Seborrheic dermatitis also referred to as dandruff or simply dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. It occurs due to overactive sebaceous glands that produce too much oil and the skin turns red and looks dry and inflamed. It affects the scalp, face and trunk leading to a scaly, flaky and itchy skin. The condition is apparently embarrassing and may cause a fair amount of itching but is basically harmless. It is easily treated and total remission is possible. However, it is likely to recur after some months or years. It is generally termed as a kind of eczema but is not the same. Sebaceous glands are distributed all over the skin except palms and soles. These microscopic glands secrete an oily substance, sebum, which is actually meant for protecting the skin. The basic cause of dermatitis is not known but factors like infestation with a yeast-like organism and hormone and stress may be responsible. It can affect children, adults and the elderly but is generally more common in women.

The foaming agent used in soaps and detergents causes dryness in the top layers of the skin and may lead to a flare up of dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis treatment usually involves a suitable alternative to ordinary soaps and shampoos. Products containing selenium sulfide, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione are usually recommended by dermatologists. For severe manifestation of the disease shampoos containing salicyclic acid or coal tar or pine tar may be used to remove stubborn scale. In addition, various nutritional supplements are also recommended. These include 3mg of biotin, a B vitamin, 20-30mg of zinc and I tablespoon of flaxseed oil. When nothing seems to work then a prescription drug containing isotretinoin may be recommended for reducing production of sebum.

Scalp seborrheic dermatitis may also be treated with topical 1% terbinafine solution. Another water soluble topical solution that has been shown to treat scalp dermatitis is an ointment containing 50mg of Vitamin B6 per gram. Some topical lotions containing corticosteroids are also effective but care should be taken since chronic treatment may lead to permanent skin changes.

Although the condition cannot be prevented, it can be controlled. Natural seborrheic dermatitis control is also possible with good hygiene. Management of the disorder is also possible with the use of shampoos containing selenium sulfide and tea tree oil. The affected area should be washed daily.

Natural treatments are usually not supported by medical evidence. Aloe vera is one of the most popular natural treatments of dermatitis. One may apply milk of magnesia on face and body during showering. Face seborrheic dermatitis is manageable by shaving off facial hair such as beard and moustache.

While more people are inclined towards natural treatments, dermatitis is a stubborn condition that may be difficult to treat without recourse to medicated shampoos and other conventional treatments. You should however ensure that the product you use for treating seborrheic dermatitis contains safer ingredients.

You can find more useful information here: allergic dermatitis or serborrheic dermatitis

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