Seborrheic dermatitis on the head, face, body: causes and treatment

Forms and complications of seborrheic dermatitis

There are pediatric and adult forms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Sometimes the disease is associated with psoriasis (seborrheic psoriasis).

The severity of the disease varies from mild dandruff to severe erythroderma. Dandruff affects the scalp in the hair growth area. In 70% of children, seborrheic dermatitis usually appears by 3 months of age and resolves spontaneously by 6-12 months.

In adults, seborrheic dermatitis begins in adolescence. Predominant in young and elderly people. More often affects men.

Prevention

Most often, hormonal imbalances occur in women due to the mobility of their hormonal system (every cycle a certain hormonal pathway occurs). To protect yourself from thinking: “What organ is wrong with me if acne appears on my head?”, women need to monitor their diet, sleep, be stress-resistant, and also not skip annual medical examinations.

Remember: it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it. And if you treat, then at the very beginning.

Causes of the disease

The reasons for the development of the disease are not completely clear. Seborrheic dermatitis is not a disease of the sebaceous glands, although it develops in areas saturated with them.

A significant role in the development of the disease is played by yeast-like fungi of the genus Malassezia (they exist on the skin of most healthy people, but in some they can cause rashes and skin irritation), the composition of lipids on the surface of the skin, as well as the characteristics of the immune response to Malazessia fungi and their metabolic products.

In adults, severe disease is associated with the following conditions:

oily skin (seborrhea);
lack of sleep and stress;
history of seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis in relatives;
states of immunosuppression (organ transplantation, HIV, lymphoma);
neurological or psychiatric disease.

The main cause of seborrheic dermatitis in children is increased activity of the sebaceous glands (rapid growth and secretion of sebum), which occurs due to the circulation of maternal hormones in the child’s blood in the first weeks of life. Malacesia is not a leading factor in children, unlike in adults.

Why do acne appear on the head?

The causes of acne on the head may be the following:

disruption of the sebaceous glands;
poor nutrition;
insufficient or improper hair or skin care, as well as the wrong choice of care products;
hormonal disturbances or physiological changes (for example, during puberty);
increased sweating;
folliculitis (its development may be indicated by purulent pimples on the head);
constant wearing of hats made of synthetic materials;
allergic reactions;
frequent scratching, traumatic effects;
diseases of the nervous system;
dysfunction of the adrenal glands;
decreased immunity;
autoimmune disorders;
hereditary predisposition;
infectious diseases;
taking certain medications (for example, corticosteroids).

Pimples on the scalp in men are most often caused by hormonal activity, stress, exposure to chemicals (for example, during industrial work), and skin reactions after shaving. In addition, breakouts can be a result of using dull trimmer blades while trimming. Acne on the head of women sometimes appears when using oral contraceptives.

Also, among other reasons, they can signal ovarian diseases, in particular polycystic disease. That is why, if the phenomenon is recurrent, a consultation with a gynecologist may be required.

Symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis is manifested by redness, peeling with “oily” scales with a certain localization of foci.

In children - isolated on the scalp (in the frontal area it is called the “baby cap” or “milk crust”), behind the ears and in the external auditory canal, on the face (in the area of the eyebrows, wings of the nose), on the back of the neck (along the edge of hair growth), in areas of skin friction (in folds), under diapers.

Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis in children is widespread. These are rashes in the form of spots with greasy crusts, merging into larger areas. In some cases it is accompanied by itching.

In adults, seborrheic dermatitis is presented in the scalp area, on the face: in the area of the eyebrows, behind the ears, inside the ears, on the wings of the nose and in the areas of the cheeks adjacent to the nose.

It can manifest itself as separate spots with peeling, total damage to the scalp, damage to the eyelids in the form of blepharitis, damage to the chest wall in the form of individual nodules and spots with crusts on the surface, inflammation of the hair follicles on the skin of the upper half of the body (ostiofolliculitis).

Features of the structure of the skin on the head

the top layer is the epidermis . This layer is where cells are constantly renewed. A special substance, melanin, is responsible for giving the surface a particular shade.
middle layer - dermis . There are nerve endings, capillaries, blood vessels, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. The sebaceous glands that are located here secrete a substance that creates a hydrolipid film. It is a kind of reliable protection for your body from the growth of bacteria and from excessive dryness. Sometimes the appearance of pimples and acne is provoked by hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands (i.e. they “work” too much, the skin becomes oily, and a favorable environment for the growth and reproduction of bacteria appears here),
lower - hypodermis . This is the lowest and deepest layer, where nutrients necessary for the skin accumulate and thermoregulation is carried out.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in adults and children

Seborrheic dermatitis may resolve without treatment. But it often occurs in waves, with remissions and exacerbations.

