Use Shampoo and Soap Suited to Your Skin Type
One approach to helping prevent seborrheic dermatitis is using shampoo and soap that are suited to your skin type.
In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis may be related to excessive sebum production caused by shampoo or soap that does not suit your skin type.
Scalp condition varies considerably from person to person, and certain shampoos may not be compatible with your skin.
If you notice excess oiliness or prominent dandruff, consider switching your shampoo or soap.
Prevention Method (2): Adopt Lifestyle Habits That Help Manage Stress
Another important preventive measure is adopting daily habits that help reduce stress.
Sebum—one of the contributing factors to seborrheic dermatitis—may be produced in excess due to stress and fatigue.
Regular exercise and adequate sleep can help reduce excessive sebum secretion by managing stress and fatigue, which may contribute to preventing seborrheic dermatitis.
A diet high in fats can also contribute to excess sebum production, so it is advisable to follow a low-fat diet as part of your daily routine.
Can Over-the-Counter Medications Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis? A Guide to Available Medications
Seborrheic dermatitis can often be managed with over-the-counter medications.
In particular, lotion-type topical corticosteroids (applied directly to the skin) may be effective for itching and redness.
However, if you are unsure which medication suits your symptoms, or if over-the-counter options are not providing relief, prescription medication from a medical professional may be necessary.
Common medications used for seborrheic dermatitis include the following:
| Medication | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Antifungal agents (topical ketoconazole) | ・Available in cream and lotion formulations ・Used to target Malassezia, the fungus associated with seborrheic dermatitis ・Side effects are generally rare even with long-term use in many cases |
| Topical corticosteroids | ・Used to reduce redness and inflammation ・The appropriate topical corticosteroid varies depending on the severity and location of inflammation; prescription from a physician is recommended |
| Protopic (tacrolimus) / Corectim | ・May be prescribed for individuals who experience frequent recurrence ・A sensation of warmth or flushing may occur during the first few days of use |
| Herbal (Kampo) medicines | ・Various Kampo formulations may be used for difficult-to-treat cases of seborrheic dermatitis ・May help reduce inflammation and suppress suppuration |
| Vitamin supplements | ・May be prescribed because vitamin deficiency is considered one of the contributing factors to seborrheic dermatitis |
While topical corticosteroids are available over the counter, using a preparation that does not match your symptoms could potentially worsen the condition. It is therefore advisable to consult a physician first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seborrheic Dermatitis
Here is a summary of frequently asked questions about seborrheic dermatitis.
QAre certain age groups or sexes more prone to seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is more commonly seen in infants under 3 months of age and in adults aged 30 and over.
It is also more likely to occur in males than females.
Seborrheic dermatitis occurring during infancy is referred to as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, while the form that develops in adults is called adult seborrheic dermatitis.
QWhat if seborrheic dermatitis is slow to improve?
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to respond well to appropriate treatment at a medical facility.
Corticosteroids can help achieve improvement within a short period in many cases; however, if symptoms persist, the following other skin conditions may need to be considered:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis vulgaris
- Candidal intertrigo
For this reason, even if your symptoms seem mild, it is advisable to visit a medical facility for an examination.
For Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that can affect anyone, from infants to adults.
Although it is often associated with irregular lifestyle habits and stress, prompt improvement may be expected with appropriate treatment, so it is important to visit a medical facility as soon as possible.
IC Clinic strives to be a welcoming clinic where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable seeking care.
Regardless of your symptoms, we will work closely with you to recommend a treatment approach that feels right for you. If you have any concerns about itching or skin inflammation, please do not hesitate to consult IC Clinic.
Appointments for “Seborrheic Dermatitis” are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at IC Clinic Shinjuku.
