Seborrhoeic Dermatitis - Overview

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a scaly skin disorder that affects the scalp. It is a severe form of dandruff and is an inflammatory skin disease affecting the scalp, face and other parts of the body. It is an extremely common scalp condition that causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common dermatological disorder with a global incidenceof up to 42%. Though it is comparatively harmless, it can affecta person’s physical appearance and self-esteem. The itchy, white and scaly flakes are emotionally distressing to an individual suffering from seborrheic dermatitis scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis dandruff can have damaging effects on one’s emotions, self-confidence and, by extension, social life. Largely, people with seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff may be seen as less attractive tothe opposite sex.According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, seborrhoeic dermatitis can alter the hair cycle and can cause excessive hair loss.While the disorder is termed as dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis dandruff) in adolescents and adults; in babies, the condition is called cradle cap.

Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

The symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis are mainly characterized by a rash that is red and scaling but occasionally can even become weepy and oozy. The scaling can be extensive enough to produce significant seborrheic dermatitis dandruff and may be the patient's major complaint. In adults, seborrhoeic dermatitis commonly affects areas including the scalp, outer ear, forehead and eyebrows. Whereas in babies, the rash causes a scalp eruption commonly called "cradle cap".These eruptions can sometimes affect the diaper area and can result in itching.Some of the common symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis scalp are as follows:

• Severe itching and redness of the scalp
• Excessive white / yellow flakes, powdery flakes on the scalp that fall on the shoulders
• Associated hair loss
• Acceleration of the onset of pattern hair loss/baldness
• Moist, sticky and greasy appearance of the hair and scalp

Other seborrhoeic dermatitis symptoms can occur on various parts of the body such as:

• In the middle part of the chest
• Around the navel
• Buttocks
• Along the folds of the underarms and legs
• Aroundthe groin region
• Under the breasts

Causes of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

The causes of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis are unknown yet, but there are factors that trigger it, such as:

• Stress
• Genetics
• Certain medical conditions and medicines
• Cold, dry weather
• An immune system response
• A yeast (fungus) called Malassezia that is present in the oil secretion on the skin

Homeopathic Treatment for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Anti-dandruff, anti-fungal shampoos and skin softeners are usually suggested in the conventional treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis. However, these products do not guarantee a permanent cure and lead to a high recurrence rate of seborrheic scalp. Homeopathy, on the other hand, offers an excellent treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis across all stages. In 2008, a prospective observational study at the Charitè University Medical Centre revealed that there was a significant reduction in the severity of seborrhoeic dermatitis in patients taking homeopathic treatment. Patients were able to reduce their dependency on conventional treatment when treated with homeopathic medicines.Read More

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Treatment Results

Seborrhoeic dermatitis cases, especially those treated in the early stages; show much better results with homeopathy. However, people at advanced stages of the seborrheic scalp disorder also respond positively with homeopathic treatment. At Dr Batra's™, we have a success rate of 96.6% in treating hair loss and related disorders like seborrhoeic dermatitis. Dr Batra's™ also has an overall success rate of 91% as authenticated by the American Quality Assessors.

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