What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The dermatitis seborrheic is an inflammatory disease of the skin that affects in particular, but not only, the face and scalp .
This condition is supported by inflammation caused by too rapid multiplication of skin cells and by high activity of the sebaceous glands.
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are variable, but itching , burning, redness of the skin, scales and / or dandruff occur frequently . The disorder occurs mainly at the hairline, in the retro-auricular area, in the nasolabial furrows, on the eyebrows, in the upper part of the trunk and in the genital area).
How common is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a fairly common condition. The disorder is most common in males between the ages of 30 and 40.
Seborrheic dermatitis can temporarily affect newborns.
What are the causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are still partly to be clarified, but it seems to be due to a series of environmental, genetic, endocrine and dietary factors.
The quantity of sebum and the yeasts of the genus Malassezia (normally present on the skin as saprophytic flora ) seem to play a certain importance in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis. The immune response to the latter causes, in particular, skin irritation: the cells, following the accelerated flaking to which they are subjected, produce greasy and yellow scales, which appear in the form of crusts.
The scalp is the preferred medium for yeast, since the altered sebum is suitable for its proliferation: the sebaceous glands present are hyperactive, consequently the composition of their secretion is altered (hence the adjective seborrheic).
Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp
The scalp is an area commonly affected by seborrheic dermatitis. The inflammation extends beyond the scalp area and becomes evident in flaky skin.