Seborrhea treatment is medical treatment provided to help patients manage seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by dry, flaky skin. The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not known, although there are some genetic factors involved and yeasts appear to play a role as well. People who have this condition have it for life, and seborrhea treatment is focused on managing the condition, rather than trying to cure it. A dermatologist is usually involved in diagnosis and treatment.
The skin in areas where people are experiencing flareups can be red, itchy, and flaky. Seborrhea can show up everywhere on the body, including on the scalp. It is not contagious and is not a sign of poor hygiene. The goal of seborrhea treatment is twofold: to address existing outbreaks and reduce the frequency of outbreaks in the future.
For ongoing problems, there are both prescription and over-the-counter creams available. These medications soothe the skin and provide an anti-inflammatory effect that can help keep the seborrhea from spreading. They also moisturize to reduce flaking and itching. In addition to medications, people can use moisturizers made with products like aloe vera and honey as a form of alternative seborrhea treatment.
There are also oral drugs available to treat serious outbreaks and prevent skin problems. These include anti-inflammatory drugs and antifungals to address the yeasts observed in seborrhea outbreaks. Another option is phototherapy, a seborrhea treatment that uses light in specific areas of the spectrum to soothe the skin and address outbreaks. A dermatologist can evaluate a patient to determine which course of treatment would be most effective.
For long-term management of seborrhea, measures such as moisturizing baths, special body lotions, and long-term oral medications may be recommended. These keep the skin hydrated, flexible, and healthy, and some suppress the immune system so that outbreaks occur less frequently. Patients who notice skin changes while under long-term care should get an evaluation from a dermatologist to see if the approach to treatment needs to be changed or if another skin issue such as allergies is developing.
There are many seborrhea treatment options available. Patients should give treatments some time to work before quitting, and they may need to try several methods before finding one that works for them. It can be helpful to keep a notebook documenting various courses of treatment that have been pursued and their outcomes. This will provide information that can be valuable for long-term treatment.