Several repeated courses of therapy or ongoing maintenance therapy may be required until the symptoms go away completely. After some time, exacerbation may occur again.

You should consult a doctor if repeating the usual regimens of care and relieving acute symptoms does not help, as well as if there are signs of a secondary infection.

The basis of therapy is the use of medicinal shampoos, creams and lotions.

For children, it is recommended to use special children's shampoos; before washing, you can apply oil or cream to help soften the crusts.

In children, it is important to stop itching, since scratching can cause secondary infection of the scabs.

Features of the treatment method

When selecting external skin care products, choose products containing the following ingredients that reduce skin inflammation:

Keratolytics: salicylic, lactic acid, urea, propylene glycol.
Topical antifungal agents: shampoos and creams containing ketoconazole (ciclopirox).
Products with selenium disulfide or zinc pyrithione.
Local low-strength corticosteroids can only be used as prescribed by a doctor to relieve the acute phase of the disease, except for the facial skin.
In case of resistant forms, patients may be offered oral antifungal drugs.
In severe cases, isotretinoin or phototherapy may be considered.

How is seborrheic dermatitis treated at the Rassvet clinic?

We evaluate the patient's skin type, severity and location of the rash.

The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is based on the clinical picture. The detection of Malacesia has no diagnostic value, since this is a normal microflora of human skin.

A dermatologist evaluates the condition and makes a differential diagnosis with psoriasis, rosacea (on the face), pityriasis versicolor (on the body), and atopic eczema in children. At first, we usually recommend shampoo and only if the selection of permanent skin care products fails, do we move on to active drug therapy.

Preparations for the treatment of acne (acne) at home

For acne on the face and body, treatment can be done at home. According to Federal clinical guidelines, the following drugs can be used in anti-acne therapy:

Azelaic acid. Prescribed for mild to moderate acne, including papulopustular form. It may be included in the treatment of severe acne in combination with retinoids or systemic antibiotics18. Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and keratolytic effects12.
Retinoids. They have anti-inflammatory, anticomedogenic, comedolytic effects32. Can be prescribed for all forms and severity of acne18. Their main disadvantage is photosensitivity. Do not apply them before going outside during periods of active sun32.
Benzoyl peroxide. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects, affects comedonogenesis, and does not provoke antibiotic resistance12.
Topical antibiotics. Given the rise of erythromycin-resistant strains of C. acnes, its use in the treatment of acne is now limited. Tetracycline is poorly tolerated by the body and shows low effectiveness in the fight against acne. For mild to moderate acne, clindamycin may be prescribed. It should not be used as monotherapy. Dermatologists may prescribe it in combination with azelaic acid (Azeliq®), benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids18.

Before treating acne yourself, consult a dermatologist. Thus, the reasons for the development of acne may differ in women and adolescents, which will affect the prescribed therapy and how effective it will be.

Prevention of red and white pimples on the scalp

Review your diet , give up fatty foods in favor of vegetables and fruits.
Do not squeeze out the contents of closed or inflamed comedones (this will only aggravate the inflammatory process.
Visit a dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist , and if necessary, get examined by specialized specialists.
Give up bad habits (alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle).
Don't wash your hair with too hard water.
Change your usual shampoo that you have been using for many years.
Avoid stressful situations so that painful red and white pimples do not “attack” your head.
Combine medications and traditional medicine recipes , proven over years of practice.

Take immunomodulatory medications and multivitamins.

Clinical picture

The cyst is a soft lump with rounded contours, located subcutaneously. Even small atheromas are clearly visible if you part your hair and carefully examine the changed skin.

Non-inflammatory atheromas are painless and do not cause discomfort, but if an infection occurs (which almost always happens with an accidental injury), the symptoms become more obvious. Suppuration of the cyst leads to its increase in size, intense pain, redness of the skin, and local swelling. The skin in the area of the inflamed atheroma is hot, and pus may be released from the outlet of the sebaceous duct.

Preventing acne in hair

It is quite possible to prevent acne rashes on the back of the head in men by adhering to the following recommendations:

wash your hair no more than once every three days;
in sunny, windy and cold weather, be sure to wear a hat;
choose a high-quality cosmetic product that suits your hair type and does not contain oils;
treat the comb with antiseptic agents;
wear hats and sleep on bed linen made of pure cotton or linen;
wash towels and pillowcases more often;
Do not scratch any pimples that appear.

Pay attention to food products, they should contain more proteins, vitamins E, A and B. You should eat less or completely avoid:

alcoholic drinks;
sweet confectionery;
fried, smoked and salty foods;
fatty meat;
carbonated drinks;
coffee.

More use:

fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits;
various cereals;
lean meat and fish;
hard cheeses;
natural juices and fruit drinks;
fermented milk products.

In addition, play sports, take daily walks, ride a bike, swim, avoid stress.

