Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Treatment

Learn all about Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Treatment with shampoos, creams and ointments!

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common disease characterized by mild itching and free oily scaling.It is most commonly found on the scalp, but it may also found on neck, chest, face, armpits, groins, or genital areas. Seborrheic dermatitis is basically inflammatory skin disorder because it has close relation with some other inflammatory skin disorders.It causes mild to moderate inflammation of skin which may be associated with some kind of bacterial or fungal infection. Seborrheic dermatitis is also called as dandruff, seborrheic eczema and seborrheic psoriasis.

When seborrheic dermatitis appears on area other than scalp then the eruption is more likely to be characterized by formation of crusts rather than dry scaly appearence as it is seen on scalp.Luckily there are no serious consequences associated with dermatitis except mild itching which not a life threatening condition. Major risk factors include nutritional deficiency, emotional stress, hereditary predisposition and hormone imbalance . Seborrheic dermatitis remains for a longer period of time with recurrent attacks of itching.There are number of medicines available for the treatment of Seborrheic dermatitis.

 

Seborrheic dermatitis Treatment

Here list of some commonly used medicines for the treatment of  seborrheic dermatitis including creams, gels, shampoos and ointments.

Anti-inflammatory Creams, shampoos or ointments

Most of the creams, shampoos and ointments available for the treatment of Seborrheic dermatitis contains anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents like hydrocortisone, salicylic acid, fluocinolone or desonide. These agents are effective because they reduce the swelling of the scalp as well as itching problem.But long term usage of these products causes adverse drug reactions like skin hypersensitivity, dilation of skin vessels and systemic absorption of steroids.

Antifungal shampoos for Seborrheic dermatitis

Antifungal shampoos are used when Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with some kind of fungal infection.Best available anti-fungal shampoos for Seborrheic dermatitis contain Ciclopirox Olamine, ketoconazole or terbinafine. Be careful when you are applying these shampoos on your scalp because they may get into your eyes and damage them. So, be careful about their usage.

Immunosuppressants

Sometimes, immunosuppressants are used to treat Seborrheic dermatitis due involvment of immune system.It is rare cause of Seborrheic dermatitis and is difficult to treat due to involvement of immune system. Creams or lotions containing the calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are very effective for such type of seborrheic dermatitis.Immunosuppressants are also associated with side effects if they are used for longer duration of time without any gap.

Anti-bacterial Creams

Seborrheic dermatitis may be associated with some bacterial infection like which should be treat with bacteriostatic agent like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. other agents that are also being used as an anti-bacterial agent are fusidic acid, gentamycin, azithromycin and neomycin.