Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic, superficial skin disorder causing scaly, itchy, red skin on the scalp, face, upper chest, back and other oily areas in the body. Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the leading causes of stubborn dandruff and occurs in all age groups. This condition primarily affects the sebaceous cysts present in the skin.
The sebaceous glands are present nearly everywhere in our skin except on the palms and soles. These glands secrete an oily substance (sebum) which consists of fat, and dead fat-producing cells.
People with this condition seem to have increased production of sebum.
Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be due to a combination of an over production of skin oil and irritation from a yeast called malessizia.
Recent studies have attributed seborrheic dermatitis to the presence and perhaps over-abundance of malessizia furfur, a naturally-occurring yeast on the surface of the skin. (4-8) Other researchers consider seborrheic dermatitis to be an inherited primary inflammatory process and malessizia furfur to cause only a secondary aggravation of the condition.
Persons prone to seborrheic dermatitis respond unfavorable to an infection with malessizia furfur resulting in itchy, flaky, red, irritated skin.
The diagnosis can be established by talking to our physician and letting him examine our skin and scalp. Occasionally the physician may insist on a biopsy. This helps in excluding other medical conditions that resemble seborrheic dermatitis. Common conditions that need exclusion are:
KALI SULPH : Usefull for prominent yellow flakes on the scalp.Given for sticky scales with moist scalp with itching.Given when Heat worsens the itching in some cases.
THUJA : Usefull for prominent white flakes on the scalp.Useful for dry hair with split ends.Also there is falling of hair
GRAPHITES : Usefull for the scales on the scalp with intense itching.Given when scales reduce after washing but reappear.There is fetid odor on the scalp with moist and humid scalp.Also given when there is matting together of the hair or falling of hair. Also useful when the scales may also be present on the eyelid margins and behind the ears along with scalp.
NATRUM MUR : Most effective medicine for seborrheic dermatitis with a greasy, oily scalp with redness and flakiness.Useful when the scalp is covered with white scurfs.There is burning sensation on the scalp with oily and red face.
PHOSPHORUS : Useful for seborrheic dermatitis where flakiness on the scalp is attended with excessive hair fall.Helpful when hair fall in bunches.Also in some cases, the hair may fall off in spots which is accompanied by a severe burning sensation.
RL-22, RL-69