Seborrheic dermatitis is a disease characterized by a chronic inflammation of the skin at the location of the sebaceous glands. Excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands occurs, which is a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms that cause the development of inflammation. The most common provoking agent is Pityrosporum ovale. The predominant localization of this pathology: scalp, chest, back, facial areas.
Factors contributing to the development of seborrheic dermatitis include:
endocrine system diseases;
neurological diseases;
immunodeficiency states;
genetic predisposition;
excessive sweating;
insufficient intake of vitamins;
the effect of alkaline detergents on the skin.
This disease is characterized by seasonal exacerbations - spring and autumn.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is most often made on the basis of the clinical picture. However, it is necessary to carry out differential diagnosis with a number of other diseases: eczema, psoriasis, microbial and fungal skin lesions. For this, mycological and microscopic examinations of scales from the skin surface are carried out.
Treatment
The approach to the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis should be comprehensive. Firstly, if there is a somatic pathology, it needs to be corrected. Secondly, the patient's diet is being revised with its enrichment with vitamins and microelements.
In drug treatment, preference is given to antifungal drugs, which can be used both in the form of shampoos and in the form of creams and gels. In addition, antiseptic and keratolytic agents with zinc content are used. External immunomodulators with anti-inflammatory effects are widely used.
With severe itching, the patient is prescribed antihistamines, as well as antibacterial therapy in the event of a secondary bacterial infection.