Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, where on our body do we find it?
Its also known as cradle cap in infants and on adults is mostly common in oily areas such as the scalp, chest, back and face. It can create dandruff on the scalp as well as redness and scaly patches. It is likely that’s it’s caused by a fungus (Malassezia) which is naturally found in the oil (sebum) your body produces.
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to get worse in the cooler months potentially because of the hot water and heat we use. This dries out our skin and the body makes more sebum to try and replace it.
Often its hereditary though the cause is unknown and changes to your hormones can also have an effect.
How do we know for sure that we have it?
Seborrheic dermatitis can have a yellow waxy appearance though this can be hard to see with the naked eye. You can book yourself in for a scalp exam where we can look using the trichoscope (microscope for the skin and hair).
If needed, we can recommend you to a dermatologist for further testing.
What are some things you can do if you suspect you have this?
- You can use a dandruff shampoo. These tend to be high in chemicals and need to be used daily. In salon we have a natural range that could assist you without the chemicals called Activance.
- Don’t put your hair up in the same spot every day. Clean, fresh air around your scalp will help your skin.
- In general use hypoallergenic soap and detergent
- If it’s on your skin and there is hair, you can shave the area.
- Check your diet, are you getting a wide range of healthy items in it? A blood or hair test could help you here
- Get your microbiome checked to see how your gut is fairing
- Find a way to deal with stress better, this will have an effect
- Reduce alcohol consumption
Lastly, be careful not to scratch it with your fingertips. Bacteria is usually under your finger nails and you can make the condition worse. It you tear the skin and put bacteria in the tear you can get a bacterial infection as well. If you need to scratch, use the ball of your fingers so you don’t break the skin.
If you’d like to book an appointment to give your hair or scalp assistance, all the details to make a booking can be found here.