Causes, clinical manifestations and treatment of seborrhea of the scalp
Seborrhea is a pathological condition of the skin, which is characterized by a malfunction of the sebaceous glands. Pathology is widespread among teenagers and adults. Seborrheic dermatitis on the face in children is extremely rare. The disease is not infectious and not contagious. Without qualified treatment, the pathology can be complicated by seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic acne and seborrheic eczema. The disease has two forms: acute and chronic.
Causes of pathology:
- change in the hormonal background (climax, pregnancy, puberty);
- change in emotional background;
- heredity;
- disorders of metabolism;
- decrease in general immunity;
- diseases of the endocrine system (dysfunction of the thyroid gland, diabetes, dysfunction of the gonads);
- improper nutrition (excessive consumption of sweets and fatty foods);
- unfavorable external factors.
Quite often, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp occurs in patients with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and AIDS.
Localization and forms of seborrhea
The main place of manifestation is the scalp, upper back and chest, as well as the so-called T-zone (nose, forehead, chin).
Forms of the disease:
- dry (characterized by hypofunction of sebaceous glands with insufficient production of sebum);
- greasy (occurs against the background of hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands);
- mixed (with pathology, both hypofunction of the sebaceous glands and hyperfunction can be observed on one area of the skin).
When choosing a remedy against seborrhea, it is necessary to take into account the form of the disease.
Seborrhea in a child
As mentioned above, pathology in children is extremely rare. The main manifestations are milky crusts on the scalp. Treatment in this case is not necessary. The crusts are easily removed after water procedures, and the reddish spots under them disappear on their own within a few days.
Important: in no case should you remove the crusts with your fingernail. This can lead to microtraumas with further infection.
Symptoms and treatment of seborrhea of the scalp
Clinical manifestations depend on the form of the disease and general human immunity.
Symptoms of oily seborrhea:
- dilated pores, thickened skin;
- itching;
- dandruff, greasy hair (shampoo from oily seborrhea with birch tar will help eliminate this symptom);
- hair loss;
- inflammation of sebaceous glands;
- oily secretion on the surface of the skin.
Clinical manifestations of dry seborrhea: dry tight skin, itching, flaking, fine dandruff, brittle and dull hair, presence of seborrheids - characteristic reddish spots. Most often, a person perceives these symptoms as a reaction to a new cosmetic product, dry air or a change in climate.
Clinical manifestations of a mixed form of seborrhea:
- dry scalp;
- thin and brittle hair;
- oily facial skin;
- the presence of inflammation in the T-shaped zone;
- acne.
A dermatologist deals with the treatment of seborrhea of the scalp. After the necessary examination and consultation of specialized specialists (endocrinologist, neuropathologist), the doctor will prescribe a course of drug treatment and recommend cosmetic products for this form of the disease.
Diagnostics
As mentioned above, the correct diagnosis requires the consultation of specialized specialists and research into the patient's hormonal background. The patient will need to visit an endocrinologist, a neurologist and a gastroenterologist. Among the laboratory tests, a general blood test and hormone analysis are recommended.
On our website https://dobrobut.com/ you can book a consultation with the right specialists. To clarify the diagnosis, you can undergo all the necessary tests in the clinic. After receiving the results, the doctor will recommend a course of therapy and tell you how to cure seborrheic dermatitis in the shortest possible time. If you need a pediatrician's consultation, use the provided telephone numbers and make an appointment.
How to treat dry seborrhea in adults
Treatment of seborrhea requires a complex approach and strict implementation of the doctor's recommendations. In many cases, long-term therapy is required.
Treatment of pathology includes:
- reception of hormonal drugs (with progressive nature of the disease);
- application of hormonal ointments (in case of a complicated course of the disease);
- use of anti-inflammatory drugs that normalize the work of the sebaceous glands;
- application of medicinal shampoos (the doctor will tell you more about the treatment of seborrhea of the scalp during the consultation);
- carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures (sulphur baths, cryo massage);
- as additional therapy, folk medicine recipes are recommended (taking into account the causes of seborrheic dermatitis, the doctor will tell you what is best to use in your case).
- following a diet.
General recommendations: limited use of bread, fatty and smoked food, consumption of a large amount of vegetables and fruits, rejection of bad habits and emotional calm.
If you have any questions, make an appointment at a time convenient for you. The doctor will tell you how to treat dry seborrhea in adults and tell you which drugs will be most effective in your case.
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