Seborrheic Dermatitis and its yeast connection

[dotsamantha]

Sebborheic dermatitis is more commonly known as dandruff in adults or cradle cap in infants. Although it affects the scalp most often, it can also affect the skin on other parts of the body, such as the face and chest, and the creases of the arms, legs and groin. Seborrheic dermatitis usually causes the skin to look a little greasy and scaly or flaky.

I've had flaky eyebrows on and off for most of my life and could never figure out why. I also have a few very small red spots in the vicinity of my nose that flake and decided to invistigate it.

The exact cause isn't known, but has been attributed to hormonal changes, a fungus, sensitivity to yeast, and even neurologic disorders like Parkinson's and Epilepsy.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting areas of the head and trunk where sebaceous glands are most prominent. Lipophilic yeasts of the Malassezia genus, as well as genetic, environmental and general health factors, contribute to this disorder. Scalp seborrhea varies from mild dandruff to dense, diffuse, adherent scale. Facial and trunk seborrhea is characterized by powdery or greasy scale in skin folds and along hair margins. Treatment options include application of selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole-containing shampoos, topical ketoconazole cream or terbinafine solution, topical sodium sulfacetamide and topical corticosteroids.

Many cases of seborrheic dermatitis are effectively treated by shampooing daily or every other day with antidandruff shampoos containing 2.5 percent selenium sulfide or 1 to 2 percent pyrithione zinc. Alternatively, ketoconazole shampoo may be used.10 The shampoo should be applied to the scalp and beard areas and left in place for five to 10 minutes before rinsing. A moisturizing shampoo may be used afterward to prevent dessication of the hair. After the disease is under control, the frequency of shampooing with medicated shampoos may be decreased to twice weekly or as needed. Topical terbinafine solution, 1 percent, has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhea.
If the scalp is covered with diffuse, dense scale, the scale may first be removed by applying warm mineral oil or olive oil to the scalp and washing several hours later with a detergent such as a dishwashing liquid or a tar shampoo. An alternative is an overnight application of a coal tar-keratolytic combination or phenol-saline solution with or without occlusion with a plastic shower cap followed by shampooing in the morning.

Involved areas of the face may be washed frequently with shampoos that are effective against seborrhea as detailed above. Alternatively, ketoconazole cream, 2 percent, may be applied once or twice daily to affected areas. Often, 1 percent hydrocortisone cream will be added once or twice daily to affected areas and will aid with resolution of erythema and itching. Sodium sulfacetamide, 10 percent lotion, is also an effective topical agent for seborrheic dermatitis.

Are dandruff, seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis the same?

Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is excessive oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, without redness or scaling. Patients with seborrhea may later develop seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling.


Just thought I'd share.

[kkat55]

I've had the flaky stuff off and on in my eyebrows too. I always thought that it was because I didn't drink enough water.

If this is a yeast thing, are you going on the yeast-free diet part of this program?

[dotsamantha]

I don't want to, lol. I bought Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo today and I'm going to use it on my hair and eyebrows for 2 weeks to see if that helps. I don't have many yeast symptoms, so I'm hoping this will kick it. If i don't get rid of it i may do k.i.s.s. for a bit.

[kkat55]

The only reason I hate using stuff like that in my hair (I used to use T-Gel) is that (I read) it fades your hair color (if you color your hair).

But, maybe I could use it the week before I re-color -- then it shouldn't matter too much.

[beccanae]

I used to have really bad dandruff but I stopped using shampoo with citric acid in it(I am allergic to citric acid) and started putting a tablespoon of tea tree oil in my shampoo and it has completely cleared up.

[dotsamantha]

I've used tea tree oil on blemishes, do you think it would help my eyebrows?

[kkat55]

Hey, I've got some Tea Tree oil in my bathroom cabinet right now. You want to try it for a week together and check back and see how it does? (That is, if you have some too or can get some?)

[dotsamantha]

Do you think GNC carries it? I'm trying to think of a store by me that I can get some. I'd go for it. I'm going to do the shampoo and oil and see what happens.You want to start tomorrow?

[kkat55]

You can buy Tea Tree Oil at Wal-Mart and it is not that expensive. I think last time I found it in the Pharmacy area on the top shelf (small bottle, yellow label).

I'll start whenever you get your bottle.

[dotsamantha]

Cool, in that case I can start using it tomorrow. I can pick some up today, but since I don't get home from work until 3am, I'd be starting tomorrow, lol.