symptoms

Seborrhoeic Eczema/Seborrhoeic Dermatitis appears as dry or greasy scaling of the scalp (mild dandruff) in adults but can also appear on the face (particularly the eyebrows and cheeks), ears, chest and the back of the neck.

In more severe cases, it can appear as thick crusts.

who does it affect?

Where it appears in babies, particularly new-borns, it is most commonly referred to as cradle cap.

Psoriasis may be preceded by Seborrhoeic Eczema/Seborrhoeic Dermatitis. A high percentage of HIV positive people suffer from the condition, and the severity increases as their immune system becomes weaker.

possible causes

It is believed to be caused by a yeast sensitivity. Research is inconclusive but many people respond to antifungal treatments.

Factors such as genetic factors, stress and climate can affect the appearance and the severity. Some medications can aggravate the condition, and the condition can worsen over the winter months.

medical treatment

Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, ketonazole or coal tar are recommended for adults. Tar treatments can be applied and left overnight, and shampooed out the following day.

Antifungal creams are an alternative to steroid based treatments. Aloe vera gel can also be effective without side effects.

A steroid based lotion or cream is often recommended until the condition is under control.

Cortisone cream is often used on facial areas. Long term side effects can include thinning of the skin and breaking out in lesions similar to acne. The skin may flare up when medication is discontinued.

For infants, warm olive oil can be massaged into the scalp to loosen the scales. A mild cortisone cream can be applied twice daily.

Young children are treated with a mixture of olive oil containing salicylic acid, and applied at bedtime to affected areas with a soft toothbrush. Daily shampooing is recommended until the condition has improved.

Oral ketoconazole is also used to treat more severe cases that won't respond to other treatments.

natural alternatives

Massage olive oil into the affected areas of the scalp.

Harsh, detergent based shampoos can irritate the scalp. Instead, shampoo the scalp with a detergent free shampoo that won't cause further irritation.

To treat thick scale on children and babies, rub the scalp with olive oil at bedtime to soften the crust, and shampoo the hair the following day.

A diet rich in essential fatty acids such as omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil or evening primrose oil) can be of benefit to prevent frequency and severity of the condition.