Dandruff Won't Heal; It Could Be Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as acne rosacea, is a long-term disease that generally occurs on the scalp. This skin problem is commonly called seborrheic eczema or cradle cap in babies. Seborrheic dermatitis causes the scalp to redden and develop a rash with scaly patches that itch, but it can also make the scalp dry, flake, and cause stubborn dandruff.

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on oily areas of the body such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest, but the skin area most often affected is the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes clear up without treatment in adults. While in infants, seborrheic symptoms will usually disappear at the age of 6–12 months. This disease does not endanger health and is not contagious, but it causes symptoms that are uncomfortable and have a disturbing appearance. Thus, people with seborrheic dermatitis usually need to consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

1. Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known with certainty. However, it is thought to be caused by the Malassezia fungus, which grows due to excessive oil on the surface of the skin. Following are a number of factors that make a person more at risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis, including:

1. Someone who has a weak immune system, such as someone who has just had an organ transplant, someone with HIV/AIDS, or someone with cancer.
2. Are in the recovery stage from a dangerous illness, for example someone who recently had a heart attack.
3. Suffering from a mental or nervous disorder
4. Using certain drugs
5. exposure to extreme hot or cold weather.

2. Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

The following symptoms usually appear in people with seborrheic dermatitis:

1. Skin redness and itching.
2. Scaly skin
3. Dandruff arises due to peeling skin.
4. A round or oval rash appears. These symptoms mainly appear on the scalp, and usually arise or get worse when the sufferer experiences stress.

3. Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos. These shampoos generally contain selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sodium sulfacetamide, or sulfur. Meanwhile, to relieve inflammation in areas other than the head, sufferers can use anti-fungal creams, such as clotrimazole cream, which are applied 1-2 times a day.

Here are some ways you can do home care:

1. Do not scratch the body parts affected by seborrheic dermatitis, because it can exacerbate irritation and increase the risk of infection.
2. Bathe and wash your hair regularly by rinsing off the soap or shampoo until it's completely clean, and use moisturizer if needed.
3. Do not use skin and hair care products that contain alcohol so as not to cause skin inflammation.
4. Stop using hairspray, gel, or other hair styling products that can trigger a recurrence of seborrheic dermatitis.
5. Do not use soap or shaving cream on your face because it can trigger skin irritation.
6. Using clothes with soft materials to reduce irritation on the skin.

4. Complications of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis that is severe on the scalp area can cause baldness and skin-thinning complications.

If you experience symptoms or problems as described above, immediately consult Dr. Rizki Hapsari Nugraha, Sp.DV, M.Kes; She is a dermatology and venerology specialist at Hermina Tasikmalaya Hospital.