What is sebaceous dermatitis and how to treat it

Improper use of skin care products can easily lead to sebaceous dermatitis. If you find that your skin easily flakes and becomes red and acne-prone, you may have sebaceous dermatitis. Although sebaceous dermatitis is not a very serious skin disease, it is difficult to cure and is prone to recurrence. Therefore, everyone must be careful in daily skin care to avoid sebaceous dermatitis.

1. What is sebaceous dermatitis?

Sebaceous dermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation that occurs mostly in areas with abundant sebaceous glands. It often starts from the head and spreads downward. Typical lesions are dark yellow-red papules or patches with clear edges and covered with greasy scales or crusts on the surface, accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The cause of sebaceous dermatitis is not very clear. Currently, some researchers believe that sebaceous dermatitis is caused by sebum secretion, imbalance of normal flora on the skin surface, and increased growth of Pityrosporum ovale. Other factors such as heredity, mental stress, dietary structure, chemical stimulation, frequent shampooing, irregular lifestyle, vitamin B deficiency, alcoholism, etc. are all related to the occurrence and development of this disease.

2. Typical symptoms of sebaceous dermatitis

1. Sebaceous dermatitis is common in young people and adults with more active sebaceous gland secretion

2. Sebaceous dermatitis is prone to occur in areas with abundant sebaceous glands. It occurs on the basis of sebum secretion, often starting from the head and spreading downwards. It is prone to occur in areas with more sebum secretion, with greasy, scaly, yellow-red patches with clear borders and symmetrical distribution. It is itchy, chronic, and prone to recurrence.

3. The lesions tend to be brown or yellowish red patches with clear borders and greasy scales or crusts.

3. Treatment of sebaceous dermatitis

1. General treatment

Limit high-sugar and high-fat diets, avoid irritating foods, avoid scratching, and maintain a regular daily routine.

2. Topical treatments

It mainly has the functions of degreasing, sterilizing, anti-inflammatory and relieving itching.

(1) Kushner's lotion (compound sulfur lotion), applied externally once every night; or 5% sulfur ointment, applied externally; or sulfur soap, applied externally to the affected area, 2 to 3 times a week.

(ii) Application of antifungal preparations: such as 3% clotrimazole cream, 2% miconazole cream, levofloxacin cream, 2% conte cream (containing ketoconazole), etc. can all be used; but please note that such drugs may have irritating or sensitizing effects on the skin. 3) Vitamin B6 cream, skin care cream, vitamin E cream, etc. can be used in rotation, one to three times a day.

(IV) Application of corticosteroids: When the rash is severely inflamed and itching is severe, it can be added as appropriate, such as 1% mild cortisone cream, triamcinolone chloramphenicol cream, dimethoate ointment, etc. Choose one and apply it externally 1 to 3 times a day. Note that it should not be used for a long time on thin and tender skin to avoid side effects such as acne, capillary dilation, skin atrophy and pigmentation changes.

3. Systemic treatment

(I) Vitamin B complex, 2 tablets, orally 3 times a day; Vitamin B6, 10 to 20 mg, orally 3 times a day.

(ii) Antihistamine drugs: you can choose chlorpheniramine, phenergan, diphenhydramine, astemizole, etc. You can choose 1 to 2 types to take orally to relieve itching.

(III) Application of corticosteroids: When inflammation is obvious or the rash is widespread and other treatments cannot control it, short-term application may be considered, such as prednisone 20 to 40 mg/day, taken orally in 2 to 3 doses.

(IV) Antibiotic application: For critically ill patients or those with obvious exudation, choose tetracycline 0.25-0.5, orally 3 to 4 times a day, or erythromycin 0.75-1 g, orally 3 times a day.

5. Eat more fruits