Acne mask recipes for men. Only proven and effective formulations

Garlic for acne mask. It has an antibacterial effect and destroys fungus. But it is IMPOSSIBLE to apply garlic in its pure form for a long time! This can cause numerous burns.
Masks with aspirin . You need to take 50 ml of bee nectar and melt it in a water bath. After this, you need to add 2-3 drops of jojoba oil + another 20 ml of warm water. Next, we need to crush aspirin tablets (4 pieces are enough for a start), add to the nectar, mix everything until a homogeneous mass is formed. You will get a paste that you need to apply to a clean scalp (try to make sure that the composition does not get on your hair). After this, you need to put the bag on your head and leave everything for 35-40 minutes. When everything is complete, simply wash off the composition.
With egg . Take 50 ml of bee nectar, as well as a chicken egg. Stir until a homogeneous mass is obtained, then spread over the surface of the head in an even layer. Leave for 25 minutes and wrap your head with a towel. After this, rinse your hair under water using shampoo (preferably one with healing properties).
With streptocide and aloe . To prepare the mask, you will need to take 2 aloe vera leaves, peel them, and grind the pulp in a blender. Then simply add about 20 ml of warm water to the resulting “gruel” and mix everything until smooth. Take a package of Streptocide (there are 10 tablets in one package), then carefully grind everything until you get a powder. Pour the powder into the prepared liquid with aloe, stir until a homogeneous mass is formed. You need to make sure that all the crystals dissolve. After this, you can safely apply the composition to the surface of the skin, wrap your head in cellophane and “warm” it with a towel. Leave for 40 minutes, then rinse your hair with warm water.

In this case, you should not use shampoo. The frequency of applying the mask is once a week (but you can use it more often). The composition is 100% high quality and safe, does not cause allergic reactions.

With yeast. To prepare the mask, you need to mix 1 spoon of dry yeast + 1 spoon of potato starch in a container. Then you need to add warm water to the resulting mixture, add 5 drops of lemon juice + 1 drop of jojoba oil + 1 drop of green tea. Mix everything until a homogeneous mass is obtained, then apply to the surface of the head (but only so that the substance does not get on the hair). Leave the mask on for 50 minutes, then wash your hair.

What ointments can be used to treat acne on the head?

Synthomycin . An antibacterial substance that helps cope with pathogenic microorganisms, Syntomycin ointment inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora.
Gentamicin . Includes an antibiotic so can be used to fight bacterial infections. Before using the composition, consult a specialist: gentamicin ointment is not able to cope with certain strains of streptococci. It must be applied 2 times a day to the surface of acne.
Ichthyol . It has a persistent odor, so it must be applied exclusively before washing your hair. Ichthyol ointment has an antibacterial effect, eliminates pathogenic microorganisms, and is washed off with shampoo (need 2-3 times).

What to do if acne appears in your hair? Men, as a rule, ignore the problem for a long time. When they come to a dermatologist, trichologist or cosmetologist, it turns out to be too late. Be healthy and beautiful.

Types of skin rashes on the head

In medical practice, skin pimples are called acne. All rashes are classified according to the following types:

Papules are a red bump without pus. After removal it leaves no traces.
Pustules - a white dot is visible on a reddened pimple - an accumulation of pus. Such acne occurs when an infection occurs.
Nodules are a dangerous type of pimple, they are red in color with a burgundy or blue tint, affect all layers of the skin, cause pain and reach up to three centimeters in diameter.
Cysts appear one after another, merging into a single chain. After healing, they leave scars and scars.

You should not self-medicate, and if acne appears on the back of your head, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. External manifestations can signal serious internal problems.

Drug therapy

Treatment of acne on the back of the head in men depends on the cause of its occurrence:

Infection of a bacterial nature - antibiotics “Tetracycline”, “Azithromycin”, “Erythromycin” are used in the form of tablets for oral use and external use in the form of gels, solutions and ointments. In complex treatment, antifungal drugs are also prescribed.
Gastrointestinal diseases - drugs are used to restore intestinal microflora “Linex”, “Laktovit”, “Laktiale”.
Allergies - antihistamines are prescribed: Telfast, Loratadine, Zodak. In addition, drugs that normalize the nervous system are used: “Glycine”, “Novo-passit”, “Persen”.
Hormonal disorders - antiandrogen drugs help. If there is a deficiency of nutrients and microelements, they are replenished with vitamin complexes, brewer's yeast, selenium, calcium, and zinc.

For topical use, ointments such as Ichthyolova, Levomikol, and Boro-Plus are often used. Damaged areas are treated with hydrogen peroxide, camphor and salicylic alcohol. For diseases caused by fungi, it is recommended to use special shampoos “Ketoconazole” and “Nizoral”.