Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis... Treatment options at ADAS

WHAT IS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a scaling disorder of the face, ears and scalp which is characterized by waxing and waning of symptoms. Scale is noted by its yellow and greasy character. Inflammation is thought to be due to an allergic reaction to a yeast (Pityrosporum orbiculare) which colonizes affected individuals. Areas such as the abdomen, under arms, breasts, groin and buttocks can also be affected. Our patients in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach and Fleming Island with oily skin or hair are more likely to contract seborrheic dermatitis.

AT WHAT AGE DOES SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS BEGIN?

Seborrheic dermatitis may develop as early as infancy. Rarely, it is seen in children older than six months of age. Seborrheic dermatitis presents later in life by approximately the third decade, when it flares, during times of stress or illness. Between three and five percent of the United States population are thought to be affected by this condition.

WHO IS PRONE TO SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?

There are a variety of individuals who are more susceptible. Infants are at risk early in life, when they develop "cradle cap". This disorder is characterized by a symptomatic crusting of the scalp. Most of the time, it is the worried patient who brings the condition to the attention of the dermatologist. Other individuals who are more susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis include those with immune deficiency disorders, diabetes, malignancy or AIDS. Finally, those who inherit the tendency for psoriasis, acne or Parkinson's disease are prone to develop seborrheic dermatitis.

HOW IS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS TREATED, AND IS THIS DISORDER PREVENTABLE?

Seborrheic dermatitis may be treated topically with either corticosteroid creams or antifungal medications, such as Nizoral™ or Spectazole™. At present, there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis. Symptoms can be controlled with either shampoos or topical creams. In several instances tar shampoos or zinc shampoos are helpful. In instances where the scalp is involved, and patients complain of a secondary bacterial infection, we recommend antibacterial shampoos, or even oral antibiotics. The treatments work to remove any persistent scale, inhibiting yeast from colonizing the scalp and skin. Improvement is gradual, with treatments directed at controlling symptoms rather than achieving a cure.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL TESTS NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?

Usually not. This diagnosis is typically made on clinical grounds. In most instances, blood, urine or biopsy samples are not performed. In cases unresponsive to treatment, skin biopsies or immune testing may be indicated. ADAS providers can advise you on how to proceed if your condition is resistant to treatment.

ADAS PROVIDERS MAY RECOMMEND:

Daily shampooing with the following prescription shampoos. It is important to leave the prescribed shampoo on the scalp for at least five to ten minutes. You are to alternate these with some of the other shampoos listed below.

• Nizoral™ shampoo
• Zincon™ shampoo
• Capex™ shampoo
• Clobex™ Spray
• Head & Shoulders™ shampoo
• Selsun Blue™ shampoo
• Ionil T™ shampoo
• Capitrol™ shampoo
• Salicylic acid 6% gel under occlusion with coal tar, as directed
• Derma Smoothe FS™ oil, leave on the scalp overnight with shower cap occlusion, then wash out in the morning with Dove™ dishwashing detergent.
• Luxiq™ Mousse™, applied after shampooing.
• Olux™ Mousse™, applied after shampooing

For the face, neck or chest, one of the following creams or tablets may be recommended:

• Hytone™, 2.5% mixed 1:1 with Nizoral™ cream b.i.d. to affected areas
• Plexion™ Facial Cleanser- Wash face twice a day as directed
• Westcort™, 0.1% cream b.i.d. to the affected areas
• Texacort™ solution, twice daily to the ears, to treat ear scale.
• Nizoral™ tablets, 200 mg, as directed. Take with Coca Cola™ and exercise to induce sweating on the skin, one hour after taking the medication.
• Xolegel™ bid to the face and affected areas of seborrheic dermatitis.

The staff at ADAS look forward to helping our patients in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Fleming Island and are happy to answer any questions which you may have about seborrheic dermatitis. Remember, to follow through with your prescribed treatment to achieve optimal results. Sometimes this may result in your condition worsening temporarily. Though an instant "cure-all" for dandruff is currently not available, it can be controlled and only through your medical compliance. If you would like to schedule an appointment, click here or call 904-285-7546. We look forward to helping you